Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 17th Market Report

No doubt about it, people love Market Wednesday!  Especially Sugar B Bakery's Angela Bowman and Montezuma Brand's Chuck Evans (above).

Farmers' had lots of concerns this spring with record setting amounts of rainfall slowing planting (would they have anything to bring to market?) - and now market patrons can reap the benefits because the produce coming to market each week is plentiful, beautiful, and flavorful!

The weather forecast for Market Wednesday is just super and it's just a great day to be outdoors.

Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi shops for sunflowers at Eyestone Flower Farm.

Organic cherry tomatoes from Flying J Farm.

Signature jams from Kyla Touris at Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Peaches from Malabar Peach & Apple Orchard.

Sweet corn from Doran's Family Farm.

Heirloom tomatoes from Northridge Organic Farm.

Market Wednesday is a family-friendly enviroment and a great place to try new things - most of our artisan food vendors offer samples and kids are the bravest tasters of new flavors and foods! 

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a great place to create new traditions.

If you ever have questions or are looking for special orders, our vendors are so passionate about food, they make it and grow it for a living - they love to talk food, so just ask!

Artisan foods include cheeses, milk, drinkable yogurt, cookies & confections, protein bars, sweet & savory breads, salsas, tortilla chips, hot sauces, rubs, jams, preserves, fruit butters, flour, maple syrup, raw honey, chutneys, and garam masala.

Locally-raised meat and poultry seletions include grass-fed beef, lamb, poultry, and fresh eggs.

(All meat, poultry, eggs, and cheeses are sold refrigerated or frozen per state and federal regulations, so you might want to bring a frozen food bag or cooler for your purchases.)

The market is always brightened up by fresh cut flowers from Eyestone Flower Farm. Eyestone flowers are organic and beautiful.

Bird's Haven Farms has a rainbow of fresh-cut gladiolas.

We are happy to see Mary Bridgman of Bridgman Farm back at the market - last week was Mary's first week this season (spring rains in Fayette County slowed things down).  Try Bridgman Farm's rich with flavor golden cherry tomatoes.

We will not see Sue's Kitchen (no pie) and we just got word that Pleiades Maple Products (making hay on the farm) should make it to the market today. Sue will return next week with their market favorite artisan foods.

Today is the first day of school in Westerville, so we encourage you to be aware and be safe.

Stop by Meza, just steps south of the market at 48 N. State to try Tatjana Brown's $2 local fruit sangria tasting.  Tatjana offers great advice for wine pairings for your market fare, by the way.

For those of you looking for our resident chef, Chef John Skaggs - we will see two special appearances from Chef John one in September and one in October (dates TBA).  Chef John is temporarily on leave from the market as he creates a new restaurant!

Have a great day and... see you at the market.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: The Egg Quiz

Test Your Egg I.Q.

1. Without breaking it open, how can you tell if an egg is fresh?

a. Carefully feel the shell - if it has soft spots, the egg is rotten.

b. Hold the egg up to your ear and shake it.  if you hear the yolk sloshing around inside, the egg is still fresh.  A silent egg is a rotten egg.

c. Drop the egg in a glass of water.  If it sinks to the bottom and lays on its side, it's fresh.  If it sinks to the bottome and "stands" on one end, it's old, but probably still edible.  If it floats, it's rotten.

2. Which part of the egg is known as the "chalazae"?

a. The protective coating on the outside of the shell.

b. The membraine separating the yolk from the white.

c. The thin strands of egg white that connect the yolk to the shell.

3. What's the difference between Grade A and Grade AA eggs?

a. Grade AA ggs contain twice as much Vitamin A, because the hens get a diet of fortified chicken feed.

b. Grade AA eggs have plumper yolks and thicker whites.

c. Grade AA hens, also known as "yearlings" or "freshmen" hens, are younger a healthier than the hens that lay Grade A eggs.

4. What's the best way to store an egg in the refrigerator?

a. With the tapered end pointing up.

b. With the tapered end pointing down.

c. Neither - eggs keep best when they're lying on their side.

5. Without breaking it open, how can you tell if an egg is cooked?

a. Spin it on a flat surface - raw eggs wobble; cooked ones don't.

b. Hold it up to a bright light - eggshells that have been cooked for seven minutes or longer are slightly transparent.

c. Carefully examine the shell - it's physically impossible to boil an egg without cracking the shell in at least one place.

Answers below....

Fresh eggs at Market Wednesday! Stop by Carousel Watergardens Farm at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Egg I.Q. Test Answers:

1. c.

Egg shells are porous - as a egg ages, moisture escapes and is replaced by outside air, causing it to become more buoyant over time.  Fresh eggs contain the least air and sit right at the bottom.  Rotten eggs contain so much air that they float right to the top.

2. c.

Also known as "chalazae cords," these strands connect the yolk to the ends of the eggshell; the resulting "tug-of-war" helps to reduce movement and keep the yolk centered inside the egg.

3. b.

Grade A and AA are the FDA's two highest egg classifications.  They have nothing to do with the size, freshness, or vitamin content of the egg - they indicate the quality of the egg white and yolk.  Grade AA eggs, slightly higher in quality, have the plumpest yolks and the thickest whites.

