The Dirt: What To Get At The Farmer’s Market This Weekend

The Dirt this week is buried under The Snow. Even the Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal–normally toasty warm from the fat sizzling off the cheesesteak beef at Carmen’s and the wafts of hot, smoky air from The Rib Stand–is feeling the chill. Their farms and suppliers had a rough week for deliveries with all the bad weather, so you might find local food availability to be a bit spotty at your regular shops. The good news is that even if you can’t get your full compliment of local goodies, you can always have a PB&J. February is made for comfort food, and what could be more comforting than a classic peanut butter and jelly?  Local-ize yours because,  snow or no, the Clark Park and Fitler Square farmer’s markets will be happening as usual (though the Chestnut Hill Farmer’s Market is definitely closed tomorrow), so bundle up and head out there.

Jams & Jellies We’re entering that point in the year when it doesn’t seem possible that we could have enjoyed peaches AND blueberries AND raspberries all at the same time, so long has it been since we saw fresh, fragile fruits at the farmer’s markets. Contrary to what Destiny’s Child thinks, I’m pretty sure that you’re ready for this jelly. Preserves aren’t the same as the fresh stuff, but pick up some fig jam, cherry jelly, strawberry jam, blueberry jam, peach jam, or concord grape jam from Fifth of a Farm Creations at Clark Park, and you’ll be feeling boo-delicious.

Nut Butters The classic pb&j looks a little less appealing if you have a peanut allergy. But even if you do, you’ll find a delicious alternative by brand new West Philly start-up PB & Jams. They make peanut butter, sure, as well as a spicy peanut butter with a chili kick, but they also make a crumbly, rich honey walnut butter, creamy cashew butter, and the roastiest, toastiest, most delicious almond butter ever.  Ask for a taste of any of their products at the Clark Park market, or look for them at Green Aisle or Fair Food.

Honey If jelly isn’t your jam, hit up honey for your sandwich instead. There are so many really cool local honeys, but the ones labeled with Philly zip codes (based on where the rooftop-dwelling bees that make them forage flowers in window boxes, parks, and community gardens ) by Urban Apiaries are pretty freakin’ sweet.

Local Breads Since you’re already going to Clark Park for all this other good stuff, you had better pick up some  bread to go with all that jelly. Slow Rise Bakery sells an array of whole grain, organic breads at the Clark Park market that should make your mind swim with sandwich possibilities. Whole wheat, sprouted wheat, sunflower flax, 7 grain, cinnamon raisin, rye, roasted garlic, cheddar cheese, baguette, oat, and even english muffins. Go to town. Can’t handle the gluten? Wait until the snow melts and treat yo’ self to some of Amaranth Gluten Free Bakery’s goodies from Lancaster at the Rittenhouse Square market. They won’t be in town tomorrow, but they’ll be back next week.

Find something great at your local market? Instagram it and tag accordingly: @foobooz #fooboozthedirt