Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: May 27th Market Report

It's already Week 4 of the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 2009 season!

If you pay attention to weather forecasts, supposedly while we might see rain before the market opens, there is a partly cloudy (or... partly sunny) window of time that runs about the duration of the market!

The market is held rain or shine, so no matter the forecast, be adventurous! Just in case, learn from the seasoned market veterans and pack a rain coat/jacket, bring an umbrella, and if you get caught between the drops, get under the canopy of your favorite market vendor!

Visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market at N. State and E. Home each Wednesday, through October, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for your favorite produce, meats, and artisan foods. The market is a great place to sample new flavors and try new foods or enjoy favorites.

Delicious, fresh, affordable foods -- a great place for small indulgences.

The merchants in Uptown Westerville would love to see you as well! We encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville. Stop by Meza, 48 N. State, and pick up pantry foods to go with today's market fare or enjoy Tatjana Brown's $1 Market Wednesday wine tastings!

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Week 1 Photo Tour is now available on flickr.com. Just click here.

Market insider's tip: The market is currently testing extending hours to 6:30 p.m., not all market vendors can stay, but many will, so stop by on your way home from work. And, let us know what you think, email the market at farmersmarket@shopuptownwesterville.com.


Photo image: Pie from Sue's Kitchen by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Uptown Flowers from Bildsten Landscape

Love the flowers you see Uptown?

Well, Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market vendor Bildsten Landscape provides the Uptown flowers.

Stop by this week's market and check out Bildsten's wave petunias, herbs, and colorful annual selection!

Photo image: Bildsten Landscape flower basket by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Testing Extended Hours

This is only a test... in response to Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market patron requests, the market is testing extending market hours to 6:30 p.m. for a couple weeks.

Market closing time has been a point of discussion for a while. It isn't that the desire to stay open later isn't there, but logistically, so many of our market vendors are farmers with working farms and have a good hour-plus drive to and from Westerville outside set-up, load-out, and the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. market business hours. And there is the rub, since they need to get back to their farms to finish the day on-site while there is still some daylight left.

Some market vendors can stay past six, some are not able to, so, we are "test driving" extended hours. So, for the meantime, select market vendors will be present from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we complete our test.

Thanks for your feedback, keep us posted (farmersmarket@shopuptownwesterville.com) and we appreciate your business!!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Osage Lane Creamery's May 27th Market Report

Emma Stout of Osage Lane Creamery tells us...

We will continue with flavored cheeses and Feta Bites as well as yummy Raw Goats Milk Feta Cheese.

Market Insider Tip: Taste the Feta Bites -- yummy!


Photo image: Osage Lane Creamery Feta Bite by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Best Wishes for Memorial Day

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market wishes you a safe, happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Rotary Club of Westerville Sunshine Field of Heroes: May 23rd - May 25th at Cleveland & County Line West.

Westerville Memorial Day Parade: 9:45 a.m. beginning at College and State in Uptown Westerville on May 25th.

Welcome Summer 2009.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Grows

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) are pleased to announce that the market's WARM Fresh Green program has expanded to not only include fresh produce, herbs, and vegetable or fruit bearing plants, but to now include ALL Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market food vendors!

The WARM Fresh Green program is a food voucher program. Vouchers are each worth $5 and can be used only at The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. The program is designed so farm fresh, healthy foods are available to everyone in the greater Westerville area no matter their income.

To find more information on WARM Fresh Green, including qualification for the program, write (175A Broadway, Westerville, OH, 43081), visit WARM online, e-mail warm at info@warmwesterville.org or call WARM 614,899.0196.

WARM Fresh Green vouchers are now accepted by:

Arjay Gourmet Foods - delicious chutneys and baked goods

Batter and Bowl - cakes, cookies, and baked good

Bildsten Landscape - herb plants

Bridgman Farm - fresh produce

Bird’s Haven Farms - fresh produce

Blue Jacket Dairy - cheese

Carousel Watergardens - veggie and herb bed plants, produce, rubs, spices, and herbs.

