Did you miss out on Dartmouth's coveted Organic Farm CSA shares? Are you jealous of the size of my kale? Well, don't fret your ethanol-based, genetically modified self any longer. Go ahead and say no to those strawberries on 'roids that can pump more iron than you. Instead, check out Hanover's Farmers' Market every Wednesday, rain or shine. Or, for those of you who are more adventurous, head over to Lebanon on Thursday afternoons or Norwich on Saturdays. Regardless, grab your reusable bag and get ready to learn about the wonderful world of produce because Hanover and the Upper Valley are certified fresh veggie bonanzas!
Despite what appears to be our imminent flood watch here in Hanover, there are still plenty of fresh veggies to be found at market if DDS's shortened hours and limited food selection is leaving you hungering for more.
Conveniently nestled on the outer edge of the Green is Hanover's Farmers' market, a bustling little venue of tents and various farmers' wares, and a bonafide social mixer of townies, students, and the like.
Katie Sullivan of Highfield's Farm in Randolph, Vt., and a regular at the Hanover Farmers' Market, cautions that the growing season has been particularly cold, so a lot of the farmers in the area are running a bit behind. Nonetheless, they have a plethora of fresh veggies for shoppers to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. Sullivan specializes in jams and preserves but is already busy selling lettuce, beets, radishes, rhubarb and greenhouse tomatoes. I dare you to try finding those rarities in the Food Court salad bar line!
As August steadily approaches, the produce offerings here in the Upper Valley multiply as richly hued summer squashes, melons, carrots and eggplant become available. One can also expect to find a slew of ripe berries ready to be enjoyed in a variety of cobblers and pies including blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, oh my! And if you're a berry lover like me, the family owned Monadnock Berries Farm in Troy, N.H., is only a short drive away, with all the berries you can pick available for the taking!
Farmers' markets are a great way not only to get the freshest produce possible, but also to learn about the way your food was harvested and to meet the people who made it possible. Peter Gray of Four Corners Farm, following in the footsteps of his parents, is now running his family's farm, which has been in operation for over 27 years. Strawberries at his roadside stand have proved a consistent best-seller for Gray, but he also has a wide variety of fresh produce for sale and said he enjoys local farmers' markets like the one in Hanover.
"I love the location and it's always nice to get some fresh veggies after work," Gray said. "And it's great to buy local it benefits everyone."
But farmers' markets offer so much more than a plethora of veggies, fresh fruits and wonderful smelling herbs perfect for seasoning and spicing up any dish. Savory food ready to be devoured. like Umpleby's famous meat pies and various arts and crafts vendors can also be found at the markets.
Mary DeWitt of Mary's Mix Bag has been making quilts for seven years. This is her second year at the Hanover Farmers' Market.
"I've been selling by word of mouth of years, but this is a much better location and lends more exposure to my quilts," DeWitt said.
So as you can see, farmers' markets are more than just endless rows of vegetable stands they're places where you can find fresh produce, tons of scrumptious pre-made food, various arts and handicrafts and one of the most personal shopping experiences imaginable. The vendors and farmers are genuinely amiable and enthused, and willing to answer any questions you might have regarding food preparation or recipe suggestions.
Think about it, when's the last time you knew where the food on your dinner plate came from?
So, what's in season, you might ask? Well, get your taste buds ready for artichokes, beans, blueberries, carrots, peppers and radish the next time you visit the Hanover Farmer's Market.
