Harvest is Plentiful at the Market

Full bounty at Second Nature Farm.

Having the Braintree Farmers Market is like having the best farm stand ever right here in town.  Currently the growers have an abundance of locally grown produce brought to us every Saturday freshly-picked and at it's peak in terms of taste and healthful benefits.  The growing season will continue until the first hard frost with some plants continuing even a bit longer.  All of the market's growers are located in Southeastern Massachusetts which seems to be the last place for frost to hit due to it's close proximity to the ocean's warmer currents in the fall.  So now it the best time to drop by the market every Saturday from 9 to 1 at the Braintree Town Hall.  The market has been lucky enough to have fair weather throughout the season so far but if severe weather develops the market will move inside and in front of the town hall to ensure that you don't miss a week of the finest local foods.

Braintree Farmers Market Runs Thru October

The Braintree Farmers Market runs thru October.

The Braintree Farmers Market has been enjoying a remarkable 2013 season and will continue to operate through the month of October with a Special Indoor Thanksgiving Market on November 23rd.  The fall harvest season is upon us and there's plenty of fresh corn, tomatoes, peaches, apples, a variety of squashes, plants, herbs and much more, all grown locally right here in southeastern Massachusetts.  Fresh baked goods, including a wide variety of breads, rolls, croissants, pretzels, scones, cupcakes, pies, whoopie pies, tea breads, baklava, cake pops, cookies, macarons and quiches.  From an extensive selection of seafood to hormone and antibiotic-free beef, pork, lamb, along with free range chicken and eggs.  Locally made soaps and lotions, jams, honey, relishes, pickles, pastas, cheeses, wines from local vineyards, fair trade coffees, teas, chocolates, Vermont maple syrup, olive oils, vinegars, sauces, ice cream, and an assortment of deliciously prepared foods that are ready to eat.  The market now offers a Market Moolah program which are tokens purchased with credit/debit or EBT cards and used as currency with our vendors and farmers for shopping convenience.  Every week Sustainable Braintree hosts a local charitable organization in an effort to bring attention to their cause.  

The Braintree Farmers Market is brought to you by the efforts of volunteers who recognize the value of local foods, environmental issues and, most importantly, the strong sense of community that has blossomed in our efforts to bring this event to Braintree.  The market runs on Saturdays from 9 to 1, rain or shine, in front of the Braintree Town Hall.  In the event of severe weather conditions the market will be moved inside the town hall auditorium.  Thanks to everyone who supports this labor of love and, if you have never been to the market, now is the perfect time to try us out.  See you on Saturday.

Fairland Farm Cranberries back at the market

Mark Kavanaugh is on board to help with your cranberries choices.

Back by popular demand this week Fairland Farms will be returning with their delicious organic cranberries.  We've had many requests for this vendor and their finally returning with a full bounty of dried cranberries perfect for salads, baked goods, granolas or simply eat them right out of the bag as a more healthy alternative to candy.  They're naturally fat free and do not contain preservatives or sulfites.  So, for all of you who have been asking, here's your chance to pick up your favorite cranberries once again at the farmers' market.

Try out a wide variety of new products that are currently being tested at The Cupcakerie.  Owner, Kristin Brennan, has put on her creativity hat and is now offering new items such as Cake Pops, Madeleines, Macarons, along with small and large sized savory quiches.  Please support this gallant effort to bring new and unique baked items with a French twist to the market.  Kristin is also teaching a workshop on how to make cupcakes at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Local produce is now at it's peak so it's the perfect time to visit the market for flavors we've been waiting all year for, such as, tomatoes, corn, squash, onions, peppers, eggplant and garlic.  Saute them altogether with olive oil and a little butter and spread it over your Nella Pasta and grate a little Asiago Cheese on top from Foxboro Cheese-done.

Did you know that apples and peaches are the specialties at C.N. Smith Farm?  There's nothing like the flavor of a fresh local peaches and apples in your pies and crisps or simply eat them just the way they are.  Look for many different varieties at this farm to find out which ones are your favorites.  Mums and pumpkins have already started to arrive at the market so it's time to decorate your front porch with these seasonal treasures.  Fall is the best time of year in New England so let's celebrate.

The Braintree Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 9 to 1, rain or shine, in front of the Braintree Town Hall, 1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, through October with a Special Indoor Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 23rd, 2013.

Sustainable Braintree Earth Celebration

Recycle 4 Life artwork at the Earth Celebration.

Learn something new at the Braintree Farmers Market this Saturday, September 7th, at Sustainable Braintree’s Annual Earth Celebration. Representatives from all task forces will be under the events tent promoting their mission to advocate smart living through sustainability and environmental awareness. The Community Garden table will feature information on organic gardening and composting. If you are interested in starting a second community garden in town, you will have the opportunity to speak with committee members. Ramp up your RQ (Recycling Quotient) with tips from our recycling experts and play Recycle Bingo. You’ll be amazed at what can be placed in single stream recycling.  The new recycling and trash bins from Sunrise Scavengers will be on display. Learn all about Make Difference Day which is held this year on October 28.  The Energy Task Force will feature a striking display about Solar Energy.  Visit Sustainable Braintree’s informational table as now is the time to join this earth-friendly organization and learn about their contributions to the community over the past five years. Donations will be gratefully accepted. In addition a representative from The Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, a non-profit educational organization, will be on hand to share knowledge and experience about their outreach programs in education, horticulture and gardening.  Bee keeper Alan Hiltz and The New England Wildlife Center will offer a unique opportunity for live animal observation. The Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) will be offering “cold water from the Sun” as it does every Saturday. BELD is powering a water cooler with a solar powered generator, in an effort to promote the viability of solar energy.  Music for the Earth Celebration will be provided by The Travelers and Market Vendors will have special thematic offerings. Pura Vida, Braintree's eco-friendly hair salon, will be at the market from 10 to 11 A.M. to hand out coupons for $10 off any service along with a Pureology packet of shampoo and conditioner.