The Farmer's Market

Is there a better place to find out more about the community then heading down to the Barnegat Farmer's Market?

Thursday was a beautiful day, and at lunchtime downtown, it was just the kind of interaction I was looking for.  There was a nice size crowd walking around buying fresh, local and even organic food.  As I stopped by to talk to a couple of the vendors I realized, it's not just vegetables.  There were breads, cheese, baked goods and even  pierogies!

Walking around, I saw a sign for corn that was just picked this morning.  There were groups of people stopping by to talk with the vendors, farmers and the local community County Connection representative.  In this truck there is a lot of information on local events, county services and even a notary public - how awesome is that?

4-Bee's Polish American Deli and General store had a vibrant red truck and tent, so I had to stop over.  Jim Breitling greeted me and I asked him about his stand.  He explained that his wife has been making homemade food like stuffed cabbage and pierogies for years.  Since there was such a demand, they opened a store.  I picked up some stuffed cabbage from my hubby that was pleasantly surprised that they were stuffed with turkey.  I also purchased some of the cheese pierogies.  (Mouthwatering!) They get all their ingredients right in from NJ. You can also find them at 15th Street in Surf City. 609-494-4545

Brookville Farms had a rainbow of color on their tables. Who can resist Jersey Tomatoes? They had plenty of fresh local and organic vegetables and even flowers. I couldn't pass up the cantaloupe (aka muskmelon) because the veins were popping out (the sign of a good melon).  It was juicy and sweet as sugar.  Next time I will use them to make a sorbet!  If you miss them at the farmer's market, you can find them close by where you can also "pick your own":  1211 Wells Mills Road, 511 Rte 72, Waretown - 609-713-1594.

It doesn't stop there - I tried, but could not pass up the crab cakes.  Why?  Because the vendor shouted out, "You live in Barnegat and haven't tried my crab cakes yet"?  I immediate thought, he must be that other person besides my mom that read my previous blog.  He got me right where it hurts.  I stopped and got some crab cakes... and stuffed clams.  AWESOME! And a little secret - they sell his stuff at a large chain store for a lot more.

I recommend stopping in here to get some fabulous, fresh food - YUM!

For a FREE guide to OCEAN COUNTY NJ FRESH AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS and SERVICES click here: http://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/ag/documents/2012FarmFresh.pdf

Barnegat Farmers Market

Location: 696 E Bay Ave, Barnegat, NJ 08005, USA

Every Thursday

June - October

12pm-5pm Rain or Shine

Jersey Farmers with fresh home grown seasonal produce, fruits, herbs, flowers.

Also featured breads, cheeses, pasta.

Sponsored by Barnegat Chamber and

Barnegat Recreation Dept.

Call Barbara 609-698-0080 ext 122 or Ginny 609-698-1618