4. b.

There's a pocket of air in the larger end of the egg and it's the most likely source of contamination from foreign bacteria.  Storing the egg with the tapered end pointing down causes the yolk - which is more perishable than the white - to settle toward the tapered end, as far away from the air pocket as possible.  When the egg is stored with the tapered end up, the yolk can settle right on top of the pocket, potentially speeding the rate at which the egg will spoil.

5. a.

Raw eggs wobble because the white and yolk are still fluid and move around inside the egg when you spin it.  Cooked eggs are at least partially solidified and have a much smoother spin.

How did you do?  Eggsellent!! (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)


From: Uncle John's Supremely Satisfying Bathroom Reader, by the Bathroom Readers' Institute, Bathroom Readers' Press, Ashland, Oregon. Copyright 2001, page 61.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Traffic Update

All roads lead to Uptown Westerville... finally! 

The brand new W. Main St. bridge over Alum Creek will open to traffic officially on Friday, August 19th at 5 p.m!

On August 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., celebrate the brand new bridge and get a rare chance to hang out in the middle of W. Main St. at the City's Party on the Bridge.

This family-friendly event will feature music (including the Westerville Community band), games, activities, and food!

Weather forecast is excellent!

(Parking at the COTA lot/Senior Center, the sports complex and community center on Cleveland, and if you don't mind a stroll on a summer evening, in Uptown Westerville.)


Photo of W. Main St. bridge early 1900s courtesy of the Westerville Public Library local history online photograph archive.  Click for more.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: School!!!

School starts in Westerville on August 17th!

Let's be careful out there!! 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Market Wednesday Recipe: Meza's Local Peach Prosecco Sangria

Tatjana Brown of Meza, 48 N. State, featured this fabulous summer sangria during the August 3rd Market Wednesday.

Stop by Meza for the Market Wednesay $1 wine tasting as a part of your trip to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.  Got wine questions? Ask Tatjana.

Local Peach Prosecco Sangria

2-3 Ripe Peaches - sliced
5 ounces peach brandy
1 bottle (750 mL) chilled Prosecco, (Italian sparkling wine)
1 cup peach nectar
Superfine sugar (optional)

In a pitcher, combine peach, nectarine, and apricots, all pitted and cut into wedges. Stir in peach brandy; let sit at least 1 hour. Stir in Prosecco and peach nectar. Add superfine sugar, if desired. Serve chilled.

Delicious!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 10th Market Report

What a beautiful Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville.

Fresh produce abounds after a tough, water-logged spring.  Bird's Haven Farms and Doran's Family Farm have plenty of sweet corn (picked in the wee hours this a.m.!) and Lee Bird tells us they have plenty of okra. 

Mary Bridgman of Bridgman Farm is joining us for the first time this season. Bridgman Farm's cherry tomato and heirloom tomatoes are a market favorite. 

Yes, there are peaches!

Our food artisans have been busy!  Delicious cheeses. Pies. Mexican Brownies. Sweet and savory breads. Salsa. Chips. Hot sauces. Chutneys. Confections. Cookies. Maple syrup. Barbecue sauce. Maple sugar. Puffed spelt cereal. Protein bars. Drinkable Yogurt. Milk. Jam. Biscotti.

Meat selections include lamb, grass-fed beef, poultry, and fresh eggs.

Carrie Ryan, Crime Prevention Specialist from Westerville Police Division will be at today's market.

Stop by Meza, 48 N. State, for their $1 wine tasting. Tatjana Brown will be happy to make wine pairing suggestions for your market selections and favorite meals.

We will not see Honey Health Farms, Sugar Inc., and Eyestone Flower Farm this week.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Organic potatoes from Flying J Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 3rd Market Report

It's Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville!  Well worth the wait - produce is making a big splash at the market - from heirloom tomatoes to sweet corn to peaches to eggplant.

Market food artisans create some amazing confections and flavors - Rohini's chutneys, Sweet Thing Gourmet jams (including Kyla's signature jams), Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand hot sauces, salsas, and chips, Sugar B Bakery loaf breads, including challah, raw honey from Honey Health Farms, and delicious cheeses from Blue Jacket Dairy and Ohio Farm Direct (OFD also has drinkable yogurt).

Meat selections include Northridge Organic Farm (lamb), Flying J Farm (beef), and Carousel Watergarden Farm (poultry, fresh eggs).

Chris Schmipf of Eyestone Flower Farm features beautiful cut sunflowers and lilies!

We will not see Pleiades Maple and Sugar Inc. this week.

Meza at 48 N. State is featuring a peach sangria recipe with peaches from Branstool Orchards.  Stop by and visit Tatjana - Meza features a Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting and Tatjana is happy to make wine pairing suggestions to complement your market purchases!

Stop by to visit, browse, and shop.  Chances are good you'll not only pick up some great food, but you may see someone you know!

Today is a great day for outdoor shopping - so, we'll see you at the market!

We have one word - peaches! This Market Wednesday both Branstool Orchards and Malabar Peach & Apple Orchard will be at the market.

