Ryan's Local Roots: Kale, Concord Grapes and Sweet Potatoes

I'd like to start this post by thanking all my readers for supporting this idea and taking time to read each post! It's been an exciting few days as I began to read the statistics of the blog and discover that since its creation there have been 320+ page views including hits from Germany, Serbia, France and all across the U.S.! Thank you!

The bi-weekly downtown Harrisonburg Farmer's Market took place today from 7am - 1pm so Scott and I checked it out! It was the first Harrisonburg Farmer's Market that either of us had been to and it was a great success! There were roughly 30 vendors present from farms, bakeries and local businesses, all within about 30 miles of JMU. It was nice to recognize some of the same vendors from last Wednesday's JMU Farmer's Market including Ryan's Fruit Market and Woods Edge Farm woodsedgefarm.blogspot.com. It was also neat to check out some new vendors including Charis Eco-Farm out of Staunton, VA (check out and like their Facebook Page). I believe it was its friendly owner, Sue Freesen, who I met today and she gave me information on her farm raised turkey and geese both are free-range, raised on pasture and fed a GMO-free grain mix. It would be a great vendor to check out for your Thanksgiving turkey, they are taking pre-orders now! I also met for the first time, Grant from Hickory Hill Farm out of Keezletown, VA (approximately 6 miles from campus). His table had an abundance of fresh cauliflower, heads of cabbage, bunches of superfood kale and the best grapes you'll ever eat! Check out their website where they post pictures of their grapes on the vine and the farmers' process of planting and harvesting their veggies! Below is a picture courtesy of Hickory Hill Farm and their description of this seasonal grape from their website.

Our 2013 grape harvest has begun at Hickory Hill Farm and the grapes are beautiful this year! Currently we are harvesting and selling Fredonia; a large sweet dark blue Concord-type grape. They are excellent for fresh eating, juice and desserts. With the addition of pectin, they are also suitable for jam and jelly. They are available at our stand at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market by the pound and small baskets, and larger quantities upon request.

Sticking to my college budget I was able to purchase a pound of these delicious hand picked grapes ($2.50), a bag of fresh kale ($2.00), a dozen fresh and free-range eggs from Elk Run Farm (Staunton, VA) ($3.50) and a 2 pound bag of sweet potatoes ($3.00). I also couldn't help trying a locally baked whole wheat donut ($1.00). All together I purchased enough fresh eggs, fruit, and veggies for the week for only $11.00! The best thing is that I met the farmers who planted and harvested the items and the taste far exceeds anything purchased at the grocery store! A great experience and I look forward to making this a part of my weekly routine! Below are some pictures from the market: