A New Spring Blooms! 🦋

written by Lillian Carcao
Communications Coordinator
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, 
INDOORS, at 875 Dufferin St 
*full vendor list here

Howdy Dufferin Grovers! It’s Lillian, writing this week’s newsletter. 
Ok, now as I’m sure you know, last week, we enjoyed our first market of spring – how exciting! But the coming of spring, also means that Women’s History Month is coming to a close. So, let’s take a moment, to highlight some of Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market’s amazing women! 😀

Flavoured lip balms from Urban Harvest – and they’ve got lots of other incredible skincare products too!

Given that we’re in the beginning of spring, when many start “planning their planting”, it felt very fitting to start with “the amazing” Colette Murphy of Urban Harvest. (pictured in our feature photo with her incredible guide, on how to grow food at home). And what’s more, the guide is a (further) reflection of “women supporting women”, as it was written by Collette’s friend, Lara Lucretia Mrosovsky!! We love that!  

When growing flowers this year, consider planting species that are either native to Ontario, or adored by our pollinators. Mother nature will thank you
 

But wait – that’s not all! Did you know that Colette is one of our earliest market vendors, going all the way back to the very early days of the Dufferin Grove Market? She’s also dedicated nearly thirty years of her life, to cultivating some of Ontario’s best organic seeds and seedlings.

Away this week, but please know that Urban Harvest is back on April 3rd.)
 

Rochelle, of Nith Valley Organics. Seen here, holding some of their spectacular cabbages – just packed with nutrients!


Next up, is Rochelle of Nith Valley Organics, who’s been helping out Nathan since earlier this year. With the amount of fantastic produce that is brought in to our market, by Nith Valley each week, Rochelle’s hard work has taken a huge weight off Nathan’s shoulders — which is especially great, since Nathan would much rather that ” shoulder weight” be that of his adorable son, David. 😂

Thanks Rochelle, you rock!

Incredible swiss chard – available every week from Nith Valley Organics.
 

The kind and noble Amanda, of Johnson Family Bakery – just as sweet as her many delicious baked desserts. Hailing from “the land of Leslieville”, Amanda treks her way to the market with her spirits high, and her trays of baked goods a-plentiful. Venture forth to her stall this week, and partake in the delights of her conversation, golden-crusted breads, and wonderful confectionery. 🍪🥖

And of course, a huge shoutout to the many women who work behind the scenes to make Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market possible!! Whether it’s Nicole, our Market Manager, the multi-tasking champ that organizes the whole market, or volunteers like Hayley Kingstone, who has taken photos for the market and does much of the more “techy” web and newsletter stuff (which you might not have realized she’s been part of).

The Dufferin Grove Market is run by a (majority) female staff, (including yours truly), all of whom work tirelessly to make sure our market is the best that it can be! Thank you everyone for supporting this dedicated and hard-working team.


A Poem for Spring!
Very fitting for last week’s “beginning of spring” market, our resident poet, Marc Nair, got a request for a spring-themed poem – which we’re bringing to you now!

(Transcription of Marc’s poem):

“Springtime Sojourn”
“There is a little hill of snow left in Campbell Park. The dogs race up and down, heedless that spring has arrived, time to shed the heavy coats and bask like lizards in the sun. Yet the hill persists like the scent of roses at a market, dusky and sensual, lingering like a lover’s touch, bringing a frisson of joy; now the year begins.”

This shot was taken moments before Estelle, of Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine, sold out of her “infamous” chow mien. Word of advice – if you are craving Estelle’s delicious flavours, you’ve gotta act quick as a cat! 😹

Organic green beans from Plan B Organics — amazing to see them already starting back up at the market! 🤩

Microgreens from Noki Farms. It’s the perfect salad for anyone in a rush since Nykole has it already prepped — just add your dressing and you’re good to go! Also great with eggs (or any other protein.)

Vendors News..
Full vendor list here.

Dento Dream Foods is back this week with their spicy chili oils and Kimchi (vegan and non-vegan!) Come support this Queer, POC-owned business and see if you can handle the heat of their hottest items. 🥵😇

Also returning this week is Alma Bakery! Reza will be back once again, with his delicious dips, including hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, and flatbreads – feel free to stock up!

The fact that it snowed this week, and that it’s forecasted to snow again later this week, made me really crave a good soup. And you can never go wrong with one of Fisherfolk’s delicious chowders — their Butternut Mushroom Chowder is a real “pick-me-up” on a cold day 🌨️

Delicious hot chocolate from ChocoSol – another great answer for a cold day. Have you tried a cup yet?👀

Full vendor list.


“Green Eggs And…”
With St. Patrick’s Day passing last week, we noticed a lot more green at last week’s market. Sure, at a farmers market, you should always find amazing organic greens – like those seen from Nith Valley Organics, Plan B Organics, and Noki Farms. But when our other vendors tap into that “green scene”, that’s where the fun begins! 😜

Don’t be afraid to try some of these green goodies – you may just end up declaring “I do! I like them, Sam-I-Am!”

Delicious burrito wraps from Magic Oven – dyed naturally with spinach! 😋

Filled with fresh parsley, spinach, spring onion and garlic, Link Haus’ “Hulk Fingers” are a (Hulk) smash-hit! 💚

Dried sweet fern from Forbes Wild Foods — great for when you’re having digestive problems, or you can even burn it to use it as an insect repellent! Great to stock up on this as we get into the hotter season ☀️

Speaking of “green”, Green Florin was back for the first time since last October! Welcome back to Vasile, who came back with a great tan he got from spending time with his family in Mexico 😎

Vasile is travelling again, but returns May 1st, to the market – (and then for the entire season!)

Glad to see the many folks who helped us welcome Vasile back to the market – he’s got a lot of “dedicated fans”! 💜

Visit Kalmplex At “Seedy Sunday”!

In addition to this Thursday’s market, where you can pick some of his delicious sweet & spicy dried fruit ‘snax’, Kalmplex will also be tabling at the “Seedy Sunday & Eco-Fair”, March 30th, 2025 – 11:30am-3pm at the Parkdale Library, (1303 Queen St W). 
If you’re not familiar, with Seedy Sunday, (usually on a Saturday), here’s brief description of this FREE event:
“An annual seed exchange event, in which people can donate, return, swap, and purchase seeds from local gardeners and seed farmers. This year, we will also be showcasing an Eco Fair with local environmental organizations focusing on sustainability, zero waste, and green living.”

Kalmplex also wants us to know that The Culture is still on at the AGO – until April 6th, 2025. Visit the website for more information. The AGO is also FREE next Wednesday, April 2, 2025, (and the first Wednesday of every month.)

Here’s to hoping that we get some warmer days soon! 🤞 That being said, I’m wishing you all fantastic new beginnings as we spring into a new season.

See you at the market! 💜
—Lillian
*Market operates every Thursday, 3-7pm 
–INDOORS, (at 875 Dufferin St) 

Market shoppers loading up at the Plan B Organics stall.


VENDORS_March 27, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms

Meat & Fish:

• Link Haus (gourmet sausage)
• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics

Bakeries:

• Johnson Family Bakery 
• Alma Bakery

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Link Haus (grilled sausage & chips)

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• ChocoSol
• Dento Dream Foods – welcome back!

“Extras”:

• Poetry (with Marc) – only til 5:30pm
• Women’s History Month
• Happy Spring!

The recent “blood moon” lunar eclipse (on March 14, 2025) – did you happen to catch it? (Photo submitted by Kalmplex 💜)