The Dirt: What To Get At The Farmers Market This Weekend


It’s time, friends, to say goodbye for the year to the Headhouse Farmer’s Market, as this Sunday will be the last one until spring. While this cornerstone of Philly’s market scene is winding down for the year, you still have a chance this weekend to plan a trip to Headhouse (or Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Bryn Mawr, Chestnut Hill or whatever your market of choice is) to pick up the goods for your holiday table. Haven’t planned your menu yet? Here’s a little inspiration…

Potatoes & Root Veggies – Whether alongside a roast or fried up as latkes, root veggies and tubers are plentiful at all the local markets at the moment.

Duck Mousse & Pate – Open up a jar of chutney, jam, or pickles, alongside duck mousse and pate from Canter Hill Farm (Bryn Mawr) and you’ve got a readymade canapé. If you haven’t figured out a plan for your holiday centerpiece yet you can also preorder one of their fresh whole ducks for pick-up this weekend. Still recovering from your battle with the bird this Thanksgiving? They’ll also have rack of lamb and pork loin roasts available.

Hard Cider – Though we’re sure you won’t want for libations at your celebrations, consider stopping by Frecon’s table at Rittenhouse to pick up some of their new Estate Series of hard ciders: Farm House Sour, Hogs Head Reserve, and Apple Wine.

Mushrooms – Earthy and elegant, roasted local mushrooms from Davidson Exotics (Bryn Mawr, Rittenhouse) or Queen’s Farm (Headhouse) make a meaty, robust option that vegetarians and omnivores can enjoy equally.

Beeswax Candles – Light your holiday table with the beautiful beeswax candles from Tassot Apiaries. Bonus? The natural wax gives off a sweet, faintly honeyed aroma.

Pannetone – A beautiful holiday tradition whether you’ve got Italian roots or not, pick up this pillowy, fruit-studded bread from Wildflour Bakery at the Rittenhouse market.

Apple Syrup – Sure, you could serve the apple syrup from Eden’s Garden (Clark Park) with waffles or pancakes on Christmas morning, but it would be equally as nice as the base for a whiskey-based beverage a little later in the day.