The "feels like" temperature today is 100!  So even with a slight breeze, it'll be a good day to shop efficiently! (And, visit the air conditioned Uptown shops and restaurants!)

We will not see Pleiades Maple, Dana Lee's, and Arjay Gourmet (Rohini's Chutneys) today.

Today's market also welcomes Chris Schimpf of Eyestone Flower Farm with organic, cut lilies today. (We'll see Chris' beautiful sunflowers later in the season.)

Stay cool.

See you at the market.

Pictured: From 2010, peaches from Branstool Orchards.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: July 6th Market Report

A sunny afternoon in Uptown Westerville. Temps in the mid-to-high 80s and a touch of humidity with a dash of a light breeze. A good afternoon for al fresco shopping at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market!

As our farmer's move forward from a very soggy spring, we are starting to see more and more fresh produce at the market.

Z Blueberry will make a special appearance this week with more chemical-free, fresh-picked blueberries from Fredericktown.

We will not see Pleiades Maple Products, Doran's Family Farm, and Chef John Skaggs this week.

Tatjana Brown of Meza offers wine pairing suggestions for Sweet Thing Gourmet jams today.  Stop by Meza, 48 N. State, for the Meza Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting.

Crime Prevention Officer Carrie Ryan with Westerville Police Division will be making an appearance at today's market.

By the way, mark your calendars for the 38th annual Westerville Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Festival, July 9th (11 a to 7 p) and July 10th (11 a to 5 p) at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland.  Art, live music, food, and a great youth art display - a family fun Westerville tradition.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Fresh bread from Sugar B Bakery.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Westerville, Ohio on the 4th of July!

Westerville's Independence Day Weekend features:

June 30 - July 4th: Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman visit Westerville! It's Ohio Chautauqua at the Sports Complex on N. Cleveland near W. County Line.

July 2nd: History Exhumed! Ohio and the Civil War including the Underground Railroad and battlefield medicine. 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland.

July 4th Events:

8 a.m. (registration begins at 6:30 a.m.) Westerville Rotary 5k Run/Walk at Hoff Woods at 556 McCorkle. There is a children's race at 9:15 a.m. Awards at 9:25 a.m. (This is an entry fee event.)

1 p.m.: The Parade - Freedom: A Gift From Our Soldiers - presented by the Rotary Club of Westerville, the parade starts at 1 p.m. turning onto State St. at Schrock Rd.

Most of you know this, but for those who don't - parade-goers stake their parade spots very early in the day! And, it's not only a good parade, but it's a 2 and a half to 3 hour parade, so be prepared - sunblock, hydration, etc.

Thanks to 7-year-old Grant Mudre of St. Paul School for suggesting this year's parade theme.

9 p.m.: Westerville Symphony Patriotic Pops at the Sport Complex on N. Cleveland near W. County Line.

10 p.m.: Fireworks start at Park Meadow off Schrock Rd. Excellent viewing also at the Sports Complex on Cleveland Ave. and Heritage Park at W. Main and N. Cleveland.

From the vendors and management team of the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, have a safe, happy Independence Day Weekend.

See you July 6th at the market!

Pictured: 4th of July spirit from Sue's Kitchen.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: June 29th Market Report

Ahhh, the first of the summer squash just in time for the holiday weekend.

It is a beautiful day to shop, visit, and browse at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Doran's Family Farm will be bringing yellow and zucchini squash along with onions, snap peas (so good!) and onions.  Check out Carousel Watergardens Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Northridge Organic Farm, and Flying J Farm for produce and holiday grill selections of poultry and meats.

Both Blue Jacket Dairy and Ohio Farm Direct feature fabulous Ohio-made cheeses, made with milk from Ohio cows and goats.

And our artisan foods from raw honey to Mexican Brownies are just great for summer get togethers.

The Westerville Public Library will be visiting us at the market today!

And, we have a special appearance from Z Blueberry of Fredericktown.

We will not see Sue's Kitchen, Dana Lee's, and Chef John Skaggs this week.

Bildsten Landscape's 2011 market season has come to a close. Thanks to Mark and Karen for the amazing hanging baskets and beautiful flowers.

Remember to stop by Meza, 48 N. State, for the Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting.  Ask Tatjana Brown for pairing ideas when you stop by.

See you at the market.

Pictured: Yellow squash from Northridge Organic Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: June 22nd Market Report

There is cloud cover with touches of sunlight with temps in the low 80s and a breeze - a good day to shop for some farm fresh!

From plants to pie to produce the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is the place to be on Wednesday afternoons in Uptown Westerville!

This may be the last week for strawberries, so stop by during the early part of the market and yes, there is pie!

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: June 15 Market Report

What a beautiful day in Uptown Westerville!  The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open for business today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home.

Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand

From plants and flowers (veggie plants above from Carousel Watergardens Farm) to produce (strawberries, early appearances of summer squash, garlic scapes, lettuces, green onions) to fabulous artisan foods like fresh pie (arrive in the first 30 minutes for pie!) to cheese to salsa (Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas), the market abounds delicious!

 

Cutouts from Batter and Bowl & Cupcakes from Sugar Inc.

