Farmers Market hosting local Farmers, Bakers and Artisans

Fresh picked lettuces and radishes from Colvin Family Farm

Farmers are early birds. Up early in the morning, planting early crops, working early on the farm. So it makes perfect sense that the summer season of the Franklin Farmers Market starts early too. That’s what happened this past Saturday with a market packed with farmers, bakers and artisans. There were a lot of familiar faces, but many new ones too. It was a “berry” good day, with lots of strawberries to take home and enjoy. Music was back at the market too and choice of good fresh food was practically overwhelming. From Greek pastries to asparagus, goat cheese to tender steaks, the FFM had everything you needed for the perfect meal.

Fresh baked from Olive Tree Bakery

Market Lettuces stay fresh in your refrig much longer

Somebody loves her some Strawberries

Fresh organic asparagus from Delvin Farms

Farm fresh eggs from River Cottage Farm

Nutritious Kale from Bloomsbury Farm

Just picked Strawberries from FFM farmers

Chef Cyndi Shalhoub demonstrating her culinary skills with fresh market produce

Speaking of the perfect meal, Saturday was the chance to try out new ways with old favorite. It was our first Chef Saturday at the market and Chef Cyndi Shalhoub was on hand, showing how to prepare three different recipes with some of your favorite veggies and handing out delicious samples to try.

Chef Saturday at the FFM will take place the first Saturday of every month at the market and it’s a great way to learn new recipes for summertime veggies and fruits.

Beaverdam Creek Farm offers CSA’s along with many other FFM farms

Herb starter plants from Kirkview Farm

Kale and Strawberry salad by Chef Cyndi

It surely would not be summer if you didn’t fire up the grill. So that’s what we’re going to do this upcoming Saturday. May 10th is Grill Day at the FFM and it’s the perfect chance for you to sample great cuts of meat from farmers at the market. The ultimate grill master, Chef Jeff Lunsford of the Hearth and Grill Shop will have several grills fired up, including the dream grill of every backyard chef – the Big Green Egg. Sample beef, pork, lamb, chicken and sausage, deliciously grilled by Chef Jeff. It’s the perfect way to start summer at the FFM – yes, it’s good to be the early bird!