Summer produce is nearing its peak.
At the Bradford Farmers’ Market, Springh Farms is offering red and golden beets, cauliflower, and leafy lettuce crops that include Red Leaf, Iceberg, Boston, Green leaf, Romaine and Oak Leaf, kale and dandelion greens.
At Lakeview Gardens, local cucumbers – English, Mini, Pickling – and an array of hot peppers are being added to the usual selection, that includes heritage tomatoes, fresh herbs and much more.
New this past week: Ontario berries, peaches, and fresh sweet corn.
It’s all about food, all about local, all about getting to know producers that include the Cold Creek Stock Co., Say Cheese! Artisanal cheeses, European Meats, Homestead Eggs, Innisfil Creek Honey, Everything Maple & More.
Even the ready-made food stands “buy local” – sourcing the market for their ingredients. Paula’s Country Kitchen buys tomatoes and lettuce fresh each week, for the breakfast sandwiches and other treats cooked up by Paula Brand.
Brand says she was inspired by her mom. “My mom’s a cook,” she said, who taught her the basics. “And then, having kids…”
Now that the kids are teenagers, she has more time to follow her inclination, and is happy to serve up hearty country fare at the Market each week. Especially sandwiches, like peameal on a bun.
“I love peameal on a bun. When I go to a restaurant, I order peameal!” says Brand, as she served up a plate to her market customers.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the east parking lot at the Bradford Public Library, 425 Holland St. West. Coming up in August – Peach Festival, and visit from Elvis.