Baked goods include cookies, cupcakes, Mexican brownies, bar cookies, pies, coffee breads, sweet and savory breads, biscotti, muffins & crackers.

Sweet Thing Gourmet Signature Jams

Pantry perfect jarred favorites include raw honey, maple syrup, chutney, jam, salsa, and hot sauce.

Stop by N. State and E. Home and enjoy this gorgeous afternoon! Taste samples, chat with our vendors, browse, visit, and shop.

Our vendors:

Bildsten Landscape - flowers, lettuce and herb pots, hanging baskets.

Northridge Organic Farm - produce, lamb

Arjay Gourmet - chutney, baked goods, garam masala

Pleiades Maple - Ohio maple syrup products

Sue's Kitchen - pies, cookies, muffins, coffee breads

Dana Lee's - sweet and savory breads, muffins, crackers

Blue Jacket Dairy - cheddar curds, gretna grillin' cheese, chevre, feta

Sweet Thing Gourmet - jams, biscotti

Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand - salsa, hot sauce, bbq sauce, rubs

Bird's Haven Farms - produce, flowers, plants

Batter and Bowl - brownies, cookies, no bakes, protein bars

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

Honey Health Farms - raw honey, bee pollen

Carousel Watergardens Farm - produce, poultry, eggs, plants, Cathy's Tasty Treats pantry fare

Ohio Farm Direct - cheese, drinkable yogurt, non-homogenized milk, trail bologna, summer sausage

Sugar Inc - cupcakes, blended teas

Doran's Family Farm - produce

This week, we will not see Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers and Sugar B Bakery.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Northridge Organic and Edible Columbus

Edible Columbus serves up a slice of life in Central Ohio through its enthusiasm for food. 

UWFM vendors Mike and Laura Laughlin and Northridge Organic Farm's heirloom tomatoes are featured in the current issue of Edible Columbus starting on page 36.

Caro Rich, Grandpa Nick's, Pixie Peach, and Russian Black - check out the great stories behind these delicious tomatoes.

Click here to read the article online.

Visit Northridge Organic Farm on facebook - just click here.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: June 1 Market Report

It is a beeee-yew-tiful day in Uptown Westerville  - what a perfect Market Wednesday.

We are starting to see a slightly broader selection of produce - we should see fresh, Licking County strawberries today, along with leaf lettuces, and maybe a touch of asparagus.

Delicious, made-with-care artisan foods abound - pie (Sue will have cherry pie this week!), cookies, confections, breads (including loaf breads), crackers, cupcakes, cheeses, chutneys, summer sausage, jams, biscotti, salsa and sauces, and tea blends.

Look for grass-fed beef from Flying J Farm and poultry and fresh eggs from Carousel Watergardens Farm.

Bildsten Landscape is at the market today with fresh flowers (hanging baskets) and lettuce and herb bowls - like the flowers in Uptown Westerville? They are supplied by Bildsten Landscape.  Talk and chat with Mark and Karen today!

Chuck Evans' Montezume Brand starts its market season today - stop by and visit with Chuck - great salsas, hot sauces, and tortilla chips.

We will not see Pleiades Maple or Northridge Organic today - with the weather improved, work needs to be done on the farm.

Our youngest Market Wednesday Patron!

Carrie Ryan, Crime Prevention Officer from the Westerville Police Division will be at today's market after 3:30.

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers will be cooking today and, if you have a chance, take a few steps south of the market and stop by Meza, 48 N. State for Tatjana's $1 Market Wednesday wine tastings.

Today - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Slice of Market Wisdom

 

Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen is not only serving up delicious pies, cookies, and coffee breads, but also a little slice of wisdom!

Week One's wisdom: Life is short, eat pie first. 

And, Week Two: Give a random act of "Pie-ness."

What slice of wisdom for Week Three, we shall see....

Visit the Sue's Kitchen blog to see what's new with Sue!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Thanks Crave

Thanks to Crave, Columbus' new dining magazine, for stopping by the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market on May 11th.

Pictured: Shopping and tasting at Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Thanks Columbus Underground

A big thanks to Columbus Underground for a) a comprehensive guide to Central Ohio's farmers' markets and b) including the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market in their comprehensive guide to Central Ohio's farmers' markets!

Bookmark or Favorite that list - it'll come in handy throughout the season.

Thanks for the nod.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: May 11th Market Report

It's another Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville!  The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home.

We have a beautiful day today for the market and expect to see 17 vendors.

Farmers' market produce has its own "seasons." This time of year, the tomatoes and peppers of summer are just spring-time sprouts, so May produce is primarily farm fresh asparagus, swiss chard, rhubarb, arugula, a touch of broccoli, some radishes, and leaf lettuces, including romaine.

Rohini Mulchandani of Arjay Gourmet and Rohini's Chutneys starts her 2011 Market Wednesday season today.

Doran's Family Farm will have asparagus, green onions, and a small amount of rhubarb.

