By Chef Christina Martin
If you are looking for clean food, the Community Farmers Market in Egg Harbor Township is the place to be on Sunday mornings. It is located behind the EHT Atlantic County Library, located at 1 Swift Drive. This is the third year of the Community Farmer Market. The market runs through Sept. 1, 2024. Market hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This past Sunday there were 19 vendors that braved the excessive heat and strong wind. It is a growing market with 25 vendors that will be there in the coming weeks.
The farmers market is hosted by Just Organics Marketplace and The Honey Tree, both owned by Ruth and Keith Kendall, along with son Keith aka Bud and their market helper Maria. Ruth started in year one of the market as a vendor. Then last year she took on the roll of running the market along with market volunteer Elaine Carroll. This year they moved the market from its previous location that was in a private school’s parking lot.
The market is dog-friendly so my rescue pup Theo and I headed over to check it out for the first time. It is located on the grassy area (better for doggie paws) behind the library. This is a convenient spot with plenty of parking. Soon there will be three food trucks at the market including Miss Connie’s Fire Roasted Street Corn, The Muffin Top and Sip A Latte Coffee Co.
What I always look for when shopping at farmers markets are farms that do not use pesticides and follow other organic practices, even if they are not certified organic. Generous Greens is one such farm that has plants, radishes, lettuces and more, including homemade sourdough. The use of pesticides can have a negative effect on your health and the environment. Shopping at farmers markets is a good way to find out about farming practices and to be sure your produce is chemical-free.
Just Organics Marketplace had a beautiful assortment of produce as well as fruits. It was during the pandemic that Ruth and Keith purchased Just Organics Marketplace which is an organic food delivery service. They deliver the best of the farmers market right to your door year-round. To find out how to get organic produce delivered to your door, visit https://www.justorganicsbox.com.
Ruth started shopping at The Honey Tree when it was located in Northfield. At that time it was a local health food store that opened in the 1970s that focused on vitamins and supplements. Even though I have not been there, just writing this brings back the natural smells of the health food stores where I used to shop before moving to the shore. Ten years ago, she bought the business and moved it to Somers Point, adding more produce along with natural and organic products. The Honey Tree offers high-quality vitamins, supplements, and beauty supplies.
No matter your food preferences, offering clean, local food is what farmers markets are all about. Ruth told me customers want to support local farmers and shake the hands of those that make our food.
For meat eaters, there were two local farms at this market that both do not use antibiotics and or steroids. If you purchase meats, these are questions to ask as well as how the animals are raised. Surf and Turf Farms is a small-scale farm in Atlantic County. Currently, they offer chicken and in the future will offer beef. Their products are naturally raised, locally grazed. Owned by farmer Bob Fenton, a second-generation farmer who is a local alumnus of Absegami High School. Follow them on social media at “Surf and Turf Farms NJ”.
Piney Pastures Ranch, established in 2013, is owned by David and Ashley Laws. It is a single-family farm that is also veteran-owned. They offer beef and pasture raised chicken. I learned that their beef is fed a mixture that includes spent grain from local breweries. Spent grain is made of up 85% of waste from beer production. It is nice to know that local businesses can work together and reduce waste. You can find them at “Piney Pastures” on social media.
As I was walking into the market, I saw a marketgoer with these unique jars containing plants with water. I asked her where she purchased them. It was from first-time vendors and owners of “Sister in Laws”. They are sister-in-law Tina and Maggie, and they had the most charming booth. They were so excited to be in their first market ever. Hanging in their tent were homemade macrame plant holders for sale, plants in jars and homegrown loofah. I was compelled to purchase a loofah along with the snake plant. Tina was very knowledgeable about where to put the propagated plants in the house. For example, the snake plant helps to clean the air and is good for a bedroom. She also grows the loofah which is not always easy to grow. (I know from experience.) You can find them each week in EHT at the market.
The local community feel of this market is amazing. It comes from the passion of the market hosts and vendors to bring you local, seasonal and the best quality products. Each week as I have been visiting the local farmers markets and then sharing it with you, I think this cannot get better. Then, lo and behold, it does! The Community Farmers Market in EHT has vendors who also offer locally grown plants, and speciality products like Shertiques which offers handcrafted lavender products. The dried lavender bundles were so pretty. The were plenty of healthy grain-free products for your best friend at Pet Wants. Theo agrees.
Market tip: Look for local corn and tomatoes from Generous Greens that will be harvested in the coming weeks!
Jersey Street Corn
Recipe of the week features Jersey corn as it comes into season here in the Garden State. I make this dish vegan, but you can always use regular dairy products for the mayo and cheese. It is a delicious side dish for a summer dinner.
Ingredients:
- 6 whole ears of corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo (I use Follow Your Heart brand)
- 1 time, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tajin (you can purchase at Grassia’s Spice Company find them at the Community Farmers Market in EHT)
- Salt
Procedure:
Shuck the corn and rinse in cold water. In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Add corn and bring to a boil. Boil corn for 10-15 minutes and then drain.
While corn is cooking, mix the vegan mayo with lime juice. Drizzle the drained corn with the cream. Sprinkle with tajin. Toss with the cheese if desired. Enjoy!
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.
