Fresh Connections – The Parfitt Way Blog

It’s that time again. The Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market is back! Opening this Saturday, April 13th at the Town Square from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come to meet, greet and enjoy the fresh produce available in a fun and family friendly setting.

Old favorites who are returning this year include  Butler Green Farms, Persephone Farm, Farmhouse Organics, Baywater Shellfish, Paulson Farms, Tani Creek Farm and Laughing Crow Farm. These and many other locally sourced organic growers are here to provide the freshest meats and produce possible. For a full listing of the vendors click here This details who and what will be available.

Another outstanding resource for natural and organic farm producers, nationally, not just for the Northwest is here This is an easily navigated site where one can explore the bounty of organics to choose the healthiest and freshest in produce. There are also links to purchase on line from a large number of members as well as the ability to subscribe for CSA’s.

CSA? Community Supported Agriculture. The idea is for the producer to offer a certain number of “shares”, to the public. This may be in the form of a box of vegetables or other farm products, honey, fresh organic meat, or herbs and flowers. Each subscriber will receive a box of the fresh products weekly through the farming season. The advantages work both for the farmer and consumer.

For the farmer they get to spend time marketing their products before moving into 16 hour days in the fields. They receive payment early in the season which helps with the cash flow and most importantly they get to meet and know the people who will consume their produce.

The subscriber gets ultra fresh produce and exposure to new vegetables and ways of cooking. Typically you will visit the farm at least once a season to witness the process in the fields. This also allows the consumer to develop a relationship with the grower. Many kids are found to favor, “Their” farm and will be more open to trying new foods from there that would be perhaps unknown to them otherwise.

With the spring and summer upon us it’s time to get out, explore what’s new and organic at the farmer’s market. Meet the producers try something new, fresh and healthy.