Doran's Family Farm - fresh produce

Flying J Farm - grass-fed beef, fresh-milled flour, fresh produce

Frijolito Farm - chicken

Honey Health Farm - raw honey and honey food products

Landrum Cottage Designs - specialty baked goods

Malabar Acres - orchard fruits

Northridge Organic Farm - lamb, organic produce

Osage Lane Creamery - goat's milk feta cheese, goat cheese foods

Pleiades Maple Products -- maple syrup products

Sue’s Kitchen - baked goods

Sweet Thing Gourmet - biscotti, jams, jellies

Varley Valley Baked Goods - table breads, jams, jellies, baked goods

Also keep in mind the federal government has two programs that help make fresh market foods available for qualifying seniors and WIC. For links to more information, visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market web page.

Photo image: Veggie starter plants at Carousel Watergardens by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Blue Jacket Dairy's May 20th Market Report

Angel King from Blue Jacket Dairy reports...

Along with our regular cheeses, we are bringing lemon, garlic and cranberry quark this afternoon. The cheese was made last night and is really fresh.

Angel
Blue Jacket Dairy!

Market Insider Tip: Stop by Blue Jacket Dairy and sample their delicious cheeses! The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a fun place to try new tastes and new foods! Our most adventurous tasters... kids!

Photo image: Delicious cheddar curds samples from Blue Jacket Dairy provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome to The Front Porch!

The May 20th Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes a new feature presented by Church of the Messiah, UM: The Front Porch.

As Messiah's Lindsay Smith says, "The Front Porch is a place at the farmers' market to come and set a spell, take a load off, tell or hear a story or two."

With so many different Westerville generations visiting the market, we think another chance for folks to get together and meet at the market is a very good thing! And, as the summer heats up, The Front Porch will be a nice place to take a moment to cool off!

So, next time you're shopping at the market and need to "take a load off," stop by the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market's newest feature... The Front Porch!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: May 20th Market Report

Looks good doesn't it?! Visit new Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market vendor, Sara Yates of Batter and Bowl! Batter and Bowl features delicious cakes, cookies, scones, brownies, and bar-style cookies. Sara has a different decorated "cookie cutter" cookie each week -- Week 1 was a butterfly, Week 2 was a flower basket... what's next?!

After two weeks of rainy weather, the market is looking forward to a great day today! And, the market is a great place to shop for the Memorial Day weekend!

It's early in the season, so produce will include lettuces, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, swiss chard, and rhubarb. Bird's Haven Farms will be bringing strawberries!

Come visit market vendors...

Arjay Gourmet Foods - delicious chutneys and baked goods
Batter and Bowl - cakes, cookies, and baked goods
Bildsten Landscape - hanging baskets, pots, herbs
Bird’s Haven Farms - fresh produce, strawberries, flowers
Blue Jacket Dairy - fresh from the dairy cheese
Carousel Watergardens - flower and veggie bed plants
Doran's Family Farm - asparagus, rhubarb
Flying J Farm - grass-fed beef, fresh-milled flour, produce
Honey Health Farm - raw honey and honey products
Landrum Cottage Designs - specialty baked goods
Nature's Honey - goat's milk and herbal soaps
Northridge Organic Farm - lamb, organic produce
Osage Lane Creamery - goat's milk feta cheese
Pleiades Maple Products -- maple syrup, marinades, spreads, candy, sugar
Sue’s Kitchen - pies!, cinnamon rolls, cookies, quick breads
Sweet Thing Gourmet - biscotti, jams, jellies
Varley Valley Baked Goods - table breads, jams, jellies

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday through October 28th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville.

See you at the market!

Remember, Uptown Westerville is a great place to work, live, shop, eat, meet & play! Come Uptown for lunch, browse, visit & shop Uptown Westerville, and then come to the market for some farm fresh!

Photo image: Baked goods selections from Batter and Bowl provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Bird's Haven Farms May 20th Market Report -- One Word: Strawberries!

Lee Bird from Bird's Haven Farms shares:

We will be bringing strawberries this week to the market as we have lots ripening daily.

Ahhhhh, Fresh Strawberries!


Photo image: Fresh lettuce from Bird's Haven Farms provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Sue's Kitchen May 20th Market Report

Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen is really looking forward to this week's market!

Have any of you ever seen 60 pounds of fresh rhubarb? My refrigerator is packed right now and I'm slowly getting it chopped and packed for the freezer. SOooooo-guess what kind of pies I'll be bringing to the market????? Strawberry Rhubarb and Just Rhubarb! And in order to free up space in the freezer I had to use up some zucchini from last summer, which means I'll also be bringing Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, (really yummy).

