As we say goodbye to winter and all of its warming foods, we are like caterpillars shedding our coats for spring. For local farmers market volunteers it has been a busy winter and now we are ready to enter into the farmers market season with all of its local produce and artisan vendors.
Supporting our New Jersey farmers is so important, as is getting veggies that have not been sprayed with harsh chemicals.
Many of the produce vendors at our local markets use sustainable, no-spray practices. Some farms are organic and many use organic methods, but are not certified. Just ask them and they will be happy to share their growing practices with you.
We as consumers should know what is on our fruits and veggies, especially since vegetables are a big part of a healthy diet. The best nutritional quality comes from buying them fresh and as local as possible.
That is the benefit of shopping at our local farmers markets and farm stands, because it’s all about the freshness. If you haven’t eaten corn the same day it is harvested, you are missing out.
School is ending for the summer and the farmers market season is kicking off. Here is a roundup of the local farmers markets. I will be visiting them this summer and writing about what is available seasonally. Hope to see you at the markets!
Somers Point Farmers Market
1000 Shore Road, Somers Mansion
Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17-Sept. 6
Follow on Facebook @somerspointfarmersmarket
Shop fresh from local farmers and food vendors.
Dog friendly.
Ventnor City Farmers Market
6421 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor City
Friday 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 23-Aug. 29
Follow on Facebook @ventorcityfarmersmarket
Farmers, food vendors and crafters.
Dog friendly.
Brigantine Farmers Market
Community School Parking Lot, Sheridan Place off Roosevelt
Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 24-Sept. 6
Follow on Facebook @brigantinefarmersmarket
This market has local produce and artisan goods.
Service dogs only.
Community Farmers Market in Egg Harbor Township
1 Swift Drive, EHT Library
Sundays 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
May 25-Aug. 31
There will be many local farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters and fun activities for the kids.
Dog friendly.
Ocean City Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds, Sixth and Asbury Ave.
Wednesday 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
June 4-Sept. 3
This market features a wide variety of locally grown produce as well as crafters.
Dog friendly.
Margate Community Farmers Market
Corner of Monroe and Amherst avenues
Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
June 12-Aug. 28
Follow on Facebook @MargetCommunityFarmersMarket
Local farmers, bakers, prepared foods and artisans.
Dog friendly.
Galloway Green Market
615 E. Moss Mill Road
Thursday 4 p.m. -7 p.m.
June 26-Sept. 4
Follow on Facebook @GallowayGreenMarket
Fresh produce, local honey, flowers, prepared food and food trucks.
Dog friendly.
Strawberries are coming into season in New Jersey. Here is my healthier, vegan version of strawberry cobbler.
Strawberry Cobbler
Yield: 8×8 baking dish or 6-8 individual ramekins
Ingredients:
- 6 cups, about 2 1⁄2 pounds, strawberries, medium diced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1⁄3 cup organic sugar
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot
Topping:
- 1 1⁄3 cups unbleached all purpose flour or gluten free flour
- 1 1⁄4 cups coconut sugar
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 2⁄3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine the strawberries and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sugar and arrowroot. Stir into
the strawberry mixture.
Pour into a 8×8 baking dish or individual ramekins. If using ramekins, place on a parchment-lined sheet tray. (I use the unbleached parchment sheets found at many grocery stores).
Topping:
Mix together the flour, coconut sugar, melted butter, and oats. Sprinkle over the strawberries.
Bake 30-35 minutes until topping is golden.
Chef Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy eating, and mother. Christina’s expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine and she has been awarded 2024 Chef Educator of the Year from the Professional Chef Association of South Jersey.
