High summer is here and the fields of the Hudson Valley are overflowing with fresh goods. Our ample farmlands provide us with fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grass-fed meats, and more. And many markets are enticing visitors to make a day of it.
“Along with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, all natural meats and cheeses, breads and baked goods, The Kingston Farmers Market also offers crafts on John Street, featuring the wares of talented Hudson Valley artists,” says the market’s publicist, Jillian Fischer. Craft days are the first and third Saturdays of the month. “We also feature a ‘Healthy Eating series’ where our chef demonstrates how easy it is to use local goods every day.”
The Pine Bush Farmers Market offers a number of special days. “We have a ‘Sweet Corn Celebration’ in July, where ears of fresh husk-roasted local sweet corn are served hot off the grill. The first one is on the house and the butter is free” says the market’s manager, Jacquelyn Carter. There is also a “Tomato-Me-Crazy Contest” in August where gardeners compete in categories of weirdest, biggest, tastiest and most perfect for prizes. Saturdays offers a music series featuring traditional, folk, jazz, country, bluegrass, and klezmer from local musicians.
Stay in touch with the seasons
One of the main benefits of visiting a farmers market is that it keeps your table in tune with the season. “That means there won’t be tomatoes in May or strawberries in August,” says Carter. “And if it doesn’t grow in the Hudson Valley, you won’t find it here, so you’ll never find bananas, coconuts or mangoes no matter the time of the year. The guess work is gone, you’ll know what you see is fresh and in season.” Carter says the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets is a good resource. “It’s a calendar of the approximate times of availability for the some of the more common fruits and vegetables grown here in New York.”
A dash of serendipity
When shopping at a farmers market, the best meal planning strategy combines both structure and flexibility. Start with an idea of what you want to accomplish, and then let the season’s offerings round out your menu.
Fischer advises walking the market before buying anything, while noting what’s available. “Fresh mozzarella from one vendor may go great with the fresh basil from another and you can top it off with herbed olive oil.”
The advantages to visiting farm markets are significant. Unlike food from a supermarket, “Anything picked or baked within the last twenty-four hours is going to be at the absolute peak of its freshness and taste,” says Carter. An added benefit is responsible land development. “You’re giving those with farmland a reason to stay in business and keep that land open and undeveloped.”
Looking for a new recipe? Try this
one from the Kingston Farmers market.