Farmers Market Returns to New Rochelle

The Farmers Market is returning to New Rochelle for its third straight year.  Residents can begin enjoying locally grown produce and freshly made delicacies beginning June 17. The market runs every Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Nov. 18.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. at the Library Green. The market features events, products and experiences that organizers—Community Markets—hope will further enrich the lives of the residents of New Rochelle.

“Our mission is to promote local farmers and the use of fresh local ingredients,” said Frankie Rowland, marketing and advertising director for Community Markets.

Rowland and organizers take great care to vet their vendors by visiting their fields and their kitchens so that only the best products reach New Rochelle.

“The best thing about having the market in New Rochelle is the sense of community,” said Rowland, adding, “it’s a wonderful mix of ages and people. Just a great place to catch up with neighbors or have fun.“

Many of the New Rochelle vendors come from over two and a half hours away.  Rowland states that the produce available for sale that day has been picked and the food products prepared just 48 or 72 hours before.

“We offer less processed products and at a price people can afford,” said Rowland.

Amazing Real Live Food Co., one of the market’s newest vendors, offers freshly made soft and hard cheeses such as Camembert, queso blancos and freshly herbed farmer’s cheeses made with the milk of cows that graze on its family owned 400 acre farm. The 2-year-old company is making the trip from Pine Plains in northern Dutchess County.

“We are trying to produce a delicious and healthy product,” said one of the company’s founders, Peter Destler.

Destler and his partner Rory Chase infuse their products with essential probiotics and key digestive enzymes, which help the human body in the process of digestion.

“We’ve been to the town before and are very excited to feature our product to the people of New Rochelle,” said Destler.

Marketgoers can also partake in garden workshops with vendors and a “community table” program, that lets local businesses meet their customers face to face. They can also taste fresh produce at tomato and apple tastings, corn roasts and cider pressings throughout the season.  

Residents can also visit the Community Markets Web site to find recipes that can be made with the items on sale at the market. The site also lets residents find out more information on the vendors and dates of other markets in the surrounding areas and gives them access to social media connections where they can follow the market and some vendors.

Traveling marketgoers can attend canning classes at the Pelham Farmers Market, which is on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At that the market one can learn the craft of canning and preserving foods for future use.

But Rowland said the best thing the market has to offer is diversity—and she isn’t talking about the produce.

“New Rochelle is such a diverse area. Folks come from their offices to have lunch, you see small children, senior groups and people just having fun and enjoying their time. It’s a wonderful mix of people,” said the organizer.