All Over Albany

Shopping the farmers' markets

One of the best things about weekends in the Capital Region is shopping the farmers' markets.

This week you can get a few strawberries-- but only if you show up early. There's also a little bit of asparagus left thanks to cooler temperatures. But again, if you want it, get there early.

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:
Strawberries, radishes, Greens, both cooking and salad. Also flower and herb plants ready to be transplanted.

Also expect:
Beekeeper Lloyd Spear will have honey, honey spreads with raspberries, cranberries pecans or cinnamon. Teh'll also have 100% beeswax candles.

Other fun stuff:
Prepared food from Thunder Mountain Curry.
Live music from Pine Hills Stringband
Seasonal cooking demonstration from chef Larry of Tosca Grill
RCHS walking tour of Troy from 10:30-11:30 starts at the market. This week's tour focuses on the evolution of the city from the late 18th to early 20th Century.

Saratoga Farmers' Market
High Rock Park (map)
Saturday 9AM - 1PM
Also Wednesday from 3-6

In season now:
scallions, lettuces, spinach, parsnips, mushrooms, variety of sprouts, beautiful radishes in abundance this week. The cooler temps have slowed down the strawberry crop and extended the asparagus season at Saratoga Apple. Flowers, perennials, annuals and vegetable plants are looking great.

Also Expect:
Cold storage items are dwindling with onions and carrots are all but gone until the new crop comes up. Staples of maple syrup, honey, baked goods, potatoes, meats and wines are all available.

Albany Farmers Market
Saturday from 9AM- 1PM
339 Central Avenue, Albany
Linda Norris Auditorium Lot (map)

In season now:
Barber's Farm will have four varieties of lettuce, a beautiful gourmet green leaf, gourmet red leaf, crisp romaine, and tender Boston heads. They will also have fresh chard; the colorful "Bright lights" var. featuring stems of red, orange, yellow and green, tender red radishes, and small, sweet white salad turnips which are wonderful for roasting as well as used raw for a welcome "crunch" in a fresh spring salad. They will also offer beautiful large leaf spinach and maybe the first of our edible pod peas; var. "Sugar Anne." Plant-wise they still have healthy tomato plants to choose from including 6 varieties of heirlooms for your garden as well as peppers (hots, bell and frying types,) and more, and lots of flowering bedding plants, perennial and annual herb plants and more of our 12" hanging basket combinations.


Bowman Orchards will offer a variety of apples, and what could be the last of the asparagus. They're also bringing tender sweet strawberries, perfectly ripe. You'll be tempted to finish them off before you even get home, so buy extra.

Little Seed offers the very best in organic greens including a spicy mesclun mix, kale, and chard.

Also expect:
Saratoga Apple will have Honeycrisp, Gala, and McIntosh apples fresh from cold storage, delicately flavored applesauce, cider, asparagus, and dried apples, which make a great addition to your morning cereal or yogurt.

Adirondack Fudge will be back with a variety of fudge including maple and peanut butter, and quirkier varieties like orange and mint.

Ledge Rock Farms will have 100% grass-fed Angus beef, in range of cuts from Porterhouse to Top Sirloin. They also have freshly-ground hamburger, steaks and stew pieces, making Ledge Rock your a sure-fire choice for a successful barbeque.

Other fun stuff:
Kids' Ecology program at 10am --Holistic Health Counselor Tamara Flanders teach kids to make healthy snacks with food from the market.
Music from Coli, BBQ from Capital Q and handmade jewelry by Gemmesduterre

SUNDAY MARKETS:

Schenectady Greenmarket
Around Schenectady City Hall (map)
Sunday 10am-2pm

In season now:
From : Abbey Farms, Buhrmaster Family Farm, Cornell Farm, Four Wheel Farm, Free Bird Farm, Full Quiver Farm, Native Flower Farm, Maynard Farms, Migliorelli Farm, Shushan Valley Hydro Farms, Windy Willow Farm


Many varieties of lettuce (including gourmet read and green leaf, crisp romaine, buttercrunch and tender Boston) mixed greens, colorful Bright Lights chard, radishes, turnips (delicious roasted), large leaf spinach, edible-pod peas, asparagus (probably the last of the season), no-pesticide hydroponic tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, cilantro, mint, arugula, basil, dill--and other various herbs

Lots of beautiful bedding and vegetable and herb plants--six varieties of heirloom tomatoes and several pepper varieties. Don't miss the spectacular hanging baskets and cut flowers.

Windy Willow may have...strawberries!

Coopers Ark Farm has fresh pullet, medium, large and extra-large eggs (flax added to the feed), fresh duck eggs and whole fresh pastured chicken.

Also expect:

The sun will be shining this Sunday! Check out Olivia Royale's one-of-a-kind crocheted hats. They are perfect for market day, picnics and special events.

Other fun stuff:
Music from Running the River

Freshly-prepared food from the Red Barn and Bollywood Masala.
Community Table: Animal Protective Foundation of Scotia

See Molly at Cooper's Ark Farm for discount coupons for education farm tours. Cooper's Ark Farm is completely handicap accessible and specializes in tours for kids and families.