Today we expect: Bildsten Landscape, Northridge Organic Farm, Arjay Gourmet Foods, Pleiades Maple, Sue's Kitchen, Dana Lee's, Blue Jacket Dairy, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Sugar B Bakery, Sugar Inc, Doran's Family Farm, Batter and Bowl, Ohio Farm Direct, Carousel Watergardens Farm, Honey Health Farms, Flying J Farms, Bird's Haven Farms.

This week Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is serving samples and recipes for rhubarb chutney with Blue Jacket Dairy cheese and fresh herbs in their own pastry spoon.

Tatjana Brown of Meza will have wine pairing suggestions to accompany Chef John's recipes, and be sure to visit Meza, 48 N. State, just steps south of the market for Meza's $1 Market Wednesday wine tasting.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Sugar cookies from Sue's Kitchen, asparagus from Doran's Family Farm, and Gretna Grillin' cheese from Blue Jacket Dairy.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: News from Bird's Haven Farms

Bird's Haven Farms' 2011 Greenhouse Opening is this Weekend!

Greetings from the farm,

Bird's Haven Farms FIFTH Annual Greenhouse Opening!!


Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

While it may be drizzly outside this weekend, it will be toasty and warm inside the greenhouse where you can surround yourself with our our large selection of individually created hanging baskets and planters, annual bedding plants, and started produce plants and herbs!!!

Spend the weekend dreaming of spring and preparing your home, landscape, and garden ALL while SUPPORTING LOCAL and celebrating Earth Day by purchasing plants that were grown with the environment in mind!!!

5545 Lafayette Rd.
Granville, OH 43023

Gift Certificates Available For Both Plants and Produce!
Great Mother's Day Gift - Sunday, May 9th

CONNECT WITH US: www.facebook.com/BirdsHavenFarms

Thank you,
The Bird Family
740-587-1100
http://www.birdshavenfarms.com/

Hours (Now - October 31):
Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Other times by appointment.



Pictured: Select produce from Bird's Haven Farms 2010 Season at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: For Immediate Release....

We sent out our first press release of the season:

April 22, 2011

For Immediate Release

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 2011 Season Begins May 4th

Spring, summer, fall, home-grown, home-made, and all Ohio, the 2011 Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market is open for business each Wednesday, May 4th through October 26th, 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.

Reverend Jim Wilson of Church of the Messiah, United Methodist will offer a special blessing for the 2011 market season at 2:45 p.m. on May 4th.

The market provides an ever-changing seasonal fare including farm-fresh certified organic, chemical-free, and conventional fruits and vegetables, an assortment of baked goods, breads, cheeses, jams, chutneys, salsas, sauces and rubs, pantry fare, raw honey and bee pollen, maple syrup, meats, poultry, and fresh eggs.

Market fare also includes a seasonal selection of flowering, herb, and vegetable plants, hanging baskets, potted flowers, and colorful fresh-cut flowers.

Early seasonal fresh produce selections include asparagus, rhubarb, lettuces, and swiss chard.

The 2011 Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market will feature returning favorites throughout the season:

Amherst Greenhouse, Arjay Gourmet Foods, Batter and Bowl, Bildsten Landscape, Bird’s Haven Farms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Branstool Orchards, Bridgman Farm, Carousel Watergardens Farm and Cathy’s Tasty Treats, Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brands, Dana Lee’s, Doran’s Family Farm, Eyestone Flower Farm, Flying J Farm, Honey Health Farm, Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Northridge Organic Farm, Pleiades Maple Products, Sue’s Kitchen, Sugar B Bakery, and Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Market Wednesday also welcomes limited engagement vendors Sugar Inc. and Ohio Farm Direct.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market celebrates the connection we make with friends and family over good food and drink with resident Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers and Tatjana Brown of Uptown Westerville wine shop, Meza. Each week, Chef John serves up samples of market fresh recipes featuring ingredients selected directly from the day’s market fare. Each week, Tatjana will suggest wine pairings to complement Chef John’s recipes. John enjoys talking with market patrons, and answering questions like, “That looks great, but what do I do with it?”

A trip to the market is a great way to enjoy a Wednesday afternoon in Uptown Westerville - market patrons can dine Uptown Westerville for lunch, browse, visit, and shop Uptown Westerville throughout the afternoon, and then stop by the market to pick up farm-fresh ingredients to take home for dinner.

Each Market Wednesday visit is a personal experience - market patrons not only have the opportunity to meet friends, create traditions, and enjoy a family outing, but to also connect directly with the people who grow or make their market selections.

During the 2011 season, the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market will also host special appearances from Westerville community partners including Westerville Public Library and the Westerville Police Division.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and Westerville Area Resource Ministry are teaming up, for the fourth year, for the WARM Fresh Green Program so farm fresh, healthy foods can be available to everyone in the Westerville City school district. Fresh Green participants receive vouchers from WARM to purchase fresh produce, meats, poultry, eggs, artisan foods, and fruit-bearing plants. In 2010, market vendors honored $2,975 in Fresh Green vouchers.

The 2011 Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market Vendors:

Amherst Greenhouse, Ada, Ohio: Adin and Mary Horst will be at the market starting late summer with their beautiful potted chrysanthemums.

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Columbus, Ohio: starting May 11th, Rohini Mulchandani will be at the market with her delicious chutneys, garam masala, and baked goods.

