News

Home Sweet Home! 🙌 Almost.. 

Posted on by Izak Hattori-Caspi
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30
May

written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager

Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, at 875 Dufferin St 

*full vendor list here.

Wow – last market of the month already? Seems quick, but alas, here we are! And what better way to spend the last Thursday afternoon of May? A beautiful park, in the heart of Toronto’s west-end – surrounded by amazing food, incredible vendors and a welcoming community. Yes, see you there. Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market – every Thursday, 3-7pm, in Dufferin Grove Park. And special thanks to Hayley! Amazing “market artist and volunteer”, (featured in the photo.)

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Fresh, organic leafy greens, and salad mixes, from Knuckle Down Farm – “Hiro & Friends” musical trio, played incredible music for us last week. xo

So why “Home Sweet Home”? Well incidentally, this Thursday is hopefully our last market “in the courtyard”, (to soon return to our longtime location, within the park.) But to be clear, the market will continue every week, either way – (just with a slight “re-location”.) 

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And while we are definitely looking forward to moving on, the courtyard space has also been a thrill in many ways. Especially seeing how (for four precious hours every week), we’re able to transform a little “back patio”, into a thriving community ecosystem of fresh, local food, combined with bustling social enchantment and joy. Overkill, maybe? Haha, perhaps – but it has been pretty special. 

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Good times! Jessica of Jiggy Popz, hanging with Kalmplex, of Kalmplex Snax. xo

Nonetheless, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s time. Time for all of that very uninviting fencing (on the north-west side of the park), to finally come down. And time for the market to reclaim its original home – going back to 2002. So if you were coming to the market between then and 2019, you may remember this incredible, magical scene. What times! 

Well starting next week, (June 6th), we should be back on that grass area again, (facing Dufferin Street.) But that’s not to say that there hasn’t been a lot of magic since then. Many of you have only joined us in recent years, but have really helped to keep the market going. Yes, Dufferin Grove Market’s customer community, is definitely multi-generational – it really makes us special. đź’ś

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Incredible strawberries, from Reyes Farms – fresh and delicious!

But all of that being said, please stay tuned. I will definitely communicate, where we will be (on June 6th.) Just know that (move or no move), the market will be happening either way. But if you do come to an “empty courtyard” on June 6th, do not be alarmed – you’ll see us “on the flipside”. Tee hee.

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Delicious chicken burritos, from Magic Oven.

This Thursday..

Lots to be excited about this week friends! 

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Algrove Farm joins our list of organic growers this week. Fraser (and crew) are excited to be back at Dufferin Grove – please give them a warm welcome!

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And FRESH CHEESE at the market again! At long last, Monforte Dairy returns to Dufferin Grove. Organic goat, sheep, and water buffalo dairy – so much to choose from! 

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And finally – something “for the grown-ups”! Yes folks, Heartwood Farm & Cidery joins the market this coming week. However, they also have delicious non-alcoholic varieties as well. Yippee!

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Super-talented, Rachel & Connie will be playing music this week at the market. 🤸🏿‍♂️

(Scroll for the full vendor list, or click here.)

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Incredible organic sauerkraut, from Plan B Organics.

Veggie Spotlight..

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Organic dandelion greens, from Nith Valley Organics.

I often find myself drinking these – (smoothies, juices, etc.) But whether liquid or solid, dandelion greens are super-packed with nutrients. Including being an immune system booster and an antioxidant provider, this veggie is packed with vitamins. Personally, I love that the flavour is mild and crisp – so they’re quite easy to consume raw. But if you find them bitter, soaking in cold water first, can usually help. But most commonly I found, (from random conversations with many of you), cooking them mildly, in a saute for example, is most preferred. But also – try them in your next omelet or sandwich – yum! And if you’ve never had, dandelion tea is also great for digestion. Ok, off you go!

Save The Date!

June 13, 2024! Two weeks from now, the market will once again, host a Clothing Swap, for (kids and babies.) – accompanied with a Sing-along!

INSERT POSTER HERE

The details:

-Thursday, June 13th, 2024

– Swap is from 3-5:30pm

– Circle Time starts at 5:15-5:45pm

-This is a FREE event

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Yummy Swedish Knots, from Johnson Family Bakery.

Thanks for reading – and see you Thursday. xo

-Nicole

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

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VENDORS _ May 30, 2024

Growers:

  • Plan B Organics
  • Nith Valley Organics
  • Reyes Farms
  • Noki Farms
  • Urban Harvest 
  • Knuckle Down Farm
  • Aldergrove Farm – new!

Meat & Fish:

  • Rogers Ranch (beef & pork)
  • First Fish
  • Monforte Dairy – new!
  • Nith Valley (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

  • Nith Valley Organics
  • Rogers Ranch

Bakeries:

  • Johnson Family Bakery 
  • Robinson Bread

Prepared Foods:

  • Magic Oven
  • Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
  • Tapioca Toronto 

Preserves & Specialty Items:

  • Forbes Wild Foods
  • Kamplex Snax
  • Jiggy Popz

Brewery/Cidery & Wine:

  • Heartwood Farm & Cidery – new!

Starting June 6th:

  • Kooner Farms 
  • Sundance Harvest
  • Blood Brothers Brewing