Tag Archives: Farmers Market Preserves

July 17th Vendor News for the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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For our Sunday, July 17th market, the Mercer Island Farmers Market is thrilled that three farmers will be joining the market for the first time this market season: Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA; the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA; and Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA. All three farms have been working hard through this difficult growing season to have enough quality produce to supply our farmers market as well as others. As of this week they finally do. Please welcome these three highly anticipated farms to the the MI Farmers Market: stop by their booths; talk with the farmers; and buy some of their fresh, local produce.

Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA

Many of our customers have missed Billy’s this season and their wonderful organic produce. At last year’s market, the farm’s tomatoes and tree fruit were particular favorites. Well, after a long absence, they will finally be back. Billy’s is expecting to bring tomatoes tomorrow, but the full list of what they will have isn’t quite certain. So be sure to head over to see their full selection.

The River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year.

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Tomorrow will be the first time that the River Farm will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They are very popular at other farmers markets in the region, such as the University-District and the Bellevue Farmers Markets. Just as with Billy’s Organic Garden, the farm’s final product mix for our market tomorrow isn’t 100% certain yet, but they definitely plan to bring to the MI Farmers Market zucchini, zucchini blossoms, and cucumbers. Our customers should have a great time meeting Jerry, the owner of the River Farm, and checking out his wonderful organic produce.

Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA

Tonnemaker is also a new farm for the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They grow a large variety of different fruits and vegetables, including over 100 different varieties of tree fruit. The farm expects to bring to the MIFM tomorrow three varieties of cherries: Bing; Sonata; and maybe Sandra Rose. In addition, they will be bringing summer squash, zucchini and maybe some cucumbers. We know that their produce will be a big hit with the Mercer Island Farmers Market customers.

We are no less thrilled about the many farms and other vendors that have been with us since the beginning of this market season. Below are some specials and highlights from many of them, including “Amazing” cauliflower and chocolate-ripe bell peppers.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season.

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

This week, in addition, to their wonderful eggs and wide selection of organic, pastured beef cuts (T-bone steaks, ribeye steaks, top sirloin steaks, New York steaks, ground beef patties, chuck roasts, round roasts, and short ribs), Crown S Ranch has a special on freshly harvested, pastured chickens, which are $4.95 per pound, as well as a special for their pastured pork chops, which are 10% off at tomorrow’s market.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty of Farmers Market Preserves has two new jams this week. After “scoring” some Montmorency cherries last week, he make “Pie Cherry” jam. In addition, Rome also will have the first raspberry jam of the season.

The “magic” word this week for a dollar off of your first jar of jam is “peleton.” Rome didn’t explain, but our guess is that this market’s word-of-the-week is in honor of the Tour de France. So, stop by Rome’s booth to buy some of his delicious jams, jellies, and preserves as well as to talk about cycling.

Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Full Circle will be bringing two varieties of cauliflower: Romanesco and “Amazing,” which they swear is really the name of the variety. Check it out yourself to see if it really is as amazing as the name indicates. In addition to the cauliflower, Full Circle will also have both green and red dandelion greens, sugar-snap peas, English-shelling peas, rainbow carrots (orange, while, yellow & purple) and red and white currents.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Jerry Baxter as always has four great new soups for the market tomorrow:

  • Green Pea with Mint and Tarragon
  • Curried Lentil with Spinach and Tomato
  • Italian Broccoli with White Bean and Sausage
  • Watermelon Gazpacho

This week’s soups include fresh fruit and vegetables from many of our farmers, including Full Circle Farm (onions, fennel, and spinach), Tonnemaker Orchards (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes and cucumbers).

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market.

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

New this week from Hand-Farmed Organics will be romanesco cauliflower. They will also be bringing more of their wonderful greens and delicious broccoli and carrots. Last market day, their Flashy Trout lettuce with its large, dark green leaves with purple patches was a particular hit. Stop by the booth and talk with Ryan and Casey to learn more about the farm and its produce.

Hedlin Family Farm, Mount Vernon, WA

Cute sign announcing "Slightly late, but worth the wait" berries at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Cute sign at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Hedlin Family Farm will be bringing sugar-snap peas, English and salad (aka Persian) cucumbers, and red-ripe, orange-ripe, yellow-ripe, and chocolate-ripe (yes, that is the name of the variety, really) rainbow bell peppers. According to Kai Ottesen, one of the owners of the farm, this will be the last and the best week for the farm’s ‘June’-bearing strawberries. He writes, “So it’s a good week to stock up for the winter.” In addition, the first of Hedlin’s Tulameen raspberries are on.  Kai writes, “Tulameens are to raspberries what Shuksans are to strawberries and if you haven’t had either, start asking for them.”

