Shopping the farmers' markets
One of the best things about weekends in the Capital Region is shopping the farmers' markets.
This week you'll find the first strawberries of the season, plus beats and sugar snap peas.
On the way out: asparagus.
Here's more info on what to expect at markets in Troy, Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany.
SATURDAY MARKETS
Troy Farmers' Market

Riverfront Park (map)
Saturdays 9AM - 1PM
In season now:
The first strawberries of the season are expected this weekend.
Dennison Farm will have Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Mint and Sage, Mesclun, Baby Lettuce Mix
Spinach, Arugula, Braising Greens, Turnips, Radish, Bok Choi, Tat Soi, Beet Greens
Curly and Lacinato Kale, Greenleaf, Redleaf, and Boston lettuce, Broccoli Rabe, Fingerling Potatoes
Also expect:
The Placid Baker will have apple cider 7-grain bread, ciabiatta rolls, blueberry lemon cobbler and flourless chocolate torte.
Other fun stuff:
Kids activities by Honest weight food cooperative
Cooking demo with Chef Larry Scepici of Tosca
This weeks Rensselaer County Historical Society walking tour
focuses on Troy's Fire houses, police departments, church bells and this history of its public servants.
Saratoga Farmers' Market
High Rock Park (map)
Saturday 9AM - 1PM
Also Wednesday from 3-6
In season now:
Its the beginning of Strawberry Season for our vendors! Shop early as supplies will be limited. Expect ettuces, greens and spinach..
Also Expect:
M&A Farm will have fresh chicken
Eilhu Farm will be having stewing chickens.
Sweet Spring Farm just introduced a new goat bleu cheese.
Battenkill Creamery's ice cream is back.
Albany Farmers Market
Saturday from 9AM- 1PM
339 Central Avenue, Albany
Linda Norris Auditorium Lot (map)
Expect:
Argyle Cheese Farmer: Sun-dried tomato basil and other flavored cheeses, Greek yogurt
Bowman's Orchard: Cider donuts, fruit pastries, asparagus and pickled asparagus
Barber Farms: Artfully done hanging baskets in wide range of colors
Garden of Spices: Gourmet duck and goose liver pate, fresh poultry, blacksmith work
Saratoga Apple: McIntosh and Gala apples fresh from cold storage, rhubarb, cider
Kipp Hill Farm:Â Herbed goat cheese
Four-Wheel Farm: Unusual potted plants
Â
Other fun Stuff:
Gemmesduterre: Handmade jewelry
"Eat Like the Governor": The Governor's Chef Noah Sheetz for a cooking demonstration at 10:30am and enjoy the talents of a celebrated chef.
Kids' Ecology Program: Decorate your own flower pots at the Kids' Ecology tent
Music by Cavanaugh and Kavanaugh
Â
SUNDAY MARKETS:
Schenectady Greenmarket
Around Schenectady City Hall (map)
Sunday 10am-2pm
Fresh now:
From : Abbey Farms, Buhrmaster Family Farm, Cornell Farm, Native Flower Farm, Maynard Farms, Migliorelli Farm, Underwood's Greenhouse, Windy Willow Farm
beets, bok choy, mint, asparagus, rhubarb, turnips, scallions, arugula, mache
watercress, chard, spinach, lettuce and other greens, herbs
cut flowering plants--like peonies.
Also Expect:
Last week Wellington's Herbs and Spices started at the market. They sold out of their lemon-thyme cookies VERY early in the day. The owner, Xxxx, assures me they will be bringing more of everything on Sunday. But, If you want to be safe, you might plan on getting to the market early.
Other Fun Stuff:
Music:Â John Dermont, Johnny Chandler, Eric ErkkinenÂ
Your Local Expert--part of their Schenectady County Bicentennial Series: Beverley Cornelius works with reed, black ash, and sweet grass to form baskets in the Shaker and the Native American traditions.
Crafts and activities at The Children's Table
Freshly-prepared food from the Red Barn and Bollywood Masala.
Community Table: Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions
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Comments
I tried that pickled asparagus at the Albany farmers' market Saturday. No lie, it's one of the best things I've ever tasted.
... said jess on May 29, 2009 at 3:13 PM | link
Last week at the Albany market we got the most amazing asparagus! Fresh from one vendor, and pickled from another!
... said Melissa on May 29, 2009 at 3:17 PM | link
Next week is the opening for the Crossings Farmers Market in the Crossings Park in Colonie. They've almost doubled the size of the market, the governor's exec. chef, Noah Sheetz will ring the opening bell and the Humane Society will be holding a dog and cat clinic.
I'd recommend getting there early before all the strawberries are gone!
... said KellyM on May 29, 2009 at 8:53 PM | link
It would be neat if you could expand this weekly feature to include some of the smaller markets, like Menands and Waterford. :)
... said Derger on May 29, 2009 at 11:06 PM | link
The governor's executive chef is getting around next weekend...he is also to be at the Friday evening market opening in Cohoes. (On Remsen St. across from Harmony Marketplace)
... said Bob F. on May 30, 2009 at 9:22 AM | link
ALB has strawberry s, chard, turnips, broccoli,
Quick before its gone!!
... said MattW on May 30, 2009 at 9:59 AM | link
Here's the link to the Albany Farmer's Market Schedule.
http://www.centralbid.com/market/calendar.html
We arrived too late for strawberries, but got some great cheese and yogurt and my almost 3 y-o loved painting a flower pot to take home. I love the Troy market, but we rarely get ou there in time to really enjoy ourselves.
We are going to be regulars at the Albany market since it is so close to home and we can head to Washington park to eat whatever we score.
... said laura on May 30, 2009 at 11:05 PM | link