News and blog

Update for Saturday Saturday June 16th

It looks like this will be another good week at the market as more and more locally grown itmes make an appearance at the market.  I am even hearing from the farmers that local corn is not too far off.  I will keep you posted on that.

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The Update

Greenawalt Farm

California Olive Oil Connection- 

To promote education, I have copies of the book Extra Virginity book available to borrow.  So stop by and borrow a copy when you have some time to give it a read.  

Also check out the website for more information:
http://www.extravirginity.com/

Of course we also have six varieties of California grown, certified extra virgnin olive oil.....

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- We have new cheeses shipments from Riverview Dairy (aged goat cheses) and Hidden Hills Dairy (aged cow milk cheeses).  We will also have a shipment of fresh curds.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- I just picked up a new batch of freshly roasted Kew Park Estate Coffee.

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cooking greens
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday Saturday June 2nd

Summer seems to really be here and we seem to be getting a few new locally grown items each week.  This week we will have local zucchini and pickle cucumners for the first time this season.  Also, I am told by the farmers that the local strawberries are starting to slow down.  They have been excellent the last 2 weeks, so come and get them while you can.

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Please note an upcoming special event.  Its called "Sous Chefs for a Cause".  It is a special dinner being held this Sunday at Legume restaurant.  Funds from the dinner will benefit a scholarship for cheese makers in western Pennsylvania.  The idea is to get more and better local cheese.  It is a great cause and I am sure it will be a great dinner.  Some of Pittsburgh's finest chefs will be preparing the food.  The folks at Slow Food Pittsburgh came up with the idea and are organizing the event.  More information is available by clicking on the link below.

http://www.slowfoodpgh.com/calendar/sous-chefs-cook-for-a-cause-more-better-local-cheese

To make a reservation for the dinner, click the link below.  The 7:30 session is already sold out but there are spaces for the 4:00 seating available.

See you on Saturday!  David Lagnese

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The Update

Greenawalt Farm

California Olive Oil Connection- Last weeek I mentioned that I read the book Extra Virginity while I was in Paris.  The book basically tells the story about how most of the oil that we get here is definitely not "extra Virgin" olive oil.  In most cases it is much lower quality oil and in some cases actually adulterated oil.  It is really a shocking story.  The book also does a lot to educate on the history of olive oil and some of the keys to obtaining high quality EVO today.  I am happy to report that he gave pretty high marks the artisinal olive oils which are being produced in California and that I am carrying at the market.  It made me feel really good about what we are doing at the market by bringing these oils to Pittsburgh.

To promote education, I started a little lending library at the market and lent out 3 of the 4 copies of Extra Virginity book.  So stop by and borrow a copy when you have some time to give it a read.  

Also check out the website for more information:
http://www.extravirginity.com/

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- No new cheeses this week.  But I am hoping a few people can make it to the fund raising dinner mentioned above that will benefit a local cheese maker.   I have encouraged all the western PA cheesemakers that I work with to apply for the scholarship.  

I also want to mentioned that I got a rather large order of cheddar cheese wheels this week from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar.  I ordered the oldest cheese that they had in inventory, which is 9 months old.  I plan to age it for several more months until it is at least a year old.  I have been getting a lot of requests for this longer aged cheese from the cheedar lovers out there.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- We have more locally roasted beans from Kew Park Coffee Estate in Jamaica.

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Cooking greens
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday Saturday June 2nd

Last Saturday was a great day from the market.  Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

As I mentioned last week, I was away- actually in Paris, France with my wife Cristy.  We had a fabulous time, eating and drinking our way across the city.  We stayed in an apartment so we could visit farmers markets and small neighborhood markets to buy food and cook at home.  The markets were fabulous and we were able to procure a great selection of breads, cheese, fish, meat, fois gras, pastries, wine, etc.  The quality of the food was incredible.  I took lots of photos so please stop by the PA Made Cheese booth if you would like to check them out.

Also, I finally had some time to read the olive oil expose book- Extra Virginity by Tom Mueller.  It was a very interesting read- please see the California Olive Oil Connection below for more information.

As far as the market update, I had a chance to speak with all the farmers this week and have an update below.  I am happy to report that we have a number of new locally grown items this week.  Enjoy!

David Lagnese 

***********************************************************************************************

The Update

Greenawalt Farm

California Olive Oil Connection- As I mentioned I read the book Extra Virginity while I was in Paris.  The book basically tells the story about how most of the oil that we get here is definitely not "extra Virgin" olive oil.  In most cases it is much lower quality oil and in some cases actually adulterated oil.  It is really a shocking story.  The book also does a lot to educate on the history of olive oil and some of the keys to obtaining high quality EVO today.  I am happy to report that he gave pretty high marks the artisinal olive oils which are being produced in California and that I am carrying at the market.  It made me feel really good about what we are doing at the market by bringing these oils to Pittsburgh.

The biggest take-away I got from the book is that the key is to continue to educate consumers on quality oils.  So I am working on developing some materials that can be used to provide more information on the orgins and taste profiles of the oils that we carry.

I also though it would help if more people can read the Extra Virginity book.  It cost about $25, so I decided to buy 4 copies and will start a little lending library so people can check out the book out and then return it when done.  I will have the books at the market this Saturday so stop by and borrow a copy.

