Tag Archives: veggies

Fall Vegetables Now in Full Supply for Winter Farmers Market

November 4, 2013

What a beautiful fall day at the market! Last Saturday was perfect for strolling around and picking up tasty fresh cool weather veggies at the market. A lot of delicious sweet potatoes, greens and root vegetables, like beets, turnips and carrots could be found.

Sweet Potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Radishes, Turnips and Greens from Pilgrims Produce

Organic Celery, Tatsoi and Collards from Delvin Farms

Fresh Farm Green Onions from Pilgrims Produce

Fresh Lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Red and Yellow Baby Carrots from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Farm Fresh Beets from Paradise Produce

And the fresh baked goods were lip-smacking good. Holiday sweets are sneaking into the market too. Rumor has it that Noble Springs Dairy has created goat cheese fudge that is a fantastic experience for your taste buds.

Fresh baked Sweets and Bread from Flying J Farm

Farm Preserves from Jones Mill Farm

It was a good day for socializing too, with friends and farmers. A lot of folks made a point to welcome Paradise Produce back to the market. Stacy Gentry got married and took a year off to settle into married life. He and his lovely wife Sonia were at the Paradise Produce booth with beautiful vegetables. It was her first time working at the market with her new husband and it paid off…. They sold out of everything! You can visit all photos from Saturday here.

Deb, LeeAnn and Ben enjoying some market community time

Sonia and Stacy Gentry of Paradise Produce happy to be back at the Franklin Farmers Market

A beautiful fall day was enjoyed by many

We asked a question before Saturday about whether dogs should be allowed at the Franklin Farmers Market or if they should be banned. And a lot of you had something to say about it while at the market. In fact, we ran out of the survey forms about dog issue at the FFM info booth. Some of you were quick to say that dogs were a big reason why you like to come to the market, while others told us the dogs shouldn’t be allowed because the large number of canines and big market crowds just didn’t mix too well. This past Saturday, quite a few dogs came with their owners to the market. And while most were well-behaved, there were still a few that relieved themselves inside the market shed or growled at other dogs that were there. We really love dogs. But concerns over safety and sanitary issues keep growing, so we’re asking for your help in deciding whether dogs should stay or go. Tell us what you think. You can take part in our survey about the dogs by either stopping at the market info booth on Saturdays or emailing your thoughts to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com . We’ll be conducting the survey through November 23rd.

There were two other big questions at the market this past Saturday that people kept asking. The first one was “when does the market close down for the year?” It doesn’t. The market goes year-round, so the farmers will be here with fresh winter produce all through the winter season.

Beautiful Organic Tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Fresh Apples from Kirkview Farm

Freshly picked cabbage and radishes from Kirkview Farm

Fresh Spinach, Garlic and Lettuces from Rocky Glad Farm

The other question was “what time does the winter farmers market open and close?” Normally, the winter market begins at 9am. But we want to give you more time to shop the market, especially for holiday food and gifts. So November through December, the market is open every Saturday from 8am – noon. In January, the winter market hours will change to 9am-noon.

Beautiful hand carved woods from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Custom made signs made from old barn wood from Tom the Furniture Guy

Hank Delvin, Sr of Delvin Farms helping customers on a beautiful fall day at the Franklin Farmers Market

Farm Fresh Summer Produce still available at our Tennessee Farmers Market

September 22, 2013

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Maybe it was that yummy roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farms. Or it could have been a deliciously sweet treat from Ellie’s Doughnuts with a good cup of hot coffee. Or perhaps some of Hatcher Dairy’s famous chocolate milk was the way to start the day. Whatever it was, despite the wet weather, a whole lot of you showed up and munched on breakfast goodies while walking around the market this past Saturday morning.

Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnets

Norton Family Farm Pumpkin Rolls

Singing in the Rain!

BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Wonderful Granola MIx

And our farmers and vendors really appreciate that, because whether it’s rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s good fresh food harvested every day. So again, big thanks to everyone who came out to shop at the Franklin Farmers Market in less than ideal weather.

Pumpkin Face Drawing

Peaceful Pastures now taking Turkey orders

The cooler, wet weather shouldn’t have been a surprise though because Sunday was the official first day of autumn and that means some changes are coming in the produce at the market. There are still a lot of your summer favorites, like tomatoes and cucumbers or squash and field peas.

Farm Fresh Tonmatoes

Just picked Okra

Summer Veggies from Pilgrims Produce

Produce variety from Pilgrims Produce

But with the change in the season, different veggies start showing up. Not everything in the garden is harvested during the hot days of summer. There are a number of vegetables that grow better in cooler temps and are ready to be harvested during both spring and fall. That’s why there is a good supply of such veggies like radishes, beets and carrots during the cool months at the market. Turnips, lettuce and sweet potatoes are plentiful during the fall and spring too. Many farms in Middle Tennessee grow all year long, so the Franklin Farmers Market stays open all year long. The winter market officially begins on November 2^nd.