I have added a new cookie to my repertoire this week that I hope you all will enjoy: Oatmeal Walnut Crispies, very delicious! I'll also have Chocolate Chip, Peanut Blossoms and Snickerdoodles.

Please come to the market this week-so far the forecast says 70's and SUNNY!!!

Photo image: Cinnamon Rolls at Sue's Kitchen provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Varley Valley's May 20th Market Report

Jane Varley of Varley Valley Baked Goods shares:

I will have the following Jams and Jellies:

Full Sugar Jams and Jellies (8 fluid oz):
Blackberry Jelly -- $8.00
Blackberry Triple Sec Jelly
Crabapple Jelly -- $5.50
Spiced Crabapple Jelly -- $5.75
Pear Jelly -- $5.50
Gingered Pear Jelly -- $5.75
Brandied Plum -- $5.50
Spiced Plum -- $5.25
Hot Plum -- $5.25
Rhubarb Jam -- $5.50
Wild Rosehip Jelly -- $4.50 (4 fluid oz)
Strawberry Rhubarb -- $5.50

Low Sugar Jams and Jellies (8 fluid oz):
No Sugar Added Apple Butter -- $5.50
Apple Butter -- $5.50
Sweet Apple Butter -- $5.50
Apple Cranberry Butter -- $6.00
Gingered Apple Pear Butter -- $5.50
Low Sugar Brandied Plum -- $5.75
Tomato Basil -- $5.50

I will have the following Breads:

Challah Loaf
Orange Swirl
Lemon Swirl
Cinnamon Swirl
Whole Wheat
Totally Wheat
Birdseed Bread (aka Health Nut Wheat)
Italian
Plain Jane White

Jane Varley
614.523.0754

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Market Report May 13th

What a gorgeous day for some fresh air shopping!

This week, shop at...

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Batter and Bowl, Bildsten Landscape, Bird’s Haven Farms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Flying J Farm, Frijolito Farm, Honey Health Farm, Landrum Cottage Designs, Nature's Honey, Northridge Organic Farm, Osage Lane Creamery, Pleiades Maple Products, Sue’s Kitchen, and Varley Valley Baked Goods

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday through October 28th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville. See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Varley Valley Market Report for May 13th

Jane Varley of Varley Valley Baked Goods sends this week's market report:

I will have the following Jams and Jellies:

Full Sugar Jams and Jellies (8 fluid oz):
Blackberry Jelly -- $8.00
Blackberry Triple Sec Jelly
Crabapple Jelly -- $5.50
Spiced Crabapple Jelly -- $5.75
Pear Jelly -- $5.50
Gingered Pear Jelly -- $5.75
Brandied Plum -- $5.50
Spiced Plum -- $5.25
Hot Plum -- $5.25
Rhubarb Jam -- $5.50
Wild Rosehip Jelly -- $4.50 (4 fluid oz)
Strawberry Rhubarb -- $5.50

Low Sugar Jams and Jellies (8 fluid oz):
No Sugar Added Apple Butter -- $5.50
Apple Butter -- $5.50
Sweet Apple Butter -- $5.50
Apple Cranberry Butter -- $6.00
Gingered Apple Pear Butter -- $5.50
Low Sugar Brandied Plum -- $5.75
Tomato Basil -- $5.50

I will have the following breads:

Challah Loaf
Orange Swirl
Lemon Swirl
Cinnamon Swirl
Whole Wheat
Totally Wheat
Birdseed Bread (aka Health Nut Wheat)
Onion Rolls (for sandwiches or burgers)
Italian
Cinnamon Pecan Rolls
Caramel Pecan Rolls

It looks like we will have nice weather.

Jane Varley
614.523.0754

Photo image: Varley Valley jams and jellies from 2008 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Sweet Thing Gourmet

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes new vendor Sweet Thing Gourmet to the 2009 market season.

Based in Bexley, Sweet Thing Gourmet offers delicious jams and biscotti.