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Molly Moon has two new additions to their menu this week: Cherry Chunk Ice Cream and Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA and Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Congratulations to Parfait and Molly Moon!  They are currently featured as the editors’ picks in the July food issue of Sunset Magazine. We love it when our vendors get much deserved recognition like this. We are all certain that the editors didn’t get a chance to try to Whidbey Island Ice Cream, otherwise it would have been a three-way tie. Starting this week, Parfait will be at the market beginning at noon. So remember if you need an ice cream fix on Sunday, the Mercer Island Farmers Market features both of Sunset Magazine’s editors’ picks for the best ice cream in the region.

Overland Enterprises, Seattle, WA

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011.

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Overland Enterprises plant-of-the-week is Hydrangea Bluebird-A, which is a “stunning blue and white lace-cap variety for part sun to shade that can fit in almost any garden due to its compact nature (four-foot-square size at maturity). The plant is extremely cold hard, requires little pruning, and blooms for months.” Mark and Susan Overholt will be bringing these hydrangeas in full bloom. So stop by their booth to check out these beautiful plants.

Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA.

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA. (Photo by Andy Papadatos)

This week Snohomish Bakery is introducing a new product: chocolate babka. We can’t wait to try some as Snohomish has yet to make something that we didn’t love. They will also be bringing their ever-popular, wide selection of artisan breads, croissants, muffins, and cookies.

Highlights from the July 17th Market

Check back here on the Mercer Island Farmers Market blog for photos and highlights from the July 17th market.

See you all tomorrow at the market.

Update on Vendors Who Accept Credit Cards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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Sign informing customers that credit cards are accepted at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Sign informing customers that credit cards are accepted at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Last month, we posted a list of vendors at the MI Farmers Market that accept credit cards. We have learned that there are a few more vendors that now accept these payments. Here is an updated list:

Sign informing customers that credit cards payments through Square are accepted the Collins Family Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Sign informing customers that credit cards payments through Square are accepted the Collins Family Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The newest members on this list are Molly Moon Ice Cream and Collins Family Orchard, which is not only accepting credit cards but doing so through Square, a device that works through a smartphone. We mentioned in the previous post on this topic that Farmers Market Preserves is also using Square and that its owner, Rome Doherty, reports how excited customers are with using it. Nick of Collins Family Orchards has equally nice things about Square and farmers market customers acceptance of it. “They find it really neat to sign on the screen on my phone and then to have me email them a receipt.”

In addition, Hayton Farms, Mount Vernon, WA, which accepts credit cards at other farmers markets, is working on getting the equipment to the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Stay tuned for more updates to this list.  And remember, cash isn’t the only way to pay for the fresh, delicious, local produce and food from many of the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

“Secret” Questions and “Magic” Words at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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David Neel, owner of Island Apiaries, and Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

David Neel, owner of Island Apiaries, and Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Looking for some free product from one of the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market? Interested in a discount from another of our vendors? Two vendors who joined the MI Farmers Market this season have started offering discounts or free product to customers who can correctly answer secret questions or know the word-of-the-week.

Customers at the Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Customers at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

David Neel, owner of Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA, has already made a big impact on the market and our customers. Not only does he produce several different varieties of delicious honey, but he also brings a special display with two transparent sides that contains a bee hive. Inside if you look closely, you can find the queen, which David has marked with a red dot. The hive attracts customers of all ages to the booth all market day long.

David is the vendor with the “secret” question. He is offering a free 8-ounce jar of honey to the first customer who can correctly answer a question that he posts on Island Apiaries’ Facebook page on Saturdays. This past week’s question was, “What is the origin of the phrase ‘To bury the hachet’?” David reports that this past Sunday a customer came to him with the correct answer just before 11:00 a.m. So, if you want to get the free jar of honey, you will not only have know the right answer to future weeks’ questions, but also get to the market early.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA has also made an impact on the MIFM with his tasty jam and preserves. He tells us that little boys find it almost impossible to not to devour the products on his sampling table. We all enjoy seeing Rome heading off before the market starts to pick up fresh product from our farmers, because we know that next week he will be bringing back fresh jam made with fresh local fruit. So far he has used cherries and strawberries from our farmers.

Rome is the vendor with the “magic” word. He offers $1 off the first jar of jam that customers purchase if they use this word-of-the-week. Last week’s word was “corvid” in honor of the Mercer Island clean-up crew. As you can see, Rome has a dry sense of humor. If you are interested in finding out the word-of-the-week, there are two ways:

  • Sign up for the Farmers Market Preserves e-newsletter, which Rome sends out mid-week and includes that week’s word; or
  • On Saturdays, check our blog for our market and vendor updates, which include the word as well.

July 3rd Updates and Specials for Mercer Island Farmers Market

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Several of our farmers and vendors have let us know about what products and specials they will have at tomorrow’s market.

Collins Family Orchard, Selah, WA

Brian Collins called yesterday with the news that they will be bringing more of their beautiful apriums, which were a big hit at last week’s market. In addition, they will have two varieties of cherries: Titan and Rainier.

