One of this winter’s greatest success stories has been the Riverhead Farmers Market. Packed to the gills every Saturday in the old Swezey’s space on Main Street, the market has drawn shoppers from the East End to western Suffolk. Not long ago, farmers markets in the summer were hard to come by, now we have at least two in the winter on the East End and at least one in every town all year long. Locavores have Holly Browder, who has worked with many producers, to thank for the Riverhead market, and she and her husband were voted Local Heroes by our readers for their efforts. Check out this list of markets to expect in the coming season. And if you haven’t visited the Riverhead market yet, we sent photographer Laura Luciano to show you some of the best things to take home and fulfill your local food dreams.
1. Arlotta Balsamic Vinegar
This Watermill-based company makes and ages vinegars here in the United States and produces olive oil from California olives.
2. Blue Duck Bakery Sauerkraut Rye
An Edible favorite, Blue Duck now has a presence on both forks as well as a new bakery in Riverhead. Their sauerkraut rye is dense, sour and chewy just like traditional German country bread.
3. Browder’s Birds Eggs
The Browders specialize in free-range chickens raised on their farm in Southold, but during the winter the chickens’ range is limited. No worries, check out their organic eggs and make the best omelets, egg salad and cakes possible. Good for Easter eggs too!
4. Copia Gluten Free Granola Cookies
Made in the Stony Brook business incubator in Calverton, which has a separate gluten-free kitchen, these cookies use oats sourced from GF Harvest, Wyoming, the first certified gluten free oat farm in the United States.
5. D &J Organic Farm Watermelon Radishes
Never had a watermelon radish? Now’s your chance. Yaphank-based D&J is certified organic and specializes in Asian vegetables.
6. Horman’s Best Pickled Jalepeños
Horman’s has been a staple for the sour crowd for awhile now. But the jalepeños are the best combination of spicy and sour.
7. Kalypso Greek Yogurt
Unless you’re making your own from fresh local milk, the next best thing is to buy Kalypso. Made in Jackson Heights, the yogurt comes in little terra cotta pots, which make great vessels for sprouting herbs on the window sill. The plain whole milk yogurt is our favorite.
8. Long Island Mushroom Company’s Fresh Shiitakes
The mushrooms are available dried too, but the fresh, sautéed with some local wine, make a great filling for a Browder’s eggs omelet. All their mushrooms are grown in Cutchogue.
9. Moustache Brewing Co. One Drop Pale Ale
The newest entrant in Riverhead’s brewers row, Moustache’s pale ale is bitter and sweet at the same time. Check out their opening party on April 19 at 400 Hallett Ave. Suite A in Riverhead. Edible beer columnist Niko Krommydas will feature Moustache in our low summer issue.
10. North Fork Chocolate Company Truffles
North Fork Chocolate Company also operates out of the Stony Brook business incubator. We love the espresso vodka truffle with a crunchy praline coating.
11. Fresh flowers from Pierpont Blossoms
Based in Baiting Hollow, this flower producer has a CSA as well as a strong farmers market presence.
12. Tend Coffee Organic Guatemala
Tend, based in Shirley, has also introduced a new line of teas called Kindleaf. We love the Guatemala organic coffee. It’s got a bright lemony start, sweet milk chocolate flavors and a walnut finish.
13. Davis Peach Farm Spiced Peaches
One of the largest pick-your-own farms on the East End, Davis Peach Farm keeps the fruit going year round with their spiced peaches. Forget the canned cling variety.
14. Fresh fish from Merken Fisheries
This fresh fishmonger sells whatever is in season.
