Farmers’ Market set to open June 9th.

Everything is green, lush, and blooming extravagantly here on the North Shore with the perfect balance of warmth, sun and rain.  That means it’s almost time for the Swampscott Farmers’ Market to launch its 2013 season. The market, which will be held again at the Swampscott High School at 200 Essex Street, officially opens on June 9 and will run every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, through the last Sunday in October.  

What you can expect in early June.
One of the beauties of purchasing food from the Farmer’s Market is the freshness and truly seasonal nature of the produce.  On opening day, shoppers can expect to find an array of spring vegetables harvested within 24 hours of the market and in many cases, early that morning.  Likely produce will include greens such as lettuces, spinach, chard, kale, asparagus and broccoli raab, young beets, carrots, radishes and baby potatoes, snap and snow peas, green onions, chives, garlic scapes and other herbs.  Rhubarb will be in abundance, and strawberries will be coming along soon.

But produce isn’t the only thing you’ll find at the Swampscott Farmer’s Market.  Market vendors will offer a wide range of other goods including exceptionally tasty pasture-raised meats and eggs, fresh seafood, breads and pastries, soups and chowders, fresh homemade pastas and other prepared foods, as well as a variety of crafts such as jewelry and soaps made by local artisans. Special activities for children and families are planned for opening day, including live music, face painting and “plant-a-seed” hosted by Brick Ends Farm Compost.

Shopping at the farmers market strengthens our community, supports local farms and business, and helps us to get in touch—with friends and neighbors, with the people who raise our food, and with the seasons that shape what comes from earth to table.

Stay tuned to next week’s Reporter to keep up to date on the Swampscott Farmers’ Market produce updates and activities.  The market is open rain or shine Sundays from 10:00 to 1:00 starting June 9th, at the Swampscott High School , 200 Essex Street .