The first time I visited a Farmer's Market, as with so many firsts in my life, was with my Grandmother. Raised on a farm, by Farmers during the Great Depression, the woman knew her produce! Her gardening skills were magical to me. I look back at the size of her garden, which equaled about the size of my back yard, and the yields that sustained our family through the summer and fall with great astonishment at all she accomplished every summer. She passed her knowledge onto generations along with a deep respect of nature's gifts. Her canning skills kept us well fed through the winter months. Over time, aging's toll required smaller and smaller gardens. As gardening diminished, it became our Saturday morning tradition to visit the Farmer's Market together. I enjoyed listening to her "insiders" conversations with the Farmers. I benefited from her advice on how to choose the best produce for certain recipes. It thrilled me to see my own children get to know the Farmers alongside her, and watch them delight as she would slip them a treat from her basket of goods! I carry a part of her with me, whenever I am blessed to share a Farmer's Market with my own Granddaughter's now.
Locally, Northeastern CT has a well established Farmer's Market. The Markets are open four days a week:
Killingly Library - Saturdays 9am to 12noon
Putnam Riverview Marketplace - Mondays 3:30pm to 6pm
Brooklyn Commons - Wednesdays 4pm to 6pm
Plainfield Early Childhood Ctr - Tuesdays 4pm to 6pm
Our local farmers have been serving Northeastern CT since 1980 with fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, soaps, fresh baked items, jellies, jams, pickles, and many other farm products.
They usually run through the end of October. Their association has taken special COVID-19 precautions this year to keep vendors and customers safe and comfortable. The vendors wear masks, and except for those with health conditions that contradict mask wearing, all customers are expected to wear masks. There are markings to assist with social distancing for customers shopping their wares. The process works smoothly. I would suggest on hotter days, bringing an umbrella for shade because the parking lots can amplify heat but crowding under shaded pavilions and tents is not allowed. For those who are unable to get out to one of the local markets at the times available or who would prefer to avoid in-person shopping altogether in these times, we do have a local service that will shop the Farmer's Market for you and deliver to your home.
Fortunately, there are many other options for local fresh produce in our area. Among a few of my favorites are: We-Lik-It - for not only the best ice cream in the area, but also meat, produce, and maple products.
Daigle Farm - farm fresh eggs, pork, vegetables, and some of the best poultry products I've ever eaten! Bonus, they deliver to your house!
Lapsley Orchard - their farm stand store offers many hard to find items, along with the fresh produce of the week.
Westfield Church - offers a winter farmer's market that runs from November through March. Because this is an indoor market, it may be impacted due to COVID-19 this year.
Coventry Farmers Market - is the largest, most extensive Farmer's Market I have ever visited! Anyone venturing from our quiet corner to this market will be amazed. It's a drive from here but well worth the trip! This year, as with so many other organizations, has prompted some adaptations. One that is especially exciting is the option of online ordering for "curbside pickup". Our local service for Farmer's Market delivery will also service orders from this Farmer's Market!
The options are plentiful to pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other farm products this summer. Farmers are often under appreciated, but have so much knowledge and information to share. Enjoy the opportunity to learn how best to store those beautiful greens, choose the snappiest beans, pick the sweetest berries, feast on firm and plump tomatoes, or find the juiciest watermelon.
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