The Dirt: What To Get At The Farmers Market This Weekend

More than once this week I’ve fielded text messages from eager chefs and cooks, curious to know whether their favorite farmers markets are back up and running. Though many of the neighborhood markets don’t get going until May or even June, April brings a homecoming for some market vendors who have stayed home for much of the winter weather. Expect to see new and familiar faces at a market near you, along with these new additions.

Ramps – Are making their much anticipated seasonal debut at Two Gander Farm at the Bryn Mawr Market. These wild leeks have a particularly grassy onion flavor, but they are difficult to cultivate, making them one of our region’s most highly sought after foods for foragers.

Heirloom Tomato Sauce & Frozen Veggies – Sunny skies give the false impression that the farmer’s markets should be stacked with vegetables by now, but in truth things are just beginning. If you have a taste for summer flavors though, don’t miss the Heirloom Tomato Sauce from Rambling Roots Farm, making their return to Rittenhouse this weekend, and take a peek into the coolers at Rineer Family Farm’s tables. In addition to their selection of chicken and pasture-raised beef they also have a rainbow of vacuum-sealed packages of last summer’s berries, corn, and beans.

Gelato– Jenny & Frank’s Artisan Gelato is making their return to the Bryn Mawr market this weekend, bringing their all local, small batch sorbet and gelato flavors like Gianduja, Raspberry Sorbetto, and Chocolate Supreme.

Viva Empanadas – These seasonal empanadas got a shout-out from Craig LaBan a couple of weeks ago for their beet and blue cheese offering. Try one for yourself at Rittenhouse this weekend.

Native Plants & Edibles – The Chestnut Hill Market has welcomed a new vendor called Lunaria Gardens, an urban farm right here in Philly that specializes in native plants and edibles. Gardeners will appreciate their specialty perennials, cut and potted flowers, houseplants. Any anybody who likes pretty things at all will appreciate their selection of flowering branches, tulips, hyacinths, and other blooms.