Fun With Fungus! 🍄

written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager

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

*full vendor list here.

Just when I was certain that I knew “everything there is to know” about mushrooms, along comes these! Ok, so first, that was definitely a joke – my knowledge of mushrooms probably falls more under the “next to nothing” category. haha

“Hen of the Woods” mushrooms, from Forbes Wild Foods.

But hey – that’s also one of the best things about working in a farmers’ market. Going up to any vendor, and asking: “what’s that?” and “how should I cook/prepare it?” For a chatty individual like myself, what a treat! I encourage you to do the same – engage. 

Rodrigo of Plan B Organics, “up to his neck” in greens – looks about right. 🙂

Aside from the quality and freshness of the food itself, for consumers, it’s probably the biggest upside to shopping at a community farmers’ market. Access – to a “behind the scenes” look at your food, (in a way.) The second biggest upside, (after food quality and freshness), is of course, the emphasis on “community” – that means all of you. This is the magic that is the Dufferin Grove Market.

Ok, now back to fungus! So when I saw this “Indigo Milk Cap” (our feature photo), at the market last week, I immediately “had to know everything”! And Seth, (of Forbes Wild Foods), did not disappoint. From Seth:

“The Indigo Milk Caps aka “Lactarius Indigo”, are a very rare and choice mushroom, and are both a pleasure to look at, and to eat. The milk-cap mushrooms are known for their tendency to change color when cut, this variety stains itself a brilliant blue when ripped or cut. As with most mushrooms, a quick sauté in a medium heat pan with a little butter and/or oil, will bring out their best selves for the table. Due to their rarity you can usually be the first to introduce these lovely representatives of the fungi kingdom, to your lucky dinner guests.” Now off you go!

“Fun with Fungus” indeed – this family gets it! Posing with a lovely basket of gourmet mushrooms, from Noki Farms.

A massive arugula “bouquet” from Nature’s Way Organics – can you believe that this is just one, ($6) bunch? You may have to “re-distribute” some refrigerator space if you pick up one of these, but it’s definitely worth it! So flavourful. (Heads up – on September 19th, Nature’s Way will be away from the market.)

And with TIFF happening this week, why not pair your movie night with some of the incredible gourmet popcorn from Nature’s Way Organics? As (on their signage), they grow it, harvest it, and pop it. Also – it tastes amazing!

A Little Note of Thanks..

On August 29th, we had our first-ever, “Kitchen Swap” at the Dufferin Grove market. It was a great success, in which many of you, generously took part. And to let you know, every item donated was weighed, piece-by-piece. So thanks to the amazing community that we have, 114.7 pounds of kitchenware, was able to be kept out of landfills – well done Dufferin Grovers! (Another kitchen swap later this fall – stay tuned..)

And thanks once more, to Kawartha Broom Company, as they kindly donated some of their wonderful hand-made corn brooms (for raffle.) 🧹

Heirloom tomatoes (and much more), from Aldergrove Farm.

Vendor News..

Full vendor list here. 

So much happening this week, as we roll into the second market of Month! 

First up, we’ll have coffee again! Mr Macaw, who offers organic, fair-trade coffee, will be back at the market this week. 

Delicious tortilla chips and salsa (and much more), from Maizal Tortilleria, are also back at the market this week. Get your hands on some!

Casa Shrooms are also back this week – with their mushroom-based teas, dark chocolate, and vegan, mushroom pates. And the “fun with fungus” continues! 🤸🏿‍♂️

Pine & Ginga’s turmeric and ginger elixir – grab some this week!

And if you’ve been missing Heartwood Farm & Cidery being at the market, but would still like to enjoy some of their incredible products, now’s your chance! Due to staff shortages, they had to cut their market season a bit short this year, but are thrilled to be offering delivery! And with a $50 order (minimum), delivery is free of charge, to their Dufferin Grove customers. Use code “dufferingrove” at checkout.

And stay tuned – Heartwood is hoping to do a pop-up or two, (in-person at the market), before the season ends!

 Our remaining bi-weekly vendors this week: Urban Harvest, Crepe de la Crepe, and Green Florin. Full vendor list here.

“Community Board”..

Yes, we all know where the best place to be on Thursday afternoon is – and if you’ve been spreading the word, thank you! But here’s what else is happening (this weekend) in the community.

1– Friday Night Supper:

Have dinner with your community, this Friday September 13th, 2024, and support a market vendor, (Magic Oven.) Dinner is served from 6-7:30pm, and held here in the park, just outside the clubhouse building, (at 875 Dufferin St) – indoors if poor weather. (Pre-orders encouraged, but cash sales will always be accepted.) Hope to see you there!

