Vegetables - the fresher, the better, coming to Crocker Park
By Thea Steinmetz
happenings
Published Date, 2005

North Union Farmers Market, a 10- year-old, not-for-profit organization, will be giving Westshore consumers a fresh choice when it opens its sixth venue in the Greater Cleveland area Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crocker Park.

We now will have a chance all summer long to experience the taste that fresh from the farm produce is supposed to have. The idea that vegetables grown in far away places now can be alternatively supplanted with fresh, often organically grown produce, is a welcome addition to our diet.

This market is an idea whose time has come. There are three reasons why we should embrace this fresh from Ohio movement. 1. We will be supporting our farmers in Northeast Ohio. 2. Both urbanites and suburbanites gain access to fresh, locally grown produce. 3. The farmers market idea creates a wholesome family activity which in turn builds a community.

With the addition of the Crocker Park location there will be three of these markets in our area: one on Wednesday afternoons in Lakewood and one in Olmsted Falls on Friday mornings. Originally area farmers were reluctant to take part in this concept of marketing their produce. Now, after a ten year experience, it has become easier to find new family farms willing to become direct vendors.

Donita Anderson is the market director and she has high hopes for the newest addition to the direct merchandising of the best produce Ohio farmers can offer. It is a trend that was first started in California by the famed restaurateur, Alice Waters. She had the idea that farm produce that was grown only a few hours away from her restaurant had to be superior to anything that had spent seven to nine days on the road to supermarkets. The concept was successful and today California cuisine is based on only using the freshest ingredients.

"These farmers sometimes come from hours away and might have to get up at three in the morning," says Anderson. Before going on the road, the eggs have to be gathered, the vegetables picked, the breads and pastries baked, the artisan cheeses packaged and whatever specialties offered, need to be readied for the trip. Before departing they also have to tend to the daily needs of their animals, then drive for a few hours to get to the market. By the time everything is set up, a few more hours have elapsed.

The question has been asked, why only have market hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.? Considering that everything needs to be packed up and the area cleaned is only part of what needs to be done. The long way home is to be measured and it has to be made in time for the evening farm chores. It makes for a very long day.

The goal of the North Union Farmers Market is to re-establish true farmers markets in the State of Ohio and maintain the family owned farms. These small farms are in danger of no longer being able to support the family and losing the vitality and energy that once upon a time was the heart of the rural community.

The public at large now is clamoring for better tasting fresh products, often completely organically grown. "The collaborative relationship we have built with local farmers has allowed us not only to present healthy produce," said Anderson, " but also to offer a natural way to review health education for families and local chefs."

Many local chefs have embraced the Grown in Ohio campaign and rely on certified fresh produce to create an original seasonal cuisine for their restaurants. Organic wines and the best maple syrup available are part of this "niche" market.

Lettuce, mesclun mixes and other spring greens will be among the first offerings at the opening of the Crocker Park location Saturday, rain or shine. The location of the market is the parking lot south of the newly opened "Trader Joes" on Crocker Road.

There will be opening blessings of the market at 9 a.m. by Father Donald Snyder of St. Ladislas. After the blessing, the children will enjoy the sheep shearing event demonstrated by the Baldwin father and son team from Diamond, Ohio. The son is the 4-H Sheep Shearing Champion.

Well known chef, Parker Bosley, will spend the morning cooking seasonal products for tasting. He has long been an enthusiastic proponent of using Ohio grown produce.

Various Ohio artisans are also part of this opening day celebration. All during the summer a variety of crafters and artists will offer their skills as part of market day.

Spring Flower Market is also part of this Ohio grown promotion. Acclimatized plants offered for our gardens are grown in Ohio soil. This means that plants, perhaps grown in California, and shipped east will need some time to get acclimated to our weather conditions and our soil. It is better to start off with home grown products.

The first bite from the farm to the table produce, most likely will be memorable. When the North Union Farmers Market comes to Westlake, it will be a fun filled West Shore event not to be missed. See you at the Market!