Titan Cherries from Collins Family Orchard, Saleh, WA.

Titan Cherries from Collins Family Orchard, Saleh, WA. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Crown S Ranch is bringing lots of exquisite T-bone steaks perfect for 4th of July grilling. In honor of Independence Day, they’re discounting these 20% at the MI Farmers Market. Did you know that the T-bone steak is both the New York strip and tenderloin steak separated by a “T” shaped bone? Crown S Ranch will also have their great grilling links of Bratwurst and Spicy Chorizo pork sausage made for them by CasCioppo’s Brothers Italian Meat Market in Seattle.

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Farmers Market Preserves owner Rome Doherty was inspired last week by the first appearance this season of cherries. He loved the big red Chelans and Titans and turned them into a delicious jam subtly flavored with almond. There isn’t much of this special jam because it is so laborious as Rome pits all of the cherries by hand. Rome reports that “when this jam is gone, it’s gone” for the season. So head out to the market early tomorrow if you would like some.

Farmers Market Preserves’ magic word this week is a bit “tongue-in-check.” Rome writes, “In honor of the Mercer Island ‘clean up’ crew, the magic word is ‘corvid.’” So head over to the Farmers Market Preserve booth, say the magic word to Rome, and get a dollar off your first jar of jam.

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter writes, “So I got a new soup for you this week. It is called ‘Mediterranean Fish Soup’—simplicity at its best. Rockfish from Wilsons, tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, and vegetables from several local farms. Maybe pour this over some steaming capellini, and you have dinner.”

In addition to the new Mediterranean Fish soup, Jerry will have:

  • Heirloom tomato gazpacho
  • Wild mushroom
  • Coconut curry with chicken and brown rice
Got Soup?, Seattle WA booth at the Ballard Farmers Market in May 2011.

Got Soup?, Seattle WA booth at the Ballard Farmers Market in May 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

HFO co-owner, Ryan Lichttenegger, tells us that after delays due to weather, they will finally have carrots this Sunday. Ryan and partner Casey are bringing more of their broccoli, which made its first appearance at the MI Farmers Market last week. Plus they will have more of their popular—and beautiful—radishes, turnips, kale, greens, and head lettuce.

Turnips from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Turnips from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA

Island Apiaries owner David Neel writes that this week’s question to win a free 8-ounce jar of honey is “What is the origin of the phrase ‘bury the hatchet’?” Just a few rules: there is only one prize, which is awarded to the first person to answer the question correctly in person at the Island Apiaries booth at the MI Farmers Market. So be sure to get to the market early to be the first one to answer the question.

David Neel, owner of Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA, talking with a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

David Neel, owner of Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA, talking with a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Martin Family Orchard, Orondo, WA

Tomorrow, Martin Family Orchard will be joining us for the first time this season. They have been a stalwart of the MI Farmers Market since our opening day in 2008. But due to the poor growing season this year, they haven’t had produce to bring to our market. The weather has finally begun to cooperate and they are bringing cherries. So welcome them back for another season and buy some of their wonderful fruit.

Martin Family Orchard, Orondo, WA booth at the U-District Farmers Market in May 2011.

Martin Family Orchard, Orondo, WA booth at the U-District Farmers Market in May 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA

In honor of Independence Day, Snohomish Bakery will be bringing festive blueberry pies. Owner Andy Papadatos told us that almost all of the ingredients in the pie are from Washington State. The blueberries, in fact, came from a farm less than five miles away from the bakery.

Blueberry pie from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA.

Blueberry pie from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Special Holiday Quiz on Barbaque

In honor of all of the grilling out that we know our customers plan to do this holiday weekend, we thought that we’d end this blog post with this quiz on barbeque from Oxford University Press. Enjoy.

Cash Not the Only Way to Pay at Mercer Island Farmers Market

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Wireless Credit Card Machine at a Farmers Market

Wade Bennett of Rockridge Orchard using his wireless credit card machine at the U-District Farmers Market in March 2011.

Did you know that several of our vendors accept credit and debit cards?

Dale Nelson of Woodring showing off his Square Up device at the Phinney Ridge Farmers Market

Farmers Market Preserves is even using the latest in wireless technology, Square Up. If you haven’t seen one in action yet, you might want to check it out by heading over to the Farmers Market Preserve booth and buying some of jam-master extraordinaire Rome Doherty’s wonderful products with your credit card. Rome reports, “I love ‘the square,’ and my customers are entertained by it as well.” (Remember, Rome always has a special word of the week for a discount off of the first jar of jam you buy. Check our Facebook page, Twitter feed, or blog for each week’s word.)

Collins Family Orchard will be the latest MI Farmers Market vendor to begin accepting credit and debit cards as soon as their equipment arrives, which should be in the next week or two.

So next time you come to the market, don’t worry if you forgot your cash. More and more of our vendors are accepting credit cards. Just ask the vendor if you can use yours.