Is there anything better than biting into a piece of fruit that was picked hours before it touched your teeth? What about buying a muffin from an adorable baker who literally took it out of the oven the same morning she put it in your hands? The Wesleyan farmers market allows you these opportunities and more. A completely student run initiative, the mission statement promotes a commitment to “supporting local agriculture, providing fresh, affordable, nutritious food, and building community in Connecticut”. Several Wednesdays throughout the year, the Wesleyan community has the opportunity to purchase freshly made baked goods, artisanal products, and fresh produce right in the Usdan courtyard! The first farmers market of the year, which took place today, September 19th, from 11:00 to 2:00, featured a delightful variety of very passionate local food artisans, from bakers to farmers to coffee roasters, and even a lady who specializes is spices, teas, and soaps! Here’s the rundown of what you could find at today’s farmers market!
Horse Listeners Orchard-Horse Listeners Orchard specializes in freshly picked fruits and vegetables. At their permanent location in Ashford, CT, you can also buy locally made honey, jams, apple butter, pies, cheese, and premium apple cider. Today’s market selection included apples, plums, and huge, perfectly ripe eggplants
Urban Oaks Organic Farm- This New Britain based farm specializes in organic, heirloom, and specialty crops. Today’s selection boasted eggplants, tomatoes (both red and yellow), peppers, and red onions.
Long Lane Farm- You can’t get much more local than Long Lane. At today’s market the student-run organic farm was selling a plethora of truly gorgeous vegetables. peppers, potatoes, and several kinds of greens represent just a few of the options that were available!
Auntie Arwen’s Spices- Just a fifteen minute drive away in Haddam, Auntie Arwen, who appeared to be selling the products herself at today’s market, manufactures spices and blends to suit every taste and lifestyle. Today she had rows and rows of spices available for purchase, as well as beautiful soaps, chocolate covered cranberries, and artisan teas.
Sweet Sage Bakery- I have to admit that few things are more exciting to me than fresh, locally baked goods, and just looking at the offerings from Sweet Sage Bakery, which is centered in Rockfall, was enough to put my sweet tooth completely over the edge. The breads were gorgeous, and the vendor was even offering free samples of the rustica dipped in locally made olive oil. I have to admit, however, it was hard to ignore the tempting desserts. I made a beeline for the dishes of bars (I heard the vendor telling a customer that lemon was the best kind), carrot cake, and peach cobbler muffins.
Meriano’s Bake Shoppe- As I walked by Meriano’s table, the first thing that I noticed was the container of cannoli’s, on top of which laid a sign that read “hand filled”. I literally stood and waited until a student requested the item. Watching the baker fill the pastry with thick, fluffy cream was definitely the highlight of my day. Cannoli’s weren’t the only item being sold by this Guilford based bakery. Also available were several kinds of blondies and brownies, cookies, doughnuts, pound cakes, and some really tempting savory items, including ham and cheese stuffed croissants, homemade ciabatta bread, and huge loaves stuffed with ingredients like spinach, sausage, broccoli, and cheese.
Zen Roasters- Zen Roasters is one of my favorite spots in town. Located just a two minute drive away from campus, it’s one of the only places in the area where they roast their own coffee, and man is it good. Today co-owner Nicole was giving out samples and selling cups of some of their amazing specialty blends. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a caffeine addict, or just a regular bro looking for a mid-morning pick me up, you can’t get much better than this.
Shoreline Roasters- Located in Higganum, Shoreline Roasters was selling up their own freshly roasted coffee, as well as doling out fresh popcorn and pineapple and strawberry smoothies.
Bon Appetit- As always, Bon Appetit had their own stand set up at the market, where students could use a meal swipe to buy a “farm to fork” lunch. Today the menu featured a mixed green salad with heirloom tomatoes and sweet pear mint dressing, and either tofu korma- a smoked tofu steak with curried vegan mayo, watercress, and sliced heirloom tomatoes on a roll, or a chili dog with cole slaw on a potato roll. The dessert offering, fresh Connecticut apples baked to a warm crisp with an agave whipped cream looked seriously delicious!
The first farmers market of the year was jam packed with delicious offerings. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has to bring.
-Ari Rudess
Did you go to the farmers market today? What was your favorite offering?
WesStuffed 