2019 FARMERS MARKET GUIDE

SATURDAY Beaver Farmers Market

800 Third St. (at parking lot behind courthouse at Fourth and Market streets)

10 a.m.-1 p.m., April 27-Dec. 21

Info: Held by the Beaver County Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, it’s the largest of the Beaver County markets and has 32 vendors. It features plants, eggs, chicken, beef, honey, wine and baked goods.

Tip: “Vendors use products from other vendors.” says Tim Haffey, a board member of the Beaver County Farmers Market. “So the bagel vendor gets the honey from the beekeeper.”

Bloomfield Saturday Market

5050 Liberty Ave. (between South Winebiddle and Gross streets)

9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 18-Nov. 2 Info: Fifteen farms sell fresh produce at this market, which has been around since 2014. In addition, occasional vendors selling biscuits, plant-based ice cream, pasta and desserts are featured.

Tip: Flavor of eggs matters more than their size, says Leah Wilson, owner of Grateful Life Farm. The size of eggs depends on the breed and maturity of the

Butler City’s Farmers Market

205 S. Chestnut St. (across from Rotary Park)

8 a.m.-1 p.m., May 25-Oct. 26

Info: Vendors include Five Elements Farm (eggs, elderberries, cabbage, garlic, yellow wax beans), Sutton Farms (grass-fed beef), Grimm Farms (meat and eggs), Bluebird Flowers, Grandma Betty (baked goods) and Federal Distilling (Stateside Urbancraft vodka).

Tip: The market has a roof over it, so it goes on rain or shine. When buying cabbage look for a head that is heavy for its size and has compact leaves.

Delmont Farmers Market

27 Greensburg St. (near Rose Wigfield Parklet)

9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 1-Sept. 7 Info: Last year, it was known as the Delmont-Salem Farmers Market. Among the 16 vendors will be four farms, a brewery, pizza shop, baked goods stand, clothing shop and craftspeople.

Tip: Alex’s Lemonade Stand will be featured once a month; its first appearance is on June 8.

Ellwood City Farmers Market

500 block of Beaver Avenue 8 a.m.- noon, June 1-Oct. 12 Info: It features 20 vendors selling plants and flowers (3D’s Farm & Greenhouse and Grandma’s Flower Field), beef (Sutton Farms), heirloom vegetables (Awesome Acres), aprons, pet treats, soaps and jewelry.

Tip: The Kids Market Day is on July 6, and the theme is space. Children will need to find vegetables in the market that could grow in space.

Irwin Farm Market

100 Pennsylvania Ave. 8 a.m.-noon, June 15-Oct. 26 Info: The market features 18 vendors who are all farm and food related, selling vegetables, fruits, bread, pastries, beer, wine, honey, goat milk soaps. No craft vendors are permitted.

Tip: Randy Morris of Morris Farm sells greens, herbs and strawberries now, and pepper and tomatoes in July. He says the greens should look fresh and crisp. Herbs also should look fresh and should emit a pungent aroma when a leaf is crushed.

Ligonier Country Market

Loyalhanna Watershed Farm near West Main Street and Route 30

8 a.m.-noon, May 18-Sept. 28

Info: It is the largest market in the region and averages 130 vendors who sell everything from produce and poultry to cooked foods and baked goods to crafts and soaps.

Tip: No pets are allowed, nor is smoking or vaping permitted. You will need at least four hours to get through the entire market.

Lower Burrell Farmers Market

2800 Bethel St., parking lot at City Hall

9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 15-Oct. 12 Info: It is the ninth year for the market, which starts with 10 vendors and grows to 13 vendors. They sell produce (Dillner Farms and Gregory Palowski Farm), Italian baked goods, pies, Syrian foods, herbs, flowers and pickled vegetables.

Tip: Experts from Penn State’s Master Gardner program will attend the market three times this year. The next appearance is on June 22. On July 27, the Lions Club will hold a free eye and ear screening.

Mars Farmers Market

225 Crowe Ave., Woodland Valley Church parking lot 9 a.m.-noon, May 18-Oct. 5 Info: Neighbors came together to start this market. It features 10 vendors who sell produce (Zimmerman Family Markets), artisan bread, maple syrup and honey.

