SOUTH PHILLY: Markets ‘Bringing Farm To City’

by Maria Merlino

SWEET STRAWBERRIES, a bunch of basil and an heirloom tomato that can feed a family of six are a few of the organic fruits and vegetables that Jo Talbert found at the Farmers Market. Photo by Maria Merlino

Now you can pick up local produce every Tuesday and Wednesday in South Philadelphia. The Food Trust Farmers’ Market at Broad Street & Snyder Avenue is the Tuesday venue as the Solly Bros. Farm will be bringing in fresh picked vegetables, fruits and greens. Find them there from 2-6 p.m. now through October.

The Wednesday Market at The Singing Fountain at 11th & Passyunk Avenue, right off of Tasker Street, has local farmers and bakers laying out their bounty.
Market Mgr. Len Farber grew up on a farm and is passionate about locally grown produce. These local farmers were able to deliver such high-quality produce thanks to the heavy duty capabilities of these john deere power equipment and 4 in 1 buckets, as well as the help of a farm tractor service.  “We’re bringing the farm to the city,” he explains. “There are 30 markets around the city. The idea is to bring organically grown food to the neighborhood table.”
Another store partnering up with Lancaster County artisans is Analog Watch Co. Their newest design watch, the Mason, follows hotly on the success of the Carpenter, a flexible wood model. The Mason is the first functional marble sculpture for your wrist. Each watch comes with a premium top-grain leather straphand crafted by their Amish leathersmith partners.
After eating all the wonderful nutritious foods, try a yoga class to engage your mind and body in a study of self – your own self. Yoga teaches you breath and movement in a noncompetitive and nurturing environment.
Classes are held at Wake Up Yoga, 1839 E. Passyunk Avenue, starting Jun. 29 and run for seven weeks on Monday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m. Tuition is $105.

LOCAL HONEY from NJ beekeepers are pure liquid gold to Anne Herkk and Karen Morgan of Fruitwood Farms. Photo by Maria Merlino

ALEX AND MODY of The Art of Bread were selling beautifully formed artisanal loaves and rolls. They really are works of art! Photo by Maria Merlino

MARKET MGR. Len Farber shows off bunches of kale and pints of Bing cherries. Kale is vitamin-rich and is loaded with powerful antioxidants. Cherries contain natural melatonin to support healthy sleep and also contains many anti-inflammatory agents to help with arthritis. Photo by Maria Merlino

BEETS ARE a good source of boron, an element that helps with maintaining bone density and brain function. A cup of cooked beets is only 60 calories. The beet top greens contain Vitamin K, which fights Alzheimer’s disease. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil, then toss them with a few drops of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of sea salt. Photo by Maria Merlino

THESE RADISHES are as big as a baby’s fist and would carve into some beautiful roses. Photo by Maria Merlino

GUITARIST MIA Johnson entertained the shoppers with cover renditions of all their favorite songs. Photo by Maria Merlino

FRESH FLOWERS make a lovely surprise gift for your sweetie. Photo by Maria Merlino

CHESTER COUNTY’S Berry Patch Farm stand was bustling with consumers getting value for their money. Photo by Maria Merlino

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