Pumpkins in market from Purple Tree Farm

Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

Wagon of Pumpkins from King Farm

And of course with the fall season, pumpkins come to the market. And when the pumpkins start showing up (like they are now), scarecrows are not too far behind them. October 19^th is the day for scarecrows to take over the market. The Invasion of the Scarecrows is great day for family fun, with a free pumpkin patch for the kids, yummy pumpkin goodies to eat, plus the kids can paint pumpkins and get their faces painted too! The Invasion of the Scarecrows is presented by the Williamson Medical Center.

Cherry Jelly from Norton Family Farm

Sunflowers and Veggies from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Great veggies to eat and enjoy; lots of pumpkins and a market takeover by scarecrows… We love fall at the Franklin Farmers Market!

Farmer Market Meats, Fresh Vegetables and Apple Cider great for Fall Football Tailgating

September 16, 2013

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Apples! Apples! Apples! So many varieties to choose from!

We’ve got to say, this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market was just right… beautiful blue skies, perfect weather and the absolute best of fresh food from local farms. Who could ask for anything more? The first official day of fall is actually next Sunday, but the delicious food of the season is starting to come into the market now. Crisp apples and apple cider, root veggies and squash – fall is definitely just around the corner.

Beautiful just picked Squash from Rainbow Hill Farm

Collard Greens from Norris Family Farm

Fresh Apple Cider from Kirkview Farm

Multi-colored peppers are still in good supply and great for grilling

Fresh picked Apples from Rainbow Hill Farm, Apple Pie Anyone?

Fresh picked Lettuces from Norris Family Farm

Triple L Ranch Fresh Beef Ribeye’s

Or maybe we should call it something else besides fall. Maybe we should call it football tailgating season, because a lot of you are picking up beef, chicken, pork and more from the meat farmers now. The market is the place for meats and veggies to be outdoor grilling before the football games.

Grilling Triple L Ranch Ribeye’s on a Big Green Egg

Fall Football Tailgating with Farm Fresh Beef , Chicken and Pork Delivers unmatched Flavor!

And there was a lot of talk about scarecrows at the market this past Saturday too. The Invasion of the Scarecrows takes place on October 19^th, with lots and lots of scarecrows taking over the Franklin Farmers Market. It’s a big day of family fun, with a free pumpkin patch for the kids and much more. Look for more details soon. The Invasion of the Scarecrows is brought to you by the Williamson Medical Center.

Finally, this past Saturday was also a great day at the market’s Growing Kids Educational Garden. While the kids have gone back to school and the garden classes are over for the year, there’s a lot that needs to be done to put the garden to bed for the winter. And the community team from Whole Foods came out and took a big step in helping us get the garden cleaned up and ready to grow next spring. From pulling up weeds to taking out dead veggie plants, our friends from Whole Foods did a great job on the garden.

So we’ll say it again… all in all, this past Saturday was just right!

Farmers Market eases into Fall with Summer Vegetables still in Large Supply

September 2, 2013

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Deb Ringing in the start of another great Market Saturday

You know that old saying about how time flies? It’s true. Even though autumn doesn’t start until late September, everyone considers Labor Day to be the end of summer. School’s back in session, there’s no more summer vacation and all of our favorite summer fruits and veggies are gone. But wait just a minute…that last part’s not true. There are still plenty of summer goodies at the Franklin Farmers Market.

Fresh Produce from Bloomsbury Farm

The proof is in the photos… Look at the beautiful produce from Bloomsbury Farm that was available at the market this past weekend.

Farm Fresh Green Beans from Kirkview Farm

There were lots of fresh veggies and fruits to choose from, like these green beans from Kirkview Farm or these sweet watermelons from Pilgrims Produce.

Heirloom Tomatoes from Evans Produce

Kirkview Farm Peaches

Okra, Onions and Garlic from Gardner Grove

Beaverdam Creek Farm Booth full of produce

Gardner Grove Heirloom Tomatoes

mAnd while it is almost the end of summer, the market keeps on going and going. There were a lot of people on Saturday, asking when the market would shut down for the winter. We don’t. The Franklin Farmers Market is open year-round, every Saturday. There are lots of good winter vegetables that our farmers grow too.

First Pumpkins of Fall 2013 King Farm

Bags of Apples from Kirkview Farm

Farm Fresh Sprouts from Bloomsbury Farm

So while summer may be flying by in a hurry, there are no worries about getting good local fresh foods. The Franklin Farmers Market has got what you want.

Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts

Fresh Baked Cookies and Scones from Dozen

Fresh Tomato Juices and Salsa from Delvin Farms

Tie Dye Garments from Pieceful World Clothing

Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices

However with the fall season, there is a peculiar occurrence takes place at the market. There’s a curious change in the way things normally are. Something odd happens and strange occupants suddenly overrun the market. So be forewarned… they are coming to the Franklin Farmers Market soon… very soon.

Large Crop of Tennessee Melons Now at the Franklin Farmers Market

August 19, 2013

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Farm Fresh Cumbers and Tomatoes from See Sun Vu Farm

It’s been a strange summer. Here we are in August, which is typically a dry and very hot month. But we’ve had plenty of rain and lows in the 50’s. Weird weather indeed, but on the flip side, it’s been good for the veggies. Right now, the Franklin Farmers Market is loaded with lots of great vegetables. You should have seen the pile of peppers at the Gardner’s Grove booth!

Multi-Colored Peppers from Gardener Grove Farm

Over 30 different varieties of Tomatoes

Beautiful Egg Plant coming in for 2013 from See Sun Vu Farm

A Great Summer for Cantaloupe from Kirkview Farm

This Mom teaching her son about Delvin Farms CSA fresh veggies

This year Watermelons are HUGE from Tim of Colbert Farm

And tomatoes were everywhere. Mr. Cecil’s tomatoes were hot items this past Saturday, along with green beans from the Colbert Farm and corn from the King Family Farm. Chicken for the grill was the big thing from River Cottage Farm. The Delvin Farm had cantaloupes that were huge (and sweet!) and of course, several of the farms had delicious watermelons.

So Very Fresh Green Beans from Kirkview Farm

Beautiful Potatoes and Melons from Colbert Farm

Fried Green Tomatoes anyone from Bloomsbury Farm

Beautiful Apples from Kirkview Farm

Wonderful Plums and Peaches from Kirkview Farm

Watermelon Festival is Next Weekend!

Speaking of watermelons, the market’s big Watermelon Festival is coming up this Saturday (August 24^th) and it’s a big juicy day of fun for everyone. Besides delicious slices of watermelon to munch on, there are games and face painting for the kids, weird watermelon carvings and the two contests you don’t want to miss – the watermelon seed spitting challenge and the fastest watermelon eating competition.

The excitement is building, as you can see in this short youtube video from one of the potential competitors in the watermelon eating contest:

The seed spitting contest takes place at 10am, while the watermelon eating contest is at 11:30. If you’re up to the challenge, come by the market’s info booth Saturday morning to register. Don’t miss the Franklin Farmers Market Watermelon Festival, presented by the Williamson Herald and Southern Exposure Magazine!

Fresh Goat Cheese to Sample from Noble Springs Dairy Farm

Lots of Tomatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Golden Melons from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Truck loads of Sweet Corn selling out fast from the King Family Farm

Fresh made mini Quiche from Jones Mill Farm

Heavy Rain visits the Farmers Market and Farms across Middle Tennessee

July 8, 2013

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Rain can’t keep away CSA customers

Rain, rain go away, come again some other day. We need rain to help the crops grow. However, what fell last week was a little more than we wanted. But it didn’t stop the farmers from getting out there and picking the best in fresh,Tennessee produce. And it didn’t stop the Franklin Farmers Market or our loyal customers either. Thanks to everyone who visited the market this past Saturday.

The market information booth was rain prepared

Families seemed to enjoy the rainy day

Despite the downpour, quite a crowd came out to get delicious veggies, such as carrots, cabbage and okra. More ripe and juicy tomatoes were at the market too, plus some unripe ones that were perfect for fried green tomato sandwiches.

Okra now in supply

Jones Mill Farm Heirloom tomatoes

Beaverdam Creek Farm and their CSA baskets

Blue Honey Farms Blueberries

Blackberries and blueberries were snatched up, along with yummy sweet peaches. And the first ears of corn were spotted at the market too. By the way, all of you corn lovers, take note: Rumor has it that the King family farm will have delicious Silver Queen corn this upcoming Saturday.

Fresh Blackberries from Kirkview Farm

1st Corn of 2013

Fresh Eggs from our youngest Farmer

And welcome to a new farmer at the Franklin Farmers Market. The fresh eggs that Zach Whitler brought to market went fast this past Saturday. And even though he’s only 11 years old, Zach already has quite the brood of chickens, such as Silkies, Leghorns and Ameraucanas, producing multi-colored eggs that are almost too pretty to eat. If you missed out on Zach’s eggs, don’t worry. He’ll be back at the market this Saturday, along with the sunshine we’ve been missing!

Jones Mill Farm Onions and Heirloom tomatoes

Norton Family Farm cherry tomatoes

This market visitor is so happy she found just what she was looking for!

