Copicut Farms joins the market

"B" from Copicut Farms displays their fresh eggs.

This season the market welcomes Copicut Farms to our weekly lineup of vendors.  Copicut Farms is owned and operated by Vince and Elizabeth Frary, a fourth generation Massachusetts farm family.  On their 80 acre farm in Dartmouth, MA they raise chickens, turkeys and Cornish games that spend their days faraging freely in the grass and sunshine.  In addition to raising all of their poultry in a healthy environment, with access to fresh greens, they are one of only a few farms in the state with a state-licensed on-farm processing facility allowing them to hand-butcher all of their poultry.  This means that they can ensure their birds are treated humanely and their customers receive the absolute freshest meat and eggs available.  For more information go to their website at copicutfarms.com.

Carlos V' Ramos will be joining us this coming Saturday, July 27th, as our musical entertainment.  BELD provides solar power for the sound system in an effort to keep the market earth friendly.  The market operates every Saturday from 9 to 1 outside the Braintree Town Hall, One JFK Memorial Dr., Braintree,  rain or shine, hot or cold.  In the event of extreme weather conditions the market is moved inside the Braintree Town Hall.  Join us at the market and find out why this market has a loyal following.  Now is the peak season for fresh, healthy, local produce.

The Cupcakerie is Back

Kristin Brennan is the Chief Cupcake Maker at The Cupcakerie

This season one of our loyal vendors that has been with the market since it's inception in 2009 is more popular than ever.  Meet Kristin Brennan from The Cupcakerie and known fondly by all at the market as 'The Cupcake Lady'.  Kristin lovingly creates all her gourmet cupcakes from scratch with local ingredients and seasonal flavors.  Some of her favorites are the Velvet Elvis, Lavender Bean, Shake your Coconuts and a Featured Flavor every month.  Her sampler sets of eight different flavors of mini cupcakes have been selling out every week so look for them early when you arrive at the market. This season Kristin has added freshly brewed coffee made from New Harvest coffee beans so you can have your morning 'cup of joe' as you stroll the market.  Iced coffee is also available-it's cluckin' awesome.

Looking for a quick, delicious recipe for all that kale that's coming in at the market?  Andrea Nahigian, who was at our Community Tent last week representing the American Diabetes Association, recommended this recipe to us.  It's kale chips that are light, crispy and flavorful and much healthier than potato chips.  Tear apart the leaves of the kale, spritz them with olive oil, lightly salt and add garlic powder for extra flavor.  Toss and spread them onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes or so until crispy.  They're a delicious snack. 

Omega Olive Oils & Vinegars

Alex and Felicia Pakalnis serve samples of their olive oils and Balsamic vinegars.

This season the Braintree Farmers Market welcomes Omega Olive Oil, owned and operated by Felicia Pakalnis, to our vendor list.  The company is located in the South Shore where they are able to bring market shoppers the freshest olive oil made here in the United States.  All of their olive oils and vinegars are specially crafted in California.  Sample their new Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar, used in sauces, salads and dressings.  Drizzle it on any dessert, such as ice cream, cheesecake or summer fruits.  It's also delicious on angel food cake with fresh berries or on cottage cheese or yogurt.  It pairs nicely with their Blood Orange Olive or, for the more adventurous, their Chipotle Olive Oil.  Stop by and try these healthy accompaniments that will enhance your market purchases.

The Vermont Maple Syrup Company

Ben Howrigan and Joey Gaughan at The VT Maple Syrup tent.

This season at the Braintree Farmers Market visit our full-time maple syrup vendor led by Ben Howrigan.  The Vermont Syrup Company has been built off strong traditions of 6 previous generations.  Owned by Ryan, Sam, and Ben Howrigan, their family has producing Pure Vermont Maple Syrup in Fairfield, Vermont since 1876.  They offer certified organic syrups and other maple products that are sure to please all.  Try one their amazing products and it is sure to be love at first taste.  You can always come visit them at vermontsyrupcompany.com

The local strawberry harvest season has been very prolific this year so please drop by and pick up some of these succulent jewels before their gone.  Strawberries are described as a superfood because they are loaded with nutrient rich antioxidants like vitamin C which boosts your immune system.  They taste delicious and are good for your health.  The Massachusetts strawberry season is fleeting so get out and enjoy them while you can.