Also check out the website for more information:
http://www.extravirginity.com/

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- As mentioned last week, we now have wheels of that fabulous Pecorino Romano from Otterbein Acres called "Ewe's Dream".  This is a very flavorful cheese thart can be used for grating on pasta or jus eating.  We also have fresh shipments from Riverview Dairy (Goat milk cheese) and Common Folk Organics Blue cheese and mushroom leek.  Fresch curds from Arsenal cheese will also be available.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- We have more locally roasted beans from Kew Park Coffee Estate in Jamaica.

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Cooking greens
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday Saturday June 2nd

Last Saturday was a great day from the market.  Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

As I mentioned last week, I was away- actually in Paris, France with my wife Cristy.  We had a fabulous time, eating and drinking our way across the city.  We stayed in an apartment so we could visit farmers markets and small neighborhood markets to buy food and cook at home.  The markets were fabulous and we were able to procure a great selection of breads, cheese, fish, meat, fois gras, pastries, wine, etc.  The quality of the food was incredible.  I took lots of photos so please stop by the PA Made Cheese booth if you would like to check them out.

Also, I finally had some time to read the olive oil expose book- Extra Virginity by Tom Mueller.  It was a very interesting read- please see the California Olive Oil Connection below for more information.

As far as the market update, I had a chance to speak with all the farmers this week and have an update below.  I am happy to report that we have a number of new locally grown items this week.  Enjoy!

David Lagnese 

***********************************************************************************************

The Update

Greenawalt Farm

California Olive Oil Connection- As I mentioned I read the book Extra Virginity while I was in Paris.  The book basically tells the story about how most of the oil that we get here is definitely not "extra Virgin" olive oil.  In most cases it is much lower quality oil and in some cases actually adulterated oil.  It is really a shocking story.  The book also does a lot to educate on the history of olive oil and some of the keys to obtaining high quality EVO today.  I am happy to report that he gave pretty high marks the artisinal olive oils which are being produced in California and that I am carrying at the market.  It made me feel really good about what we are doing at the market by bringing these oils to Pittsburgh.

The biggest take-away I got from the book is that the key is to continue to educate consumers on quality oils.  So I am working on developing some materials that can be used to provide more information on the orgins and taste profiles of the oils that we carry.

I also though it would help if more people can read the Extra Virginity book.  It cost about $25, so I decided to buy 4 copies and will start a little lending library so people can check out the book out and then return it when done.  I will have the books at the market this Saturday so stop by and borrow a copy.

Also check out the website for more information:
http://www.extravirginity.com/

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- As mentioned last week, we now have wheels of that fabulous Pecorino Romano from Otterbein Acres called "Ewe's Dream".  This is a very flavorful cheese thart can be used for grating on pasta or jus eating.  We also have fresh shipments from Riverview Dairy (Goat milk cheese) and Common Folk Organics Blue cheese and mushroom leek.  Fresch curds from Arsenal cheese will also be available.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- We have more locally roasted beans from Kew Park Coffee Estate in Jamaica.

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Cooking greens
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday Saturday May 26th- Memorial Day Weekend

I am traveling today and so had limited opportunity to check with the farmers.  But I did provide as much information as I could below.  I have heard from the farmers that the Saturday before Memorial Day is one of the busiest days of the year.  So please stop by and support the farmers.

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The Update

Greenawalt Farm

Zang's Greenhouse...  Locally grown itmes this week include asparagus, spincah, micro greens, green onions and lettuce.  RICK WILL ALSO HAVE FRESH LOCALLY GROWN STRAWBERRIES!

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- Thanks to my brother-in-law.  He stopped by the Otterbein Acres Sheep Farm and Dairy and picked up 6 wheels of the "Ewe's Dream" Pecorino Romana.  This is a very flavorful cheese thart can be used for grating on pasta or jus eating.  We also have fresh shipments from Riverview Dairy (Goat milk cheese) and Common Folk Organics Blue cheese and mushroom.  Fresch curds from Arsenal cheese will also be available.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- We have more locally roasted beans from Kew Park Coffee Estate in Jamaica.

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Squash
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday Saturday May 19th

More locally grown items are appearing at the market.  Please see the update below for details.  

In case you missed that article from last Wednesday in the Tribune Review please check it out:

http://triblive.com/home/1512851-74/cheese-steak-asparagus-market-potatoes-heat-red-lemon-meat-milk

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The Update

Greenawalt Farm

Zang's Greenhouse... Special items for this week include locally grown asparagus, rhubarb, micro greens, ramps and lettuce.  Rick will also have cooking greens (shipped in) and a variety of other vegetables.   

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies to the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.

PA Made Cheese- We have fresh shipments from Riverview Dairy (Goat milk cheese) and Common Folk Organics.  We have more of the mushroom leek chese from Common Folk.  That has been quite popular.

Kew Park Coffee Bar- We have more locally roasted beans from Kew Park Coffee Estate in Jamaica. The dark roast was roasted just yesterday. 

Summary of Produce Available

Veggies

• Potatoes
• PA Mushrooms
• Squash
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Carrots and other root vegetables
• Onions
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Peppers- sweet and hot
• Ramps
• Micro greens
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Rhubarb
• Asparagus

Fruit

• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears
• Florida Citrus such as lemons, limes and oranges
• Grapes
• Other fruit such as berries

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.
 

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.