By Chef Christina Martin
Farmers Market Week is in August in the Garden State. What better way to celebrate than to visit a local farmers market. This was my seventh and final stop on my summer of 2024 Farmers Market tour. If you have followed along with me and my rescue pup, Theo we visited Somers Points, Ventnor, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Green and Margate. Brigantine was solo visit since no dogs are allowed. Last on the farmers market tour we ventured into Ocean City, NJ on a rainy Wednesday morning. This market is not new to me. Growing up, I spent summers in Ocean City at my parents home and back then it was my kids that would tag along with me to the market. I would always purchase Jersey fresh corn and tomatoes from the Ocean City farmers market for summer time dinners which were a favorite. Sliced local cucumbers, onion and chopped tomatoes for a salad was a summer time staple in our house. Dressed with olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper and mopped up with some crusty Italian bread. Nothing says you are Italian and from South Jersey . Next time you visit a farmers market remember this recipe.
Most farmers markets are rain or shine and only close in the event of lightening and high winds. So we grabbed our umbrella and off we went. This market has been growing over the years. Now until Sep. 30, you can find it located at 6th and Asbury Avenue on the Tabernacle Grounds. The market is open every Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ocean City farmers market was started in 2000, inspired by Jersey Fresh and to promote local farmers. It has grown over the years starting with four farmers and it now has over 40 vendors including farmers and crafters. All this is managed by market managers Rose Savastano, Rachael Kelly and Morgan Brennan. Farms include Buzby, Monteleone, Duffields and Schobers. Along with Savoie Farm from Williamstown which is an organic farm that you can visit at the market.
Savoie Organic Farm is owned by Barry and Carol Savoie, who started their farm in Williamstown, NJ in 2005 and by 2014 were both farming full time. They went through the rigorous process of becoming a certified organic farm. Buying from a certified organic farm means that your vegetables were grown without the use of pesticides, genetically-modified seeds or synthetic fertilizers. These are just a few of the regulations in the process of becoming organic certified. The soil is another aspect of organic farming as well as protecting wildlife that lives on the farm. Savoie Organic Farm sells their produce not only at the Ocean City Farmers Market but year-round at Union Square Greenmarket in NYC and Headhouse Square Farmers Market in Philadelphia. They also sell seasonally at Collingswood Farmers Markets. Produce you will find at the markets include Jersey tomatoes, peppers, radish, garlic, eggplant, summer squash and zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli, winter squash and pumpkins, lettuces and more. Whenever you can it is always a better choice to purchase organic veggies. These days at many farmers markets certified organic is not as prevalent, but finding the cleanest vegetables is better for your health and the environment.
On our visit we did select some peaches from Duffield’s farmers market and made the most delicious peach galette, recipe in previous article. This is a perfect summer time dessert and best with local, Jersey peaches.
Summer Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers cut in half moon
- 3-4 tomatoes cut in wedges, red and yellow heirloom are nice
- 1 small onion cut in half moon, red onions give nice color and sweetness
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
Procedure:
Cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Enjoy New Jersey fresh at its best!
As we are coming up on Labor Day weekend, we are wrapping up on all the local farmers markets for the 2024 season. Many farmers markets have a few more weeks left and then we will head into our Fall Markets. I will be visiting these fall markets and sharing the local goodness they offer along with some healthy fall recipes. Stay tuned.
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.