MENU:

1) Vegan – $12: Tofu, w/mixed veggies – in Burmese Khao Suey sauce 

*sides: basmati rice and market green salad, w/ginger-tomato dressing

*all aspects are GF

2) Meat – $14: Chicken Breast w/sweet potato – in Burmese Khao Suey sauce

*sides: basmati rice and market green salad, w/ginger-tomato dressing

*all aspects are GF, dairy-free, and egg-free

*note: Khao Suey sauce is a mild coconut sauce with lemongrass, star anise, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon

3) Kid’s – $4: Naaza – (cheese pizza)

4) *new! DESSERT – $4: sweet peach and plum compote in flaky pastry

*contains gluten, diary and eggs

2– Havelock Street Fair:

Saturday, September 14th, 2024 – 9am – 9pm, (on Havelock St, from Lindsey Ave to Sylvan Ave) 

Lots events FREE events planned, but you’re also encouraged to *bring cash* for others. Donations are also welcome.

Some of “Saturday’s Lineup”:

1- Yard Sales (9am to noon)

2- Food table (10am to 5pm)

3- Kids Activities – free (10am to 4:30pm)

4- Potluck Dinner – free (5:30pm)

5- Kids’ Movie – free (7:30-9pm)

3– Wood Oven Usage – (located in the south-end of the park) 

Jutta Mason (of CELOS), has kindly laid out (in the Dufferin Grove Park Newsletter), “when and what”, is happening at the park oven. This is the oven located near the Cob, at the south-end of the park. Sadly, the main oven, at the north-end, is still in need of repairs. Jutta’s newsletter also gives a multitude of other community information, (each month). I’ve been reading it for over a decade, and have learned so much about this wonderful park we call Dufferin Grove.

But specifically about the park oven use, here goes – (straight from the September newsletter):

1) ”Make-Your-Own Pizza Day” – every Sunday in September, 12pm-2:30pm, (in Dufferin Grove Park) – cost: $4 – e-payment only, no cash.

2) Community Use: after 2:30pm on Sunday, (no cost) – a great time to fire-roast your Thursday farmers’ market veggies

3) “Slow Use” can be done on Monday or Tuesday: using the leftover oven warmth of the oven – ideal for drying Roma tomatoes, apples, and apricots – (again, part of “community use”, so no cost)

There you go friends – an awesome weekend awaits you! (Starting on Thursday of course. 😉)

Organic selections from Nith Valley Organics – and Nathan still has his delicious seedless green grapes! Can you spot them in the pic? 💜

Fresh trout from Fisherfolk – amazing on the grill, or seared in a pan. Just add some lemon, black pepper and a little sea salt – and of course, some fresh market veggies on the side, (yum!)

“Coming Soon”..

September 19th: Repair Cafe. Bring “what needs fixing”, or just come and watch them do their thing! Note: one item per customer, and they’re at the market only from 3-6pm. Repairs are free of charge, but donations are always welcome. For more information, info@repaircafetoronto.ca. 

September 26th: A Clothing Swap, (for kids and baby clothes). Bring something, take something – but one does not require the other. Or just come and enjoy the “sing-along with Nash” (at the end of the swap.) 

Always so nice having live music at the market. Elena (right), surprised us with a “guest guitarist” last week, and the two of them were just amazing! 🙌

Thanks for reading – and for supporting local. You’re making a difference..

– Nicole 

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

Tasty treats from Kalmplex Snax – dried fruit with a hint of cayenne pepper. 

VENDORS _ September 12th, 2024

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Reyes Farms
• Aldergrove Farm
• Noki Farms
• Kooner Farm 
• Sundance Harvest
• Knuckle Down Farm
• Nature’s Way Organics

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Rogers Ranch
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)
• Fisherfolk
• 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 
• Crepe de la Crepe T.O.

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• Jiggy Popz
• Green Florin
• Pine & Ginga 
• Maizal Tortilleria
• Urban Harvest
• Bitter Better
• Mr Macaw Coffee 
• Casa Shrooms – monthly

Cidery/Brewery/Distillery:

• Blood Brothers Brewing
• Laneway Distillery

Order “Heartwood” online: 

• Heartwood Cidery – online only

“Extras”:

• Musician – “Fat Quarter”!
• Face Painting by Isabel!
• Community Fridges

Wondering how you can get involved with the market? Volunteering is an excellent way! Students! Looking to fulfill your required hours (to graduate?) Contact: info@dufferingrovemarket.ca.