Tip: For a good sweet corn, look for ears with ends that aren’t dried out, says Joshua Zimmerman, and ears that have firm kernels that pop instantly. It indicates that corn is freshly picked. Also, leaves should be dark green and have a good moisture content.

Monroeville Lions Farmers Market

2399 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville Community Park 9 a.m.-noon, May 11-Nov. 16 Info: There are 18 vendors selling produce (Harvest Valley Farms, McKinney Family Farm, McElhinny Farm and Paul’s Orchard), preserves, kettle corn, meat and bread. Starting June 5, there will be strawberries, lettuce, sugar snap peas and lots of beets, says Dave King, president of the market and co-owner of Harvest Valley.

Tip: Pick beets with healthylooking greens, Mr. King says. “A beet sheds leaves as it grows and that determines its maturity. The older the beet gets, the more woody it will be. Also, there will be more brown rings where the stem meets the beet.”

Mt. Lebanon Uptown Farmers Market

710 Washington Road (near municipal building)

9 a.m.-noon, May 11-Oct. 26 Info: It features produce (Paul Family Farms, Jose Quiroz Farm and Logan Family Farms), chocolates, artisan breads, honey, prepared foods, whiskey and kombucha.

Tip: Logan Family Farms dry ages its beef in a cooler for an extended time, so the enzymes are naturally tenderized and make the meat more flavorful.

Sewickley Farmers Market

200 Walnut St., St. James Parish parking lot

9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 6-Nov. 16 Info: The market is in its eighth year and features meat, fish, produce, honey and prepared foods.

Tip: Kern Farms in Eighty Four sells thin slices of smoked shoulder bacon that is from pigs raised outdoors on non-GMO feed. This bacon is leaner than the belly bacon and can be baked or fried.

Slippery Rock Community Farmers Market

Gateway Park on New Castle Street (between Elm and South Main streets)

9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 18-October. The closing date will depend on availability of the vendors and their products.

Info: Forever Green Farm (coldpressed juices and flowers), Awesome Acres (berry plants), Normand Homestead (goat milk products) and Breezy Ridge Acres (honey and beeswax products) are among the vendors in addition to those selling herbs, baked goods and earth-friendly items.

Tip: Special activities include demos, live music, chat with a Master Gardner and sustainability educational activities for children and adults. On June 15, The Birdwatchers Store will have a display on backyard bird feeding.

Swissvale Farmers Market

Municipal parking lot, 2036 Noble St.

9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 1-Oct. 26 Info: The market features vendors selling flowers, vegetables, herbs, bread, Mediterranean and prepared foods, chocolate treats and live music.

Tip: Madeline Izzo of Catchfly Gardens sells fresh-cut flowers and herbs such as parsley, chives and basil (Genovese, Thai. cinnamon and aromatto). To store the herbs, she says, it is best to lightly rinse them, shake the water out, and then lay them out not too thickly in a paper-lined plastic tub. Cover the tub with a lid before placing it in a refrigerator to keep the herbs moist. Remember to check them every day and remove rotting stems and leaves.

SUNDAY

Derry: Keystone Farmers Market

Keystone State Park Beach parking lot, 1150 Keystone Park Road off Route 981

9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 19-Sept. 29

Info: The market is in its sixth year and has about 20 vendors selling produce, prepared foods, baked goods, quilts and craft items. Pleasant Lane Farms (raw honey infused with natural flavors) and Burgz Goodz (salsa and relish) are newcomers.

Tip: Shoppers can go swimming, fishing and boating before or after going to the market, manager Jim Mikula says.

Larimer Farmers Market

Larimer Avenue Greenspace at Larimer Avenue and Carver Street

3-7 p.m., June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24

Info: Vendors will sell produce, prepared foods, natural soaps, baked goods and dairy products.

Tip: It is a new market that is being launched by the city of Pittsburgh.