▪ Jams: Strawberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Strawberry Champagne, Hot Pepper Strawberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach, Ginger Peach, Lavendar Peach, Hot Pepper Peach, Raspberry, Raspberry Jalapeno, Raspberry Champagne, Rhubarb, Vanilla Pear, Apple Cider, Sugar Plum, Brandied Apricot, Chai Apricot, Apricot, Hot Chile Cherry, Cherry Cognac, Blueberry Lime, Brandied Blackberry, Razzle Blackberry, Blue & Blackberry, Cardamom Plum, Balsamic Strawberry, Raspberry Rhubarb, Hot Pepper Peach

▪ Biscotti: Anise-Almond, Double-Chocolate Pecan, Cranberry Pistachio, Apricot Pine Nut, Bittersweet Chocolate Cherry

Stop by and visit Kyla Touris at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market!

Sweet!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: May 6th Market Wrap Up

Wednesday May 6th, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market started its 2009 season on a rainy Central Ohio afternoon.

The market is open rain or shine and this week it happened to be much more rain than shine.

But, undaunted by weather, 18 vendors set up shop, including new market vendors, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Batter and Bowl, and Nature's Honey.

In spite of the rain drops, market vendors welcomed a steady stream of customers. Produce vendors featured spinach, lettuce, asparagus, and rhubarb. And, customers purchased delicious artisan breads, chutneys, cheeses, pies, cookies, biscotti, and honey, goat's milk soap, hanging flower baskets, herbs, bed plants, and select poultry and meats.

Market Insider Tip -- The market is rain or shine. So, on those iffy, cloudy days, check the Westerville NOAA weather link in the margin, pack the umbrella or hooded jacket, and come to the market! Market vendors are under canopy and stopping by a market vendor space between drops is a great way to meet the vendors, try samples, and shop!

Photo image: A brand new tomato plant from Carousel Watergardens and shopping at Landrum Cottage Designs for fresh breads provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcomes You to Our 2009 Market Seaon

The Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, opens the 2009 season at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 with a special market blessing from Reverend Stan Ling of Church of the Messiah, United Methodist and Father Charlie Klinger of St. Paul Catholic Church.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday May 6, 2009 through October 28, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home Streets, in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

Home-grown, home-made, and all Ohio, the market provides an ever-changing fare including farm-fresh certified organic, chemical-free, and conventional, seasonal fruits and vegetables, heirloom produce, baked goods, breads, bed plants, herbs, flowers, chutneys, spreads, sauces and rubs, honey, pet treats, maple products, natural personal care products, meats and poultry to-order, and fresh eggs. Early seasonal fresh produce selections include asparagus, lettuces, and rhubarb.

And, remember, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a sample friendly place!

18 market vendors will be open for business on May 6th, including:

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Bildsten Landscape, Bird’s Haven Farms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Bridgman Farm, Carousel Water Gardens & Cathy’s Tasty Treats, Doran's Family Farm, Flying J Farm, Frijolito Farm, Honey Health Farm, Landrum Cottage Designs, Northridge Organic Farm, Osage Lane Creamery, Pleiades Maple Products, Sue’s Kitchen, and Varley Valley Baked Goods.

The market welcomes new vendors: Batter and Bowl featuring cakes, cookies, and baked goods, and Nature's Honey, featuring natural soaps. Later in the growing season, the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market will welcome Amherst Greenhouse and Malabar Acres.

A trip to the market is a great way to enjoy a Wednesday afternoon in Uptown Westerville -- come Uptown for lunch, browse, visit, and shop Uptown Westerville, and pick up dinner ingredients at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. A fun weekly experience for kids, and a dog-walk and bike-friendly destination! Parking is free in Uptown Westerville, both on-street and in parking lots.

Visit Meza, wine rack, panty & kitchen, 48 N. State, each Market Wednesday for

▪ Special Farmers' Market Wine Tasting: $1.
▪ Serving Suggestions.
▪ May 6th Feature Market Vendor: Bellefontaine's Blue Jacket Dairy

www.vinomeza.com
614.259.3101 ▪ vinomeza@gmail.com

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and Westerville Area Resource Ministry are teaming up, for the second year, for the WARM Fresh Green Program so farm fresh, healthy foods can be available to everyone in the Westerville area.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is Ohio Proud.

For more information on the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market email: farmersmarket@shopuptownwesterville.com or check out the WUMA Uptown Farmers' Market web page http://www.uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.com/ and the Farmers' Market blog: http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Back Sue's Kitchen

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Sue's Kitchen to the 2009 market.

