Artisan Cheeses Introduced at Farmer’s Market
08/11/2008
Cherry Grove Farm joins the Farmers Market bringing five unique types of cheese.
HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. – August 5, 2008 – After 13 continuous years of success, the Highland Park Farmer’s Market is expanding once again. This year, the Farmer’s Market is proud to introduce organic gourmet cheeses from Cherry Grove Farm of Lawrenceville.
Kelly Harding, owner of Cherry Grove Farm, is bringing five unique types of cheese for all to enjoy at the Farmer’s Market, which is open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each cheese has been aged from two months to more than one year and has been crafted for distinct shapes and flavor.
Cherry Grove Farm, a certified organic farm, uses its own grass-raised cows to create unique cheeses. “Our products have a lot more flavor than processed cheeses,” Harding said. “Our cheeses are not pasteurized, preserving important elements that give it their special flavors.”
As well as the addition of this specialty vendor, every participant from last year’s Farmer’s Market has returned this season, which has experienced record crowds.
“This is an indication of the successful relationship the farmers share with our community,” said James McCrone, project manager of Main Street Highland Park. “Each year’s market draws more crowds and shows the growing appreciation for local farmers and the fresh products they bring to Highland Park.”
Though great produce is the main draw, people don’t come to the Farmer’s Market just for it. Baked goods, prepared sandwiches and more are sold at the market. Hoboken Farms, for example, is known for its home-made fresh mozzarella. Vendors also sell artisan breads, desserts, fresh flowers and other specialty items.
In 2006, the Farmer’s Market added organic produce, underscoring the theme of sustainability.
Last year’s theme was social responsibility, with the addition of Elijah’s Promise of New Brunswick that sells prepared foods at the Farmer’s Market. This year it is all about expanding the diversity of products and giving people more reasons to come and stay for the afternoon.
With more events being added this year, such as monthly live music and an upcoming cooking demonstration, the Farmer’s Market is a place the family can enjoy every Friday.
The Farmer’s Market, building on the last years’ success, opened almost an entire month earlier due to demand. The Farmer’s Market will be open through November 21 in the municipal parking lot on Raritan Avenue, between Second and Third avenues.
Vendors include:
• Elijah’s Promise, New Brunswick: Sandwiches and other prepared foods.
• Bakers Bounty, Linden: Brick-oven Italian bread, fresh seasonal cakes, pies and desserts;
• Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville: Five different Organic Artisan Cheeses
• ER & Son, Monroe Township: Over 50 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables;
• Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown: Produce, including peaches, squash and hand-picked sweet corn;
• Dr. Pickle, Wayne: New York Style pickles out of the barrel, sauerkraut, marinated mushrooms;
• Hoboken Farm, Hoboken: Fresh mozzarella, Italian bread, Omaha steaks, famous crab cakes, stuffed salmon and sole, and prepared chicken;
• Joseph Skeba Farms, Monroe Township: Peppers, sweet corn and tomatoes;
• Melick’s Town Farm, Oldwick: Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, including peaches, apples, cherries, plums, corn, tomatoes, and fall cider;
• R & K Farm, Monroe Township: Produce, specializing in eggplants, peppers, basil and cut flowers;
• Von Thun’s Farm, Monmouth Junction: Fresh produce including blueberries peaches, apples, nectarines, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, fresh cut flowers;
• Suydam Farms, Franklin Township: fresh cut flowers, free-range chicken eggs;
Main Street Highland Park is a non-profit community development organization that manages the downtown Business District for the benefit of the merchants, business owners and residents of Highland Park.
For more information on this years’ Farmer’s Market or other great events taking place in Highland Park, please call (732) 828 -8444 or visit www.mainstreethp.org.