Join us this Saturday, February 12th, when 40+ farmers, fishermen, and food producers will be at the Exeter High School in Exeter, NH, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. selling their meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, vegetables, lobster and shrimp, prepared foods, baked goods, honey, and maple syrup! You can find a full list of participating vendors and their products at www.seacoasteatlocal.org. The Exeter High School is located at 315 Epping Road in Exeter — to help get you there, here’s a map!
Celebrate with a Local Valentine’s Day
Make it a day that tells them just how special they are to you and support our local farmers, fishermen, and food producers at the same time: do all your shopping at the Winter Farmers’ Market for the most delicious locally grown ingredients. You’ll be inspired to make a heart-warming meal from the foods farmers have grown. Personally, nothing says “I Love You” like a gift of local bacon, but for the more traditionally-minded, how about honey for your honey, a box of flours, or a bunch of frilly winter greens? From grass-fed steaks and native shrimp, and lobster to delicious sweets, the market provides one stop shopping for both special meals and everyday items.
There will be a great assortment of vegetables, including salad greens, bok choi, kale, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, winter squash, carrots, potatoes, turnips, shallots, onions, and garlic. In addition, beef, pork, chicken, lamb, goat, and turkey will all be available from local growers. Farmers will have eggs, milk, and cheeses as well as honey, maple syrup, baked goods, and prepared foods made from locally grown ingredients. Area food producers have pledged to a high standard of localism this year and will be offering ready-to-eat meals, soups and stews, jams and jellies that contain locally grown ingredients.
Featured Vegetables: The Lily Family
The lily or allium family includes garlic; red, yellow and white onions; leeks; scallions; chives; and shallots. Onions and garlic keep best if properly cured; store in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation; moisture will cause rot. Shallots have a delicate flavor that is less aggressive than garlic or onion. They are classically used in vinaigrettes and sauteed in butter or oil to flavor sauces. To keep from tearing while cutting onions, try chilling peeled onions in the refrigerator before cutting or holding a piece of bread or cracker in your mouth. To remove the smell from your hands try rubbing with vinegar or lemon juice. Watch this video on how to dice an onion, a skill worth practicing.
Recipes:
Look for more recipes for the lily family at the market!
Food Donations Welcome
The New Hampshire Food Bank will be at the market to accept food donations from consumers and vendors. Fresh foods are encouraged; consider buying extra potatoes, onions, root vegetables, or winter squash to donate. Donations of cash or canned foods are also welcome.
Volunteer
We’re looking for those interested in joining our crew of volunteers — help set up, provide information during the market, or clean up afterward. Email foodguide@seacoasteatlocal.org if you would like to volunteer for this or future markets.
Support Local Food
Purchasing locally grown food directly from area growers helps ensure our farms stay in business, keeping open space and good food growing in the Seacoast. You can find a full list of participating vendors and their products at www.seacoasteatlocal.org, and check our Facebook page for market updates and specials.