Batter and Bowl, Columbus, Ohio: Sara Yates will bring her fresh-baked cookies, protein bars, brownies, no bakes, and bars throughout the market season.

Bildsten Landscape, Columbus, Ohio: Like the hanging baskets you see in Uptown Westerville throughout the summer months? They come from Bildsten Landscape. Mark and Karen will be at the market during May and June with hanging flower baskets, annuals, and potted herbs.

Bird’s Haven Farms, Granville, Ohio: The Bird Family will be bringing their seasonal market produce that includes everything from lettuce to garlic to sweet potatoes along with flowers and fall favorites like pumpkins and Indian corn.

Blue Jacket Dairy, Bellefontaine, Ohio: Jim and Angel King’s hand-made, farmstead cheeses include fresh mozzarella, cheddar curds, quark, chevre, and market favorite, Gretna Grillin’ cheese.

Branstool Orchards, Utica, Ohio: Marshall Branstool will be bringing orchard-fresh sweet cherries, peaches, and apples beginning late June.

Bridgman Farm, Washington Court House, Ohio: Mary Bridgman brings her produce to market that includes a beautiful assortment of cherry and heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil.

Carousel Watergardens Farm and Cathy’s Tasty Treats, Marion, Ohio: Mark and Cathy Krist will bring a selection of fresh produce, pantry fare, fresh hot peppers, vegetable plants, and fresh eggs and poultry to the market.

Dana Lee’s, Pataskala, Ohio: Dana Landrum features a selection of fresh-baked savory and sweet crackers, breads, rolls, coffee breads, scones, muffins, and dog biscuits.

Doran’s Family Farm, New Albany, Ohio: Michelle and Jim’s produce is a popular market stop throughout the season featuring a broad selection of vegetables, melons, tomatoes, and seasonal favorite, sweet corn.

Eyestone Flower Farm, Bloomville, Ohio: Chris and Andrea Schimpf grow beautiful, organic blooms that include gladiolas, sunflowers, lilies, and tulips.

Flying J Farm, Johnstown, Ohio: Dick Jensen features a selection of grass-fed beef cuts, organic vegetables, freshly-milled wheat and spelt flour, and maple syrup.

Honey Health Farms, Marysville, Ohio: Dale Benedict brings his raw honey, bee pollen, and honey products to market throughout the season.

Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Jeromesville, Ohio: Mike Dippold will be bringing fresh, chemical-free peaches and apples to the market. We should see Mike with his first truckload of peaches sometime in July.

Northridge Organic Farm, Johnstown, Ohio: Mike and Laura Laughlin bring a selection of lamb, fresh basil and seasonal organic vegetables that include broccoli, sweet potatoes, radishes, peppers, eggplant, and heirloom tomatoes.

Ohio Farm Direct, Fredericktown, Ohio: Doug Daniels brings cheese and drinkable yogurt made from milk from his organic, grass-fed herd and also features nitrate-free trail bologna, beef sticks, and summer sausage.

Pleiades Maple Products, Mt. Gilead, Ohio: Eddie Lou Meimer will be bringing her award winning maple products to market throughout the season that include maple syrup, maple sugar, barbecue sauce, vinaigrette dressing, and kid-favorite maple leaf suckers.

Sue’s Kitchen, Pataskala, Ohio: Sue Renner bakes pies! Sue will be bringing a selection of fresh baked-goods that include family recipe cookies, coffee breads, and pie.

Sugar B Bakery, Galena, Ohio: Angela Bowman makes daily bread a special event. Sugar B features loaf breads, bagels, scones, and flatbreads.

Sugar Inc., Columbus, Ohio: Ava Misseldine creates cupcakes that feature sweet and savory flavor combinations and blended teas with tea leaves from her family’s tea plantation in Hawaii.

Sweet Thing Gourmet, Bexley, Ohio: Mark and Kyla Touris feature a selection of delicious home-made jams and biscottis.

Prior to market open, the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market continues its tradition of inviting the Franklin County Auditor’s Office of Weights and Measures to come to market to check and certify vendor scales and answer any vendor questions.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a fluid community. Market vendor weekly appearances may vary. Produce and product availability may vary throughout the season.

In-lot and on-street free parking is available near the market and throughout Uptown Westerville. There is bike-friendly parking in Rotary Park at the southeast corner of N. State and E. Home Streets.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is Ohio Proud.

For more information on the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market email: info@marketwednesday.com, market website: http://www.marketwednesday.com/. and the Farmers' Market blog: http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/.

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Now in its 6th season, the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market offers a selection of home-grown, home-made, all Ohio farm-fresh produce and artisan foods. Market Wednesdays run May through October from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home Streets in Uptown Westerville. Market produce is certified-organic, chemical-free, and conventionally grown. A great place to live, shop, work, eat, meet and play, the Uptown Westerville neighborhood is the home of city government, and features an eclectic mix of residences dating back to the 1800s, tree-lined brick streets, Otterbein University, activities, traditions, culture, business, and commerce. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a fluid community. Market vendor weekly appearances may vary. Produce and product availability may vary throughout the season. Market Wednesday takes place rain or shine. For additional information about the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market, contact Market Wednesday manager, Linda Foor: 614.352.1144, ljfoor@earthlink.net.


