Hey everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was super busy and I just finished four hours of homework, never felt better! A few weekends ago, I visited my local farmers market called North Union Farmers Market in Shaker Square to see what it was all about. Right, when I arrived, I knew that I needed to write about this because everyone should know that to the Farmers Market exist, it is a great source of fresh produce. All of the produce that the vendors sell comes directly from the farms, which gives it a fresh flavor. Everyone should be able to experience the fun I did on a Saturday morning and go to the fresh farmers market. Here’s a list of some of my favorite vendors so if you wish to go to the market one morning, you know where to go.
Note: Some vendors might not be there on certain days, so check your local farmer’s market website before visiting.
The Goodall Family Farm
The Goodell Family Farm sells Maple Syrup which I have not tried yet, but I was so tempted to. Their maple syrup is homemade by tapping trees and boiling. They sell everything from maple salad dressing, maple glaze for meats, maple fudge, maple pumpkin pecan pie, and maple syrup drop cookies. Also, on the first three Sundays in March, they have a family pancake brunch at their farm that you can visit and enjoy with friends and family.
Bee Balm Creams and Soaps
Bee Balm Creams and Soaps sell handcrafted soaps, lotions, lip balms, and candles that are all made with bee’s wax and natural essential oils. There are no dyes or artificial scents in any of the products. After talking to the owners, I found that they make all of their products the old fashion way because it is the best method to fix dry skin or cure eczema. Their philosophy derived from their childhood when their mom used to make these products for them to help their skin. I made sure before purchasing a lip balm, shampoo, body bar, and lotion that the ingredients were all natural and that it wouldn’t make my skin break out because I have very sensitive skin. I am happy to say that I’ve used it for a few nights now and it definitely has been. My skin looks and feels great!
Yellow House Cheese
Yellow House Cheeses sells meats, eggs, and of course, CHEESE! All of their produce is raised and grown from cattle on their farm. This farm has been family owned for seven years. When I visited this farmers market, the only cheese I tasted was Towner’s Road, and it had an amazingly creamy and crumbly texture. No other cheese I’ve had in my life has ever tasted as good as this one. You can buy their cheeses to have as an appetizer, to put on top of a salad, or, you can use it in your homemade dishes. I have not tried any of their meats, but they raise their own cattle to make lamb, pork, chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and goat.
Walnut Drive Gardens
Walnut Drive Gardens sells strawberries, raspberries, tart cherries, blueberries, beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, and peppers. Since 1862, the Sal family has worked on Walnut Drive Farms, and it has been passed down by six generations. Currently, they own 230 acres of land to grow all of their fresh produce. I got to try the sweet corn and the tomatoes. The sweet corn was fixed up to be made yummier at my house for my farmers market salad, and it was one of the kind. I have never tried corn that tasted as crisp, sweet, and fresh as this one did. The tomatoes were very big and juicy which is something rarely found at a grocery store these days. They tasted like a mix between a vegetable and a lollipop.
After I visited the farmers market, for fun, I made a recipe with all of my produce I got. Here is the recipe:
Fresh Farmers Market Salad Recipe
Put lettuce greens in a bowl or on a plate
Wash fresh tomatoes
Cut fresh tomatoes thin < add them on top of greens
Get fresh corn on the cob
Put corn on the cob into tin foil
Get onions < cut them into thin circular slices < put them on tin foil with corn
Season onions and corn mix with pepper, salt, and olive oil
Put corn and onion mix on the grill
Keep watching corn and onions till they are fully crispy and brown < take them off the grill and keep them on the side of salad
Take grilled corn cob and use a knife to cut off corn so it is in corn individual pieces
Take the Towner Road cheese, corn and onion, and drizzle it on top of the salad
Then for the final touch, drizzle balsamic and olive oil on top of a salad for the best taste
Where are the produces mentioned above from?
Lettuce- Firefly Farm
Tomatoes- Walnut Drive Gardens
Corn- Walnut Drive Gardens
Onions- Firefly Farm
Towner Road Cheese- Yellow House Cheeses
North Union Farmers Market has been around for 23 years and has accumulated around 300 vendors. There are eight locations, spread around Cleveland, including Crocker Park, Shaker Square, Legacy Village, Chagrin Falls, Cleveland Clinic main campus, Playhouse Square, Sunset Market in Van Aken, and University Hospitals. If you need any more details about this farmer’s market, make sure to check out their website. It lists the exact addresses for each location, tells you the dates from when they are open, and shows how you could sign up to be a vendor. So, if you’re cooped up inside, get out and enjoy this perfect fall activity!