Farm Fresh Produce being purchased in Record Numbers

July 1, 2013

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Rocky Glade Tomatoes gone by 10am

And they’re off! When our farmers market opened last Saturday, it was just like the start of a race. Everyone was in a rush to find their favorite veggies and fruits. Farm Fresh Tomatoes were being grabbed in a hurry and blueberries were flying out of the market. Baskets of sweet juicy peaches were also being snatched up, along with beef steaks, ribs, ground beef, pork chops and other naturally raised farm meats for the outdoor grill. We take pride in having the best in fresh, locally grown food at the Franklin Farmers Market. And when produce such as tomatoes first start showing up, they are at the top of the list for everyone to take home.

Kelly’s Blueberries

Jones Mill Onions

Beaverdam Creek Veggies for Foodies

But relax. There’s plenty of good food at our farmers market. And the amount of farm produce and fruits you love increase every week through out the summer. For example, this past Saturday several of the farmers had the first of their tomato crop at the market. And there will be even more tomatoes to choose from this week. It’s the same thing with blueberries and other seasonal favorites. Our farmers grow a lot of food and you’ll always find a great selection at the Franklin Farmers Market.

Fresh Cut Flowers always popular

Jim Vaughn of Rocky Glade Farm

A lot of you stopped by the market information booth this past weekend to find out who had fresh corn or where the watermelons could be found. Remember, the food at the Franklin Farmers Market comes from local farmers, so it’s a little too early for both of those goodies to be ripe and ready in Middle Tennessee. But come by the info booth the next time you’re at the market and pick up a free copy of the Local Table magazine. It’s got a big seasonality chart so you can get a better idea of when your favorite veggies could be showing up at the market.

Delvin Farm Tomatoes

Kelly’s Blackberries

All smiles after visiting the market

We also had a lot of people asking where to find the ATM. There is an ATM near the front of The Factory. But the best things is to plan ahead and bring small bills, like ones, fives and tens to the market. And there are several farmers who now accept credit and debit cards too. So come on out to the Franklin Farmers Market this upcoming Saturday and get all of the food you want for your 4th of July weekend!

Colvin Farms Lettuce

Colvin Farm Lettuce

Beautiful Lettuces from Colvin Farm

A young supporter of Tennessee’s Colvin Farm at the Franklin Farmers Market back lot

Farmers Bring Fresh Green Beans, Squash, Cucumbers, Blueberries, Peppers, Onions and More to Market

June 17, 2013

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You know it’s going to be a good day when you spy the first of the blueberries at the market. They were the early variety, tasty and juicy. Those blueberries didn’t last long though, but that’s okay.

Deb ringing in the Start of a wonderful Market Day

Lot’s of new visitors and vacationers enjoying the day

The market was full of delicious food last Saturday. Green beans and new potatoes, along with cauliflower, beets and other fresh produce were plentiful. A lot of good farm eggs were snapped up too, along with tender steaks for the grill. Yummy breads, desserts and honey…. It was a food paradise!

Fresh Flowers to Fresh Veggies at the market

Lucy’s Kitchen always has Breakfast Treats ready

First Cucumbers of Summer

Where’s my Olive Oil and Outdoor Grill?

Absolutely Beautiful Potatoes

The new Franklin Farmers Market Recipe Book has wonderful Recipes from our Famers!

We still have Strawberries…but not for long!

Ellie’s Fresh Made Old Fashion Donuts

But sometimes you can’t find the vegetable you really want at the market. A lot of questions were asked Saturday about when would tomatoes show up at market; why weren’t there any watermelons and where was the corn? Georgia and Alabama produce typically is ripe and ready about two weeks before it is in Tennessee. The further south a farm is, the quicker the garden grows. Plus this year, we had a wet and cool spring, so some produce is running a little later than usual. But you need to be familiar with the seasonality of produce and fruit grown in Tennessee. Tomatoes typically are not ripe and plentiful until July. It’s the same thing with corn and watermelons are at their best in July and August too. Next Saturday, stop by the Market Information booth and pick up a free copy of Local Table. It’s a great guide to food and farming in Middle Tennessee, and it also has a big seasonality chart so you can get a better idea of when your favorite veggies and fruits are ripe and at market.

Speaking of tomatoes, nothing says summer like a deliciously ripe tomato. And we’re not talking about those tomatoes that are shipped in from other states or countries. We crave real tomatoes; the locally grown tomatoes. So when those first Middle Tennessee tomatoes are ripe and ready, it’s time to celebrate. And we’re going to do just that with our salute to tomatoes. Don’t miss the Franklin Farmers Market’s TomatoFest, July 27^th. Fresh tomatoes are the stars of the show. Enjoy samples of delicious heirloom tomatoes. Watch cooking demos of Chef Steven from Amerigo. Learn seed-saving techniques and take part in the ugly tomato contest. It’s a tomato lover’s heaven… TomatoFest at the Franklin Farmers Market!

New Fresh Peppers

Lovely Green Onions

The clean smell of Lavender was in the Air