Web information:

http://www.marketwednesday.com/

http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/marketwednesday

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uptown-Westerville-Farmers-Market/201039956602962

info@marketwednesday.com

Market address for online mapping and GPS directions: 74 N. State St. (Church of the Messiah’s The Gathering Place, next door to the market).

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: The Market Wednesday 2011 Vendor Directory

The Market Wednesday 2011 Vendor Directory is now online.

Here's the basic 411 for the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 2011 Roster...

▪ Amherst Greenhouse Harrod, Ohio

Adin and Mary Horst will bring their beautiful potted mums to market starting late summer.

▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods Columbus, Ohio

Rohini Mulchandani will start her season on May 11th.  We look forward to another season flavored by Rohini's chutneys, delish baked goods, and garam masala.

▪ Batter & Bowl Worthington, Ohio

What cut-out cookie will kick-off the season?  We can't wait to see! Sara Yates brings her delicious baked goods including Mexican Brownies, Key Lime Bars, Macaroons, No Bakes and, the market favorite, Protein Bars!

▪ Bildsten Landscape Columbus, Ohio

Mark and Karen grow beautiful flowers and their hanging baskets are beyond compare.  Like the hanging baskets in Uptown Westerville in the summer?  They come from Bildsten Landscape. Bildstens will be at the market through late June. 

A hanging basket from Bildsten Landscape makes a great Mother's Day gift!

▪ Bird's Haven Farms Granville, Ohio

Beautiful produce from the Bird Family from beans to greens to tomatillos to potatoes. 

▪ Blue Jacket Dairy Bellefontaine, Ohio

Delicious farmstead cheeses, from Angel and Jim King, made from cow's milk from Blue Jacket Dairy and goat's milk from an Amish farm.  Stop by to visit Blue Jacket's own Julie George and sample the market favorite Gretna Grillin' cheese!

▪ Branstool Orchards Utica, Ohio

We're just going to say three things: 1. Sweet Cherries, 2. Peaches, and 3. Apples.

We should see cherries from the Branstool Family in mid to late June.

▪ Bridgman Farm Washington Court House, Ohio

Mary Bridgman is bringing fresh basil and a selection of veggies to market, including a selection of cherry tomatoes that are out of this world!

▪ Carousel Watergardens Farm & Cathy's Tasty Treats Marion, Ohio

All natural, hormone and antibiotic free chicken, turkey, and brown eggs along with a selection of produce (what a hot pepper selection in late summer) and pantry items that include rubs, dry herbs, mixes, and preserves.

Mark and Cathy Krist always start the season with a great selection of vegetable and bedding plants to help you get a head start on this year's garden.

▪ Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Columbus, Ohio

Author, enthusiast, and innovator Chuck Evans knows hot sauce! Chuck's salsas, sauces, and rubs are flavorful and perfect for summer eating.  Montezuma's tortilla chips are the perfect accompaniment for Chuck's salsa selection. Serve up Chuck's red, white, and blue chips on the 4th!

Chuck will be at the market starting late June through late August.

▪ Cowtown Candies Pataskala, Ohio

Turtles... fudge... buckeyes... barks.... caramel apples.....

We'll see Bee Katz after the summer heat in the fall. Can't wait!

▪ Dana Lee's Pataskala, Ohio

Dana Landrum makes amazing sweet and savory baked goods including breads, crackers, and scones.

▪ Doran's Family Farm New Albany, Ohio

Asparagus to sweet corn to tomatoes to pumpkins - Michelle and Jim Doran bring an amazing bounty of fresh-picked produce to market each week.

▪ Eyestone Flower Farm Bloomville, Ohio (of course!)

Chris and Andrea Schimpf supply beautiful organic sunflowers, lilies, glads, and zinnias.  So fresh and real, Chris' gets regular visits from butterflies and bees!

Look for Chris in mid-summer as blossoms begin to open.

▪ Flying J Farm Johnstown, Ohio

Dick Jensen features organic grass-fed beef, produce, and farm-milled flours.

▪ Honey Health Farms Marysville, Ohio

Dale Benedict is passionately a honey farmer.  Dale features raw honey, bee pollen, comb honey, and honey-based personal care products.

▪ Malabar Peach & Apple Orchard  Jeromesville, Ohio

Mike Dippold raises and sells chemical free and fresh-from-the-tree, full of flavor peaches and apples.  Buy just one peach or apple or in quantity.

Look for Mike in mid-July with the first of the season's peaches.

▪ Northridge Organic Farm Johnstown, Ohio

Mike and Laura Laughlin feature lamb and a selection of organic produce throughout the season from asparagus to sweet potatoes.

▪ Ohio Farm Direct Fredericktown, Ohio

A new limited engagement vendor. Doug Daniels' farm has been in his family since 1835.  Doug features cheeses and drinkable yogurt made with the organic milk from his grass-fed dairy cattle.  Doug also features nitrate-free trail bologna, beef sticks, and summer sausage.

