Farmers’ Markets Really Make Our Kitchens Special! 🥦🥕

Week after week, as I write this newsletter, I am (lovingly) reminded of how fortunate we are to have this space. And many of you who read this newsletter, were instrumental in making this, our weekly farmers’ market finally restart. What a journey! Remember that? So again, “thank you”. 💜

So obviously, most of us can understand the value in supporting community farmers’ markets – nothing new there. But this week, an amazing podcast that was shared with me, by another dedicated market-goer, really drove that home. Thanks for that, Alissa! “Your Mama’s Kitchen” re-emphasizes the importance of community farmers’ markets to our household/family kitchens. I mean how could one not be inspired by that, right? Not to mention, it features Bryant Terry, vegan chef, and community food justice activist. Definitely worth the 35-minute “investment” I’d say! 

Amazing garlic and shallots from Nith Valley Organics. 

But to be clear, I really can’t, and wouldn’t dare, try to summarize the essence of Bryant Terry’s message here. But perhaps I can share one of my key take-aways from the podcast. Listening to it, truly brought me back to my own “mama’s kitchen”, as a little girl. A place where so many values were instilled in me – around hard work, around the appreciation of food and where it comes from, around compassion, combined with patience, and of course, nutrition. (Like many of you market shoppers), my mother was definitely one who advocated for slow food over fast food. 

Delicious pakoras from Magic Oven – yum! 

Community farmers’ markets are essential to our kitchens, as they amplify each and every one of those values – and still many more! The joy of bringing fresh food home – along with nourishing our families (and ourselves), with food we can trust. Moreover, communities being connected with hard-working farmers, (and many other vendors), who are focused around sustainability, accessibility, and a love for good food, is happening “in real time”, every single week! This is a massive conversation, absolutely. But each time you come to the market, sharing even a tiny piece of your Thursday afternoon, know that you are amplifying that conversation. So thank you! 🙂

And if you are interested in hearing the full (podcast), click HERE.

And if podcasts really aren’t your thing, then how about joining me in a “HIP, HIP, HOORAY” to farmers? 🥳 🎉🎉Yay!

At This Week’s Market..

Exciting news coming from Nith Valley Organics! As mentioned last week, Forbes Wild Foods will be away this Thursday. But fear not – Nathan will look after your maple syrup needs for this week! From Aleta (Nathan’s wife): “The sap is running well so we have a good amount already bottled!” Their son David (pictured), was clearly instrumental to the entire process – so adorable. Thanks David, we appreciate it! 💜

And for your honey needs, please remember that Green Florin returns this week, and will have you covered! This is in addition to Vasile’s full selection of nuts, seeds, oils and dried fruit – yum!

And more great news! Rogers Ranch will finally be back at the market. Dave regrets having missed the last two markets, but is happy to be returning with his full selection of grass-fed beef, and pork.

And finally, this Thursday will be BitterBetter’s last market at Dufferin, (until the outdoor season.) They will be travelling for the next few months – so be sure to stock up! And as a “customer appreciation” to Dufferin Grove, they are offering a “Buy 3 Get 1 Free”, on their

top seller – the Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat (HTB) pasta noodles. Once again, (about the noodles): “In addition to being organic, grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan, they only have three ingredients: 99% HTB flour, 1% Konjac flour, and water. HTB is a true superfood with polyphenols, protein, and antioxidants.” And in addition, BitterBetter is also offering a “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” on their HTB Black Tea – lots of samples for you to try as well!

LIST OF VENDORS for February 29th:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Hammerhead Fish
• Rogers Ranch
• Green Florin
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Magic Oven
• Kalmplex Snax
• BitterBetter

And finally, a big thanks to Peter and Ana! They were our musical accompaniment last week, and boy were they incredible! This was actually our first time having musicians in the (“new and improved”) clubhouse – and the vibe was just magical. Peter and Ana also want to thank the Dufferin Grove community for the warm reception they received – and can’t wait to return! 🎶

Hooray for Thursdays! 🤸🏿‍♂️

-Nicole

(*in the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park – every Thursday. 3-7pm)

Gorgeous Challah from Johnson Family Bakery. 🙌