Squirrel Hill Farmers Market

Beacon/Bartlett parking lot (near Murray Avenue)

9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 12-Nov. 24 Info: Bluebird Farm, McKinney Family Farm, Cherish Creamery, Brenckle’s Organic Farm, Fallen Aspen Farm and Judikinos Farm Market are among the farmers who will be at the market.

Tip: Chef Rabbi is a kosher vendor who sells breakfast wraps.

MONDAY

Beaver Falls Farmers Market

712 12th St. (parking lot at Eighth Avenue and 12th Street)

3:30-6:30 p.m., May 6-Nov. 18

Info: It features three produce vendors, Swick’s Orchard, Enon Country Gardens and Hope Springs Farm, who are all from Beaver Falls, and will sell fruits, corn, and bedding and vegetable plants.

Tip: Newcomer Cafe Joy sells gluten-free products, tea and coffee.

East Liberty Farmers Market

Garland Parklet on North Euclid Avenue

3-7 p.m., May 13-Nov. 25 Info: This year, the market is at a new location, which is literally across the street from its old spot. It features Jodikinos Farm Market, Sand Hill Berries, Who Cooks For You Farm, Woolf Farms, Mill Creek Trout Farm, Brenkle’s Organic Farm, Cherish Creamery and Bluebird Farm.

Tip: Strawberries at Woolf Farms are picked and sold within 24 hours. “Look for aroma and not for size,” farmer Dale Woolf says.

Robinson Farmers Market

Holy Trinity parking lot, 5718 Steubenville Pike

3-7 p.m. (except Memorial Day and Labor Day), May 13-Oct. 14

Info: For its third year, the market features Logan Family Farms, Jose Quiroz Farm, goat dairy products from Cherish Creamery, moonshine, wine, whiskey, cold-pressed raw juices, frozen frappes and prepared foods. Butler Hill Maple Farm and Chez Lapin are new vendors this year.

Tip: Food trucks will pull into the market on a rotating basis. They include Franktuary, Cousins Maine Lobster and Rolling Meatballs. Wood Stoked Oven stops by every week.

Zelienople-Harmony Farmers Market

East Beaver Street, Zelienople Community Park

3:30-7 p.m., June 3-Oct. 14 Info: Vendors sell everything from vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, eggs, dairy and meats to crafts.

Tip: It’s best to store lettuce in a loose plastic bag in a cool part of the refrigerator but not the coolest part.

TUESDAY

Bethel Park Farmers Market

South Park skating rink parking lot, 30 Corrigan Drive

3-7 p.m., May 7-Sept. 24 Info: Back for the 11th year, the market features 24 to 28 vendors who sell produce (Dillner Family Farms, Simmons Farm and Logan Family Farms), honey, whiskey, cheese, hummus, prepared foods, matcha tea and water kefir. Tip: The water kefir by Kefir Chicks (a mother-daughter business) is a fermented beverage loaded with probiotics and vitamins. It is flavored with fresh pressed juices like blackberry, blueberry, lemon and grape, and sold in jars.

Chippewa Farmers Market

Parking lot at Chippewa United Methodist Church, corner of Darlington and Shenango roads

3:30-6:30 p.m., May 7-Nov. 19

Info: Six vendors sell vegetables, fruits, plants, eggs, chicken and fresh baked goods.

Tip: Oak Spring Farm in New Brighton sells strawberries now and will sell cherries, peaches and plums later this summer.

Latrobe Farmers Market

1658 Catherine St., Legion Keener Park

Noon-4 p.m., June 4-Sept. 24 Info: It is the 13th year for the market and typically features 25 vendors but can have as many as 45, manager Jim Mikula says. Vegetables, fruits, prepared foods and craft items are sold.

Tip: Maddy’s Bakery has been at the market from the beginning and sells 10 to 15 kinds of artisan bread.

Lawrenceville Farmers Market

250 40th St., Arsenal Park 4-7 p.m., June 4-Oct. 29 Info: It has moved to Tuesdays this year and grown in the number of vendors who sell produce (Bluebird Organic Farm, Benedictine Farm, Harvest Valley Farm, Hughes Homegrown, Paul’s Orchard, Real Fungi and Uncle Henry’s Garden), flowers, biscuits, herbal teas, beef, pork and honey.