Doug will be at the market May through the last week of June and then mid-August through the end of the season.

▪ Pleiades Maple Products Mt. Gilead, Ohio

Eddie Lou Meimer's farm was established by her grandfather in the 1800s.  He named his dairy farm Pleiades to honor his seven daughters. Now, Pleiades Farm features Ohio maple syrup and maple products.  Kids love to stop by Pleiades for maple sugar lollipops!

Eddie Lou tells us this has been an off-the-charts record year for maple syrup production.

▪ Sue's Kitchen Pataskala, Ohio

Always time for pie! Well, here's a market insider tip - if you want pie from Sue's kitchen, let Sue Renner know ahead of time or be at the market by 3 p.m. open!  Sue also features a selection of cookie stacks in favorite home-made varieties like peanut butter, chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, and oatmeal.  Sue also features a special coffee bread each week.

▪ Sugar B Bakery Galena, Ohio

Angela Bowman bakes delicious, beautiful loaf breads, scones, bagels, flat breads, and gluten free goods.  A great place to make daily bread a special occasion.

▪ Sugar Inc. Cupcake and Tea Salon Columbus, Ohio

A new limited engagement vendor.  Ava Misseldine bakes beautiful, delicious sweet and savory cupcakes.  Ava also creates blended teas with leaves from her family's tea plantation in Hawaii.

Ava will be at the market May through the last week of June and then mid-August through the end of the season.

▪ Sweet Thing Gourmet Bexley, Ohio

Mark and Kyla Touris feature some of the most uncommon and delicious jams you'll ever taste, with flavors like vanilla pear, cherry cognac, and hot pepper peach.  And, Kyla's fresh-baked biscottis add a great, indulgent kick to a coffee break.  Buy biscotti by the bag or just one.

▪ Two Caterers, Columbus, Ohio

Chef John Skaggs returns to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, creating delicious recipes made with ingredients straight out of the market.  This year, Tatjana Brown, owner of Uptown Westerville's Meza, will also suggest wine pairings for Chef John's market fare recipes.

"That looks great, but what do I do with it?" Chef John is there, also, to answer any questions you may have about market fare, cooking, serving suggestions, or recipes.

Tidbits and details:

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a fluid community. Market vendor weekly appearances may vary. Produce and product availability may vary throughout the season. The market takes place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, such as lightning, the market will suspend activity.

Most vendors offer samples - feel free to taste.  Kids, actually, are the bravest and most enthusiastic tasters!  If you have a question for a vendor, don't hesitate to ask - they are happy to speak with you!

All market meats are processed per State of Ohio standards and are frozen.  Cheese and eggs are refrigerated.  Something to keep in mind if you want to bring along a "stay cold bag" or cooler.

Market hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is no customer service before 3 p.m.  The market closes at 6 p.m. and we understand some folks are still making their way home from work and activities. First, our produce vendors are all coming from active, working farms and some farmers are driving an hour to two hours to Westerville - these folks need to get back home to tend to their farms.  And, we've tested a 7 p.m. close twice and, frankly, there was very little customer activity and limited selection due to earlier market activity. The 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. market hours are the hours responsive to customer traffic and interest. If you are pressed for time, ask your favorite market vendor about calling ahead or ordering ahead.

We look forward to a bountiful 2011 market season.

Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 4th through October 26th.  North State and East Home Streets.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Just Socializing

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is now on facebook!

Like Us! Click here to visit our brand spankin' new facebook page.

Follow us on twitter - marketwednesday!  The voice of the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

We encourage and appreciate retweeting!

Click here to check out marketwednesday on twitter.

We're taking advantage of a new blogger gadget - the email option. You can keep track of Market Wednesday blog posts more conveniently - just scroll down the right column and look for Follow Market Wednesday by eMail. We appreciate you continuing interest in the "market blog.''

Also, along the blog's right column, you can also sign up for RSS feeds and bookmark and share the Market Wednesday blog with other social media sites like DIGG, facebook, and twitter through our AddThis social bookmarking link.

Make www.marketwednesday.com a part of you favorites file! Our website features important links, recipes, and our 2011 Uptown Westerville Farmers Market Vendor Directory.

Thanks for your continuing interest!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Fond Remembrance

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning. ~Lydia M. Child

As we look forward to our sixth season, we would like to take a moment to fondly remember one of our original vendors, Cliff Nishimura of Zenjiro Gardens of Athens.  Cliff passed away this past January. Cliff was an artist, veteran, father, and gardener who grew beautiful flowers, with a special touch for zinnias.

Back in 2006, Cliff supported the UWFM when the market was made up of a handful of vendors and just getting started.  Cliff even gave us our first "Farmers' Market Today" banner. We spoke with him in 2010 and thought we'd see Cliff and his beautiful flowers each Market Wednesday and, alas, Cliff decided on Upper Arlington's Wednesday market.

Cliff will always be a part of our market and we are all the better for knowing him.

With heartfelt care, respect, and gratitude, we say farewell and thank you to Cliff Nishimura, 1951 - 2011.


Photo courtesy of examiner.com Columbus.