Farm Fresh Taste in Manasquan

Much to the delight of local residents, the Manasquan Farmer’s Market sponsored by Manasquan Chamber of Commerce opened June 30 on Miller Preston Way.

Unlike a lot of farmer’s markets, Manasquan’s features primarily local farms and establishments, and offers a great deal of organic produce.

“We decided to start three years ago – a lot of the people in town asked us to have a farmer’s market, and we decided it was a good idea,” stated Laura Gilardini, chamber secretary, who noted all proceeds go back to the nine vendors at the market.

The market is a vegetarian’s delight, offering not only seasonal fresh produce, but herbs to add in cooking as well.

Seasonal produce on opening day included beets, lettuce, peppers, squash, broccoli and zucchini … plus raspberries.  Yes – a bit early perhaps due to an unseasonably hot June – but raspberries from Little Silver.  The fruit was available from Smith’s Farm Market, Wall and Spring Lake. 

“This is our third year here.  It’s fun – we like seeing the people, they’re so friendly.  We do a decent business,” commented Kerri Hearn, Wall, of Smith’s.

Geiser’s Organic Farm, Wall, also sold a variety of veggies, fresh flowers, and a bouquet of divinely scented lavender. Kevin Hirsch, Manasquan, a gardener at the farm, explained the profusion of herbs. 

“We have a wide selection of herbs – we have greenhouses where we grown Asian greens all winter,” stated Hirsch, who noted this is Geiser’s second year at the market.

Organic produce was also in abundance at E & R Certified Organic Produce, Colts Neck, which had a large section of spring veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower and spring onions. 

Laura Dardi, Red Bank, of E & R, noted they’re also second-year veterans, and “It’s nice – the people are great, and they appreciate organic food.”

Produce –in the form of cucumbers – was offered in a more refined form via pickles from Picklelicious, Bogota, which offered various pickles, olives and other pickled products.

While most vendors sold produce, flowers and herbs, a few deviated, such as Anne Sauri, Brick, owner of White Bliss, Manasquan.  Organic soap, flavored honey, herbes de Provence, pesto, artichoke and garlic cream and other delicacies – both edible and non-edible – were available at her booth. 

“It’s a great day for our first farmer’s market this season.  We try to bring a little bit of Provence to Manasquan – shabby chic meets the French countryside,” stated Sauri.

Annette Breckenridge and her husband trekked from their shop in Hawthorne, A & B Bakery, for the farmer’s market, and have done so three years. 

“I like this farmer’s market the best – this is a true hometown market, and the people here love that we’re here, and appreciate what we do,” stated Breckenridge.

A & B does offer produce, cooked in its healthy breads and its focaccia pizza bursting with spinach, grape tomatoes and cheese.  Breckenridge creates all her baked goods, such as ciabatta, breads, and specialty cakes with no preservatives and additives, and uses fresh, seasonal fruit in her cakes.

Fruit and produce – whether raw or cooked – the Manasquan Farmer’s Market truly does offer it all, and will be open each Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Sept. 1.  For more information, visit www.manasquanchamber.org.