We love farmers markets around here. We love the sights, the smells, the colors. We love how they draw dogs and kids, young people and old people; people who still care deeply for good food made or grown by good people who come together every week to sell their goods in a good place.
For these same reasons, we especially love the farmers market in Sag Harbor. Now in its 13th season, the Sag Harbor Farmers Market is, for us, really a sort of Shangri-La—a place where we can ooh and ahh over the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes and leave hours later with a bag full of goodies we can’t wait to enjoy and share.
Here are ten things that are always in that bag.
1. Raw Honey from Bees’ Needs
Why we love it: Not only is this honey delicious, it’s made in a way that’s noninvasive to bees. As E.L. Wyves wrote for us back in 2007, “These lightly creamed wildflower blends sold in hive-mimicking hexagonal jars could be the most complex and substantial honey you will ever try…But, remember, [for Bees’ Needs founder Mary Woltz] it’s not about the honey. It’s about the mysterious crisis in the nation’s beehives.” So, great honey made by bees kept in great, sustainable conditions? Sign us up.
2. Artisan Cheese from Mecox Bay Dairy
Why we love it: Because “artisan cheese.” Need we say more? Wait till you taste it. As Miranda Beeson wrote for us back in 2009, “Hold on to your hats. This cheese has the power and the glory.” We’re apt to agree.
3. Yogurt from Kalypso Yogurt
Why we love it: Kalypso Yogurt is made with milk from grass-fed cows and we think you can taste the difference. We also really love the terra-cotta cups they come in. Check out our recipe for popovers that you can bake right inside your leftover cups-turned-ramekins!
4. Olive Oil from Arlotta Food Studio
Why we love it: Because dip a little bread into any one of their infused olive oils and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to Italy. Made by a bicoastal family—and sold exclusively on the East End at farmers markets—these oils and vinegars are the real deal.
5. Pickles from Backyard Brine
Why we love them: Backyard Brine pickles are hand-packed with fresh, local ingredients and seem—miraculously—to never get soggy or stale. We love all their flavors, but you can never go wrong with their classic Dill Death Do Us Part.
6. Dog Treats from Talk Treats to Me
Why we love them: These dog treats are made by a local couple and contain just one ingredient. How cool—and, sadly, rare—is that? Our dogs can’t get enough of them, especially the chicken breast.
7. Baguettes from Blue Duck Bakery
Why we love them: Because everything from Blue Duck Bakery is hand-formed and baked-on-premises daily. Their baguettes are no exception. Close your eyes, take a bite, and you’ll swear you’ve been transported straight to Paris.
8. Edamame from Quail Hill Farm
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Why we love it: Because sprinkle a little Amagansett Sea Salt over these babies and you’ve got yourself the perfect snack. We also love supporting Quail Hill Farm, one of the original CSAs in the country, where they farm only with proven sustainable methods and absolutely no synthetic insecticides.
9. Pumpkin Spice Blondies from South Fork Bakery
Why we love them: Because—basic or not—it’s September and we love all things pumpkin. We also love South Fork Bakery’s purpose: to give supportive, paid employment to local residents with autism and other developmental disabilities. Cookies with a cause, indeed.
10. Mushrooms from Open-Minded Organics
Why we love them: These mushrooms are certified-organic, grown locally, and just what we need to make this recipe for Mushroom Ragu from Greenport’s First & South. The selection is vast and the mushrooms are excellent. We never leave without a bagful.
Did we miss your favorite Sag Harbor Farmers Market find? Let us know in the comments! The Sag Harbor Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Its 2016 season concludes on Saturday, October 29.
