Two Seasons In One – Hello Summer! 🤸🏿‍♂️

written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager

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

*full vendor list here.

Yes folks, it’s true – two seasons in one! Depending on what time you arrive at the market this Thursday, it will either be your last market of spring, or your first of the summer. And if you come early, and “stay a while”, you’ll get to enjoy both – at the same farmer’s market! What better way to spend the longest day of the year?

Summer officially starts this Thursday (June 20th), at 4:50pm. Farewell spring – but thanks for the memories! 

(The fresh garlic in the feature photo is from Reyes Farms.)

But wait, there’s more! Right now it’s also “Pollinator Week” in Canada! (June 17-23, 2024.) 

If you’re unfamiliar with this:

“Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. Under the inspiring theme “Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture.” (For more info, click here.)

Ranunculus flowers and white radish – both from Aldergrove Farm.

Delicious organic strawberries from Kooner Farms.

At the Dufferin Grove Market (for Pollinator Week..)

Caring and dedicated community member, Skylar, will be setting up an information table (at this Thursday’s market), all dedicated to Pollinator Week – a great opportunity for kids to learn more about this as well!

From Skylar:

“We will have two pollinator information coloring sheets for families/children, and free sunflower seedlings and mint in small pots to give away. As well as a signup sheet for Garden Co-op volunteers.” For more information: skylarhilljackson@gmail.com.

“Green goodness” from Knuckle Down Farm – back at the market this week! 

They’re back! Yes folks – “Repair Cafe”, finally makes a return to the market this week, (3-6pm only). For those unfamiliar, RC repairs various household items, (free of charge!) But donations are gladly accepted. However, they have had to make some adjustments, (when doing repairs in the park.)  So please just be aware of the following: 

“Back to the park, our capacity is more limited and targeted. Just one item per person. We know we’ll have an on-site fixer for clothing (Julie), and small appliances-home electronics (Paul) – but aren’t aware of any other skill sets participating.” (For more info: info@repaircafetoronto.ca.)

Their other dates at Dufferin this season:

-July 18

-August 15

-September 19

New Vendor This Week!

A new popsicle vendor will be at this week’s market for a pop-up! So please get ready to welcome “Sopsicles Toronto”! And not to worry – Jiggy Popz will be back next week!

About Sopsicles:

“Sopsicles is a student-run company specializing in paletas – Mexican fruit popsicles. We proudly emphasize a higher fruit content than any competing popsicle company (over 90%) – and unique flavours including Honeydew Passionfruit, Pineapple Basil, Strawberry Kiwi, Watermelon Mint, Mango Orange Papaya, Soursop, Piña Colada and more.”

Other Vendor News..

Both Monforte Dairy and Rogers Ranch will be at the market this week! They regret having to miss last week, and are each excited to return.

Our bi-weekly returning vendors this week, are: Maizal Toronto, Green Florin, and Pine & Ginga Juice.

Scroll for the full vendor list, or click here.

Delicious empanadas from Tapioca Toronto.

Veggie Spotlight..

Edible Lotus flowers – just beautiful! I only recently learned about adding these to my diet, even though some cultures have been consuming these for thousands of years. 

At the market this week, you can pick these up from the Aldergrove Farm stall, They are ok to raw, but are also quite tasty when lightly fried or steamed. As Fraser, (of Aldergrove) describes, the taste is often described as nutty, and mildly sweet. Ok, have fun!

Blood Brothers is back at the market this week – with several of their amazing varieties to choose from!

Hooray for momos! Happy market customers enjoyed these tasty dumplings last week. So great to have them back at the market. TC Tibetan Momos returns to the market on June 27th, (on a bi-weekly basis.

Highlight From Last Week..

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, attendees and to those who brought clothing donations. Last week’s clothing swap was a huge success – as was the sing-along! Special thanks to Sarah and Nat, for all of their organizing and ongoing support.

Happy Pollinator Week, and Happy Summer! xo

-Nicole

*Market operates every Thursday, 3-7pm – in Dufferin Grove Park (at the north-end) 

VENDORS _ June 20, 2024

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Reyes Farms
• Noki Farms
• Urban Harvest 
• Knuckle Down Farm
• Aldergrove Farm
• Kooner Farm 

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Rogers Ranch
• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley (lamb & chicken)
• Monforte Dairy

Eggs:

• Rogers Ranch
• Nith Valley Organics
• Kooner Farm

Bakeries:

• Johnson Family Bakery 
• Robinson Bread

Prepared Foods:

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

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Sopsicles Toronto – new
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kamplex Snax
• Green Florin
• Maizal Tortilleria
• Pine & Ginga Juice

Cidery/Brewery:

• Heartwood Farm & Cidery
• Blood Brothers Brewing

Special Event:

• Repair Cafe! 🔨 

Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine.- a great dinner option. 🙌