Shopping the farmers' markets
One of the best things about weekends in the capital region is shopping the farmers' markets.
This week's bounty includes asparagus, arugula, salad greens, rhubarb, and radishes. Lots and lots of radishes.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll find this weekend at the farmers' markets in Troy, Schenectady and Saratoga.
Troy Farmers' Market
Riverfront Park (map)
Saturdays 9AM - 1PM
In season now:
Cirrus Gardens-- Baby Greens, lettuce, cut flowers, french breakfast radishes, easter egg radishes, white icicle radishes
Little Seed Garden - Greens, Assorted Sprouts, Red/Green Leaf/Romaine Lettuce, Mesclun Mix (spicy and mild) Arugula,Spinach, Baby Beat Greens
Also expect:
Wiltbank Farm has mushrooms: Pink Oyster, White Oyster, Shiitake, Dried/Fresh Herb Blends
Hicks Orchard has hard ciders, fruit wine, ice cider. Try samples on site.
Wells Maple Farm has maple syrup , candy, baked goods and maple cotton candy.
Pika's Farm Table has salsa, bushetta, pesto and quiche made with seasonal ingredients.
Other fun stuff:
Music from blues legend Tom Winslow
Cooking demonstration and tasting with Chef Larry Schepici of Tosca.
The Rensselaer County Historical Society is leading another history walk from 10:30 to 11:30. This one is focused on People (including the infamous Mame Faye) and architecture of the 19th and 20th century.
Saratoga Farmers' Market
High Rock Park (map)
Saturday 9AM - 1PM
Also Wednesday from 3-6
In season now:
asparagus, dandelion and other spring greens on hand, vegetable plants, herbs.
Also expect:
Argyle Cheese Factory -- wide array of cheeses as well and new yogurt drinks.
Other fun stuff:
Try samples of fresh green salads: asparagus, apple, bacon varities. Sampling will benefit the Shelters of Saratoga, this months market community benefactor.
Music by Tico and Colin.
Raffle tickets for a dinner by Mouzon House chef Dave Pedinotti. Tickets benefit Shelters of Saratoga (drawing held at the Wednesday market at 4:30 on May 20th) $1/chance.
Also, on the 20th, Susan Beebe of CCE Saratoga Master Gardner program, will be doing a container garden demonstration starting at 3:30pm.
Schenectady Greenmarket
Around Schenectady City Hall (map)
Sunday 10am-2pm
In Season:
From Abbey Farms, Buhrmaster Family Farm, Cornell Farm, Native Flower Farm, Maynard Farms, Migliorelli Farm, Underwood's Greenhouse and Windy Willow Farm --
asparagus, rhubarb, turnips (the pretty little white ones that are so delicious in salad), radishes, scallions,arugula, mache, watercress, chard, spinach, lettuce and other greens...
herbs.
Plants from Barber's Farm, Buhrmaster Family Farm, Cornell Farm, Native Flower Farm include: lettuce, vegetables and tomatoes, herbs, bedding plants, hanging baskets
Also expect:
Palatine Valley Dairy--the only cheddar cheese produced in NY
Dancing Ewe Farm--authentic Italian cheese from Washington County
Painted Goat Farm--artisanal goat cheese
Argyle Cheese Farmer--cheese, yogurt (including Greek style), cheesecake, smoothies, bakery good made from whey
All gone:
ramps
On the way out:
apples-- get 'em while you can.
Other fun Stuff:
Audra Muscatiello, a professional educator will lead kids activities.
Music by Trilogy
Prepared foods from the Red Barn and Bollywood Masala.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Question for someone that might know: Does the Cohoes farmers market still exist?
There's a website (http://www.cohoesfarmersmarket.com) but that doesn't seem to have been updated in over a year, so I'm curious if it just ended up being a failed experiment, or if they just have a lazy webmaster.
... said Slacker on May 15, 2009 at 1:35 PM | link
I dont' know about the Cohoes market, but there is a Menands market that is very nice and is now open both Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. It has really easy parking.
... said Amy on May 15, 2009 at 2:34 PM | link
Sorry, I meant to attach the Menands market's web page to my previous post:
http://www.capitaldistrictfarmersmarket.com/products.php
... said Amy on May 15, 2009 at 2:35 PM | link
I LOVE the Menands market. In fact, I think I've probably extolled its virtues numerous times to everyone I know, including AOA.
I tried going to the Cohoes winter farmers' market and found nothing, nada, zip, zero.
Can't wait until the Albany farmers' markets open...
... said jess on May 15, 2009 at 2:47 PM | link
If you want to take a beautiful drive down the east side of the Hudson River - with the final objective being the Stuyvesant Farmers Market, just head down 9J through Castleton, past the Schodack State Park, and continue south about five miles to Stuyvesant. The Farmers Market is set up on Friday afternoons from 4pm to 7pm, adjacent to the recently restored train station. As an added bonus, one evening a month is "Thai Night", with authentic Thai dishes served in the cozy foyer of the restored station. This market is a small, country gem and its worth the trip!
... said Jonathan on May 15, 2009 at 4:42 PM | link
To the best of my knowledge the Cohoes Market is still held every Friday evening. In the summer it is in the municipal lot that is across the street from the NY Wineseller store. I get a notice from the wine store of all their Friday evening events that are held in conjunction with the farmers' market.
In the winter, it is inside but I have never figured out exactly where. Ask in the wine store..they will know.
... said Bob F. on May 15, 2009 at 4:55 PM | link
Meant to add...Watervliet I believe still does a Tuesday afternoon/evening market at the waterfront park.
... said Bob F. on May 15, 2009 at 4:57 PM | link
Don't forget next week a new farmers market starts in Albany! Central Avenue (next to WAMC): http://www.centralbid.com/market/
... said Melissa on May 18, 2009 at 10:19 AM | link