Tip: For the first 48 hours, the biscuits can be left in the box by Wise County Biscuits, says copartner Lena Laskaris. But beyond that, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for four to five days. Before serving, split them in half, spread with butter and toast on medium heat.

Mount Hope Community Church

12106 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills

3-7 p.m., June 11-Sept. 4 Info: There will seven to 10 vendors selling produce (Morning Glory Farm), meats and sunflowers. There also will be music every Tuesday.

Tip: Food trucks will pull in on a rotating basis selling smoked meats, crepes, gyros, and chicken and waffles. The church will provide dinner on the weeks when there are no food trucks.

New Brighton Farmers Market

Parking lot next to Family Dollar, at Fifth Avenue and 12th Street

3:30-6:30 p.m., May 7-Nov. 19

Info: It features vegetables, fruits, plants, baked goods and hot foods.

Tip: When buying eggplant, make sure it has smooth skin and feels heavy for its size.

South Side Farmers Market

18th and Carson streets parking lot

3-7 p.m., May 14-Nov. 26 Info: It features vegetables and fruits from Jodikinos Farm Market and Jose Quiroz Farm, moonshine, honey, bread and prepared foods.

Tip: The best way to store asparagus, if you cannot keep the bunch upright, is to wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel and then keep it loosely in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

WEDNESDAY Bellevue Farmers Market

34 N. Balph Ave., Bayne Park 3-7 p.m., June 5-Oct. 30 Info: The market is in its third year and features 25 vendors selling vegetables, fruits. meats, cheeses, eggs, health and beauty products, and food trucks. Simmons Farm, Sturges Orchards and Old Time Farm are returning vendors while Pond Hill Farm is a new one. A concert will be held every week at 7 p.m. at Bayne Library.

Tip: Issac Porter, who owns Pond Hill Farm, says don’t buy large kholrabis, as they can be fibrous and woody. Instead go for small ones, about 2 inches. They will be so tender that you don’t have to remove the skin. Simply slice them thinly for salads.

Carrick Dairy District

1529 Brownsville Road

3-7 p.m., June 19-Nov. 27 Info: It features 10 vendors selling produce (Jose Quiroz Farm and Jodikinos Farm Market), artisan bread, goat dairy items and soap.

Tip: Jose Quiroz says scarletred radishes should be brightly colored, firm and hard.

Fox Chapel Farmers Market

SSA Senior School campus parking lot, 423 Fox Chapel Road

3:30-6:30 p.m., June 12-Oct. 23

Info: Fruits, vegetables, perennials, potted plants, grass-fed beef, raw honey, small batch coffee, baked goods and Italian specialties.

Tip: Shady Side Academy’s SSA Farm is among the vendors, and it sells 75% of its summer harvest at the market, which is managed in part by the SSA students.

Moon Township Farmers Market

1000 Beaver Grade Road at Municipal Building

3-6 p.m., June 5-Sept. 25 Info: As part of its green initiative, the township encourages vendors to sell organic produce. The market features 32 vendors selling produce (Simmons Farm, Nature Ways Farms), meats, eggs, bread, pies, maple syrup, spirits and wine.

Tip: Seeking to teach children to be responsible with money and eat healthy, West Aircomm FCU will give children visiting the market $1 each.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Church of God parking lot, 936 Main St.

11 a.m.-4 p.m., June 5-Oct. 9 Info: It features 15 vendors of which seven sell produce. Eggs, prepared foods and jewelry also will be sold.

Tip: Members from Passavant, which helps those with intellectual disabilities, will sell flower pots and plants.

New Sheffield Farmer’s Market

First United Methodist Church, 2816 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa 3:30-6:30 p.m., May 1-Oct. 23 Info: Vendors sell fruits and vegetables, plants, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers and hot foods.

Tip: Woodward’s Orchard of Beaver Falls is a new vendor here and sells peaches, apples, zucchini and sweet corn.

Peters Township Farmers Market

St. David’s Episcopal Church parking lot, 905 E. McMurray