The Braintree Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 9 to 1 in front of the Braintree Town Hall, rain or shine, at One JFK Memorial Dr., Braintree.  In the case of severe weather the market moves inside the town hall.

Kids Day is Saturday June 29th, 2013

Matt & Morgan Stidham love the Braintree Farmers Market.

Just in time to join in with Braintree's Independence Day celebrations, the Braintree Farmer’s Market is hosting a Kids Day on Saturday, June 29th, from 9 to 1.  Along with our diverse array of farmers and vendors we will have many great kids activities to keep your little ones having fun at the market all morning.   The fun will conclude just in time for you to catch the July 4th parade as it passes by the Market.  The day’s festivities will kick off before the market opens at 8:15 with free Kids Zumba led by Bridget Keddy, owner of Bridget’s Dance Studio in Braintree.  Have your kids try out this fun form of exercise on the mall in front of the Braintree Town Hall.  Once the market opens at 9 am, we will have local musician Suzanne McNeil playing music from her upcoming children’s album “Just Like You”.  Suzanne is a soulful singer with a roots rock edge in her songwriting. She has been teaching children for the past ten years and is currently an elementary school music teacher.  Kids will be sure to have a blast with the ongoing activities under the big tent!  Tie Dying is back by popular demand.  We will have bandanas and backpacks available for the kids to create their own work of art or bring your own cotton t-shirt.  There is a minimal fee to cover the cost of materials.  Also, kids can complete our market scavenger hunt for a chance to win a Braintree Farmers Market T-Shirt while parents do their shopping.  Have fun searching for items sold at the market, while learning about healthy foods.  Win win!  Last but not least, the Thayer Public Library will be hosting two worm themed storytimes followed by a “wormy” craft.  Storytimes will start at 9:30 and 10:30.  Please arrive at the market early for this market to ensure you won't get stuck in parade traffic.  The parade starts at 11:45 and passes the market around noontime.  The Braintree Farmers Market is located in front of the Braintree Town Hall at 1 JFK Memorial Dr. Braintree.

Special events are sponsored in part by Sustainable Braintree and Braintree Electric Light Dept.

Strawberry Festival June 22nd 2013

Join us for Strawberry Shortcake as we celebrate the local strawberry harvest.

On Saturday, June 22nd, from 9 to 1, the Braintree Farmers Market is celebrating with a Strawberry Festival.  Farmers will have locally grown strawberries galore.  Enjoy freshly made Strawberry Shortcake under the events tent.  Live entertainment.

The Strawberry Festival is sponsored in part by Sustainable Braintree and Braintree Electric Light Dept.

Market Opens June 15th

Strawberry Festival is June 22nd

The Braintree Farmers Market is celebrating it's fifth season starting on June 15th, 2013 and will operate every Saturday from 9 to 1, rain or shine, at the Braintree Town Hall, 1 John F Kennedy Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA.  The market is located in the parking lot unless there is severe weather when it is moved inside the town hall.  Look for a wide variety of local farms and foods including freshly picked produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, meats, cheeses, sauces, vinegars, oils, soaps, preserves, wines, pasta, prepared foods, ice cream, granola, coffees, teas, Vermont maple syrup, body products, chocolate and more.  The market prides itself in being a one-stop shopping experience for local foods.

Special dates to remember are the Strawberry Festival on June 22nd that features delicious harvest of local strawberries from our farmers and Strawberry Shortcake whipped up by our very own Homestyle Caterers.  June 29th is Kids Day with tie dye, storytelling, crafts and more with the grand finale being Braintree's 4th of July Parade that marches right in front of the market.  Our famous Clam & Lobster Feast is August 31st when Fresh Catch Seafood sets up their kitchen and cooks up your fresh seafood to order.  Sept. 7th is Sustainable Braintree's Earth Celebration that includes displays and activities that will help you live a cleaner and greener lifestyle.  The last outdoor market for the season is Oct. 26th which is Make a Difference Day when you can help your friends and neighbors in need by donating gently used items to various, participating organizations.  In return for your efforts receive a free pumpkin grown by one of our farmers.  The big hoe-down of the year is the Indoor Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 23rd when all our vendors, plus a few more, celebrate the end of the harvest season inside the Braintree Town Hall.  All events are free.