As schools are letting out for summer, the farmers market season is getting into full swing. When you visit some of the local farmers markets in Atlantic County you will no doubt see the same vendors at different markets. Getting to know your farmer or where your food comes from takes on a new meaning. These vendors get to know you and you get to know them and their stories of bringing homemade or homegrown products to your table. There are many health benefits when buying seasonal foods, but there is also a sense of community when you shop locally.
This past weekend when I visited another shore town market I spoke to vendors that you will be seeing at Ventnor City, Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, Brigantine and many more local shore town farmers markets. As I make my way through these farmers markets I will be sharing with you their products and their stories. Food really does bring people together.
A blast from the past happened when I stopped at Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co. Like many of you, I am a South Philly transplant to South Jersey. Growing up I spent my summers with my Italian grandmother who lived a block from the Italian market. We walked the market daily to purchase produce, meats, cheese and bread for that day’s meals. Whether it was from the butcher shop, or fresh produce from the many produce vendors, bakery, or spice store, it was all within a few city blocks and a place where everyone knew your name. Meals were always fresh and local. That was 45 years ago and I can still remember the shops and smells of the market. I occasionally return to the market and I’ve taken my culinary classes on field trips there. One shop we visited was called Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co. Owners Tina and Anthony Grassia owned the shop for more than 24 years. It first opened its doors at the market in 1932 and has since been in the family. I can remember seeing all the family photos both of weddings and those that served our country all hanging behind the cash register. Their shop recently closed and they have made the move across the bridge to South Jersey. You can find them at many local farmers markets including Somers Point and EHT. When we shared stories about the Italian market and about all the local mom and pop shops and places my grandmother took me to, Anthony said he got goosebumps from reminiscing about the neighborhood we both grew up in. What fond memories of food shopping. When you visit them at the shore town farmers market this season look for their market specialty blends. I purchased the Somers Point blend to use in this week’s farmers market recipe. They also have authored a cookbook that includes their family made spices. They carry vanilla beans from Madagascar. It is always good to have fresh vanilla beans on hand to use in homemade desserts. Just walking by their tent at the market you can smell all the herbs and spices. Other blends can be used to make dressings and dips. Check out their website for market locations as well as pop ups they will be attending. https://www.italianmarketspiceco.com/
Get Pickled is another family owned business that you will see at many of the summer farmers markets. Owner Carol Talarico specializes in Korean dishes hand-crafted in small batches from her mom’s recipes. Available at the local farmers markets are her homemade kimchi, gochujang, Korean BBQ and Thai shrimp cakes. Kimchi is made with fermented vegetables such as cabbage. It is a Korean side dish that is also used in stews called Jjigae. Since Kimchi is a fermented food it has many health benefits. Fermented foods when eaten regularly can benefit your gut microbiome. They contain fiber, minerals and vitamins and are a natural probiotic. A simple lunch of cooked rice topped with kimchi is a delicious and wholesome lunch. Your gut will thank you. You can find Get Pickled at Ventnor City, Brigantine and Sea Isle farmers markets this summer. You can follow them on social media.
Looking for a healthy snack while you are down the shore? Do you have guests that are vegan, vegetarian or gluten free and you don’t know what to serve them.? Stop by Anita’s Guacamole for homemade guacamole, traditional salsa and mango salsa. It’s all about the farm to table experience. Fresh guacamole and corn tortilla chips are a perfect snack for these upcoming beach days. Avocados are a nutrient rich food, a healthier fat. Anita’s Guacamole is committed to sustainable sourcing. Guacamole, salsas, and chips are perfect to have on hand for your vegan, vegetarian and gluten free guests.
Other local vendors you will see at multiple markets include Far and Away Flower Farm, Harry and Beans Coffee, Jim’s Jams, Salty Acres, and Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy. I will be sharing more about these vendors as I visit more shore town farmers markets this summer. I will be using their products to create simple, easy and healthy recipes that you can make while you are down the shore.
On this visit I purchased red bliss potatoes and cabbage from Potato Homestead, who’s owner I met at the Somers Point Market a few weeks ago. Potato Homestead is a no pesticide farm in Woodbine. I used all the vegetables in side dishes that I made this weekend. This recipe is an easy dish you can use for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pair with some farm fresh eggs for breakfast, make a quick potato salad for lunch or roast the potatoes for dinner. I made summer roasted potatoes, veggie burgers and sautéed cabbage and onion for dinner.
Roasted Summer Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 Quart Red Bliss Potatoes (Potato Homestead)
- 2 Tablespoons Somers Point Spice Blend ( Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (Salty Acres)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Procedure:
Preheat the oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash potatoes. Cut in half, if larger potato cut in quarters. Drizzle to coat with olive oil. Add Somers Point Spice Blend along with salt. Toss to coat. Spread onto sheet tray. Bake until fork tender. Approximately half an hour.
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.