Sue Renner makes some fabulous baked goods, including pies!

Sue sends her report for opening day of the 2009 market season:

Hope you're hungry for fresh Strawberry Rhubarb pie because I will bring small and large pies (rhubarb straight out of my patch!!); for those who don't like rhubarb-well, I will also bring Granny Smith Apple (small and large) as well as small Red Razzle Raspberry & Big-n-Bold Blackberry pies. All decorated (of course) with the flakiest crust you'll ever taste.

If pie isn't up your alley then maybe cookies are! I will have a variety of Yumm-o Big Chocolate Chippers, Mom's Oatmeal Raisin, It's Not Funny Snickerdoodle, and Kissable Peanut Blossom.

Something new this year are Biker Bars-a healthier alternative cookie full of honey, oats, cranberries, apricots, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds--Mucho Delicioso!!

Back by popular demand are my Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls with loads of frosting, and Gramma Rose's Banana Walnut Bread.

If I have my act together I may bring a new surprise to the market-CUPCAKES!! ((if you don't see them this week you'll know I didn't have my act together).

So ta-ta for now and I'll see you at the market!!

Market Insider Tip: Sue's Kitchen's pies can be addictive!! Just kidding. If you want pie... COME EARLY! There are days when Sue's Kitchen pies sell out in the first 15 minutes after market open! No kidding!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Back Varley Valley Baked Goods

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Varley Valley Baked Goods to the 2009 market.

Jane Varley makes amazing fresh breads and jams & jellies.

Ask Jane what she wears to pick blackberries for her blackberry jam!

Market Insider Tip: Jane's breads are very popular, so if you have your heart set on some challah loaf or wheat bread or any of Jane's breads, we suggest you get to the market early.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Back Frijolito Farm

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Frijolito Farm to the 2009 season.

Frijolito Farm is a backyard farm that has grown to include gardens in other locations in Columbus and Licking County. Frijolito Farm chicken, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are produced by sustainable farming practices.

▪ Free Range Chicken (frozen, whole & parts)
▪ Mulberries
▪ Select Seasonal Produce

Stop by to visit with Wayne & Mayda Shingler each week at Frijolito Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Back Doran's Family Farm

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Doran's Family Farm to the 2009 market.

Normally we don't see Doran's until sweet corn is ready in July, but this year, we'll see Doran's at our very first market with rhubarb and asparagus.

Doran's Family Farm is certainly a long-time Central Ohio favorite and in 2009 they'll feature:

▪ Tomatoes
▪ Sweet Corn! (available starting mid-July)
▪ Green Beans
▪ Melons
▪ and other select seasonal produce

Market Insider Tip: When Doran pulls up to the market with the season's first sweet corn -- probably mid-July -- be prepared to stand in line and get to the market early!! Market customers wait in line before market opens to pick out their sweet corn!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Back Blue Jacket Dairy

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Blue Jacket Dairy to the 2009 market season.

Blue Jacket Dairy is certainly a market favorite! Jim and Angel King make great hand-made, farmstead cheese Blue Jacket Dairy's own milk.

Including...

▪ Fresh Mozzarella
A delicate hand-kneaded mild, moist, soft, creamy cheese that is absolutely delicious as a snack, in salads, or with pasta. So good!

▪ Cheddar Curd
Cheddar curd is simply cheddar cheese that hasn't been aged. It is great for snacking and in salads, or melt it on toast for a fantastic sandwich. Salty, scrumptious and addictive! Plain and Flavored.

▪ Gretna Grillin' Cheese™
A delicious halloumi-style cheese that is easy-to-love. When grilled or fried, it has a beautiful golden crust; try it grated on pasta or served with fruit.

▪ Quark
A tangy, spreadable cheese than can be used in place of ricotta, cream cheese or yogurt. It is often used to make German cheesecake and other pastries. Plain and Flavored.

▪ Chevre
Chevre is french for goat so, of course, chevre is cheese made from goat's milk. Chevre is naturally lemony, tangy and mildly earthy. Plain and Flavored.

Stop by each week to see what's new at Blue Jacket Dairy.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Batter and Bowl

The Westerville Uptown Farmers' Market welcomes new vendor Batter and Bowl to the 2009 market.

Stop by to visit Sara Yates of Batter and Bowl and check out her delicious cakes, cookies, and confections.