Alps Farmers Market Welcomes 2nd Season

Longing for tomatoes … and corn?

Not so fast.

Tomatoes are on their way, but not for another couple of weeks. That’s if you talk to Peter Rothenburg of Northfordy Farm. However, strolling down the aisle under the Branford Alps Farmers Market’s big yellow and white tent, you can find the coveted red globes at Medlyn Farm’s space – along with the last of the strawberries.

Branford farmer Jay Medlyn said at last week’s inaugural event, he sold 48 quarts of strawberries in 47 minutes.

The second season of the Branford Alps Farmers Market is underway. A couple dozen local farmers, crafts people and non-profits gather on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. on Alps Road (in the former Echlin parking lot) to sell their locally made goods. And, in the process, educate Branford consumers about just how active their community is.

There are lots of other goodies that can hold you over until the full bounty is harvested and available.

The Maguires Enter Year 2

Market Manager Martha Maguire, who with her husband, Walter, own the market and the property at 965 West Main St., said, like last year, a primary intention is to reach those on more limited incomes. A grant for $3,500 will enable the market to double SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars for fruits and vegetables up to $20 per week; $500 a week in wooden ​“coins” will go to the food pantry so folks can pick what they want rather than relying on leftovers.

Many of the veggies offered are not your typical supermarket varieties and these early summer offerings are a great way to experiment with new flavors while waiting for the more familiar corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. 

Northfordy Farm displayed some great selections.

Tokyo Bekana can be used as a substitute for salad greens or sautéed with ginger and soy sauce. Mizuna, a type of mustard green, can be used in stir fries or salads. Boc choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, can also be sautéed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

Garlic scapes are the flower bud of the garlic plant, nipped off the encourage growth. They taste like garlic and can be used the same way. Radishes, of course, are a salad staple.

If there’s something that piques your curiosity, just ask the vendors and search the ubiquitous Google for recipes.

Rothenburg of Northfordy was at the market for the second year. ​“It takes a while to build up the market,” he said, adding that traffic was ​“slow to medium.”

Pine Lake Mushrooms is new to the market this year and displayed a selection that would put the white garden-variety fungi to shame. 

Maguire said there are other new vendors such as Wave Hill Breads, which makes European-style, artisan breads and croissants. She said getting them was ​“a coup.”

She said Killam and Bessette Farmstead will also be participating. They sell chicken and eggs, berries, jams, and fruit sauces. She added that she’s trying to obtain a few more vendors in the ​“sweet section,” including one who makes dehydrated fruit.

Adding to the ​“sweets,” is a vendor who will sell cinnamon rolls, alternating space with Moon Rocks confections.

Savvy Tea Gourmet has also returned with its diverse selection of teas.

Another new vendor is the Spice and Tea Exchange of Guilford, which offers spice-laden blends and rubs for grilling meats.

True Love Farms once again offers its selection of humanely raised meats, including pork and chicken, as well as eggs. In fact, Maguire said she had purchased a pork roast and will rub it down with spices from the Spice and Tea Exchange and slow cook it this weekend.

The market also features vendors who feed the soul, offering a variety of personal care products. This week Sisters Wicked Good Soap displayed her fragrant offerings.

In the future, the market will feature Aiyana Essentials, Hipponotic candles (donating a portion of their proceeds to save hippos), Groovy Cats body products, and Mill Pond Essentials, which Maguire said, offers 85 products with food grade soap.

Like last year, musicians and food trucks offer a festive touch. Maguire listed several upcoming – David Goclowski (accordion), Hollywood Rock Stars, Tara and Bill (a father-daughter duo), the Imaginary Pick-Ups, RGB (soft rock), DJ Derek, and Laura Clapp.

A variety of food trucks will also be on hand including the Caseus Cheese Truck, Chief Brody’s Banh Ni Vietnamese sandwiches, and Frank Andrews’ Mobile Kitchen Pizza Truck later in the season. Maguire said she’s looking into obtaining others.

Maguire emphasized that so much comes in later in season. ​“There’s a lot that comes in late,” she said, ​“Squash, potatoes, cabbage…” She wants people to know that they can keep coming throughout the season.
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