Farmer's Markets: Seasonal Produce and So Much More
FARMER’S MARKETS: SEASONAL PRODUCE AND SO MUCH MORE
Written by Jennifer Korneski (Somerset County 4-H & Healthy Living Coordinator)
As summer comes to an end and long, sunny beach days turn into cool, crisp weekends filled with football games and everything pumpkin, farmer’s markets are a fun way to enjoy the beauty of autumn while shopping for seasonal produce.
Farmer’s markets give us the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce direct from local farms. Growing practices of local farmers support a sustainable and healthy food system. Farmer’s markets bring people closer to the produce they consume. Many times, you can talk with farmers or expert gardeners to learn about where the food you eat comes from, get gardening tips, and recipe ideas.
Market shoppers usually find produce of higher quality compared to grocery stores as nothing beats the taste of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a stroll through the Cook’s Market at the Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick and purchased Japanese eggplant from the student garden. It was delicious and had a milder taste than the heavily seeded eggplant in grocery stores. Eating produce from farmer’s markets is a fun way to experiment with different varieties of fruits and vegetables not often available in retail stores.
At farmer’s markets, there is such a unique selection of culinary options beyond just fresh, local produce. I spoke with a few of the vendors who shared how much they enjoy sharing their passion with the community. Things you likely can find at farmer’s markets include raw honey and high-quality maple syrups, flavorful pickles, soups, granola, sweet bakery treats, microgreens, edible flowers and specialty crops, unique sauces and jams, farm-fresh eggs, meats, flowers, and even homemade soaps.
Aside from helping support local economy, you’ll find prices on produce very reasonable on your budget. Many farmer’s market vendors also accept WIC and SNAP payments. Another option to save money and get fresh from the farm produce is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA offers “shares” of the farm’s seasonal harvest to members. Members provide upfront payment in exchange for weekly portions of fruits and vegetables throughout the season. By paying at the beginning of season, farmers have cash flow and CSA members in turn, share the abundance of the farm’s harvest.
The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is offering eligible Somerset County residents who are age 60 or over and meet income qualifications, a free $30 voucher to select farmer’s markets. Voucher program available whiles supplies last until September 30, 2022. For more information and application, visit https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/Home/Components/News/News/5066/17.
SOMERSET COUNTY FARMER’S MARKETS
Axcel Farm
1868 Millstone River Rd. Hillsborough
Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm year-round
Bedminster Farmer’s Market
3055 River Road Park, Bedminster
Saturdays, 9am - 1pm thru Oct. / 10-1pm Nov-Dec.
Bernardsville Farmer’s Market
NJ Transit Station, Route 202 & Claremont Ave., Bernardsville
Saturdays, 9am - 1pm
Bound Brook Farmer’s Market
Downtown at Main & Hamilton St., Bound Brook
Saturdays, 10am - 2pm
Duke Farm-to-Table Market
1112 Duke Parkway West, Hillsborough
Sundays, 10am - 2pm
Hillsborough Farm Country Market
219A Hillsborough Rd., Hillsborough
Tuesday – Friday 11am – 5pm / Sat & Sun 10 am – 5 pm
John H. Drake Farm
889 Georgetown Franklin Turnpike, Skillman
Self-service farmstand.
Montgomery Friends Farmer’s Market
Village Shopper parking area, 1340 Rt. 206, Skillman
Saturdays, 9am - 12pm
Norz-Hill Farm & Market
120 South Branch Rd, Hillsborough
M-F 12-6pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Ripple Hill Farms
181 Mountain Rd., Basking Ridge
Sundays, 12-4pm
Watchung Farmer’s Market
840 Somerset St., Watchung
Tuesdays, 4-7pm
Most farmer’s markets run through the end of October or early November, while some go through December. Visit a local market or farm stand this season, you’ll be glad you did!