The Farmers Market visits Muhlenberg!

It was a beautiful, cool day on Thursday, the bright blue of the sky magnifying the brilliant colors of the fruit and vegetables out on display at the Farmers Market at Muhlenberg. A group of vendors came to sell their wares all through the afternoon on September 15th, attracting groups of students finishing their lunches at Seegers Union, or those wandering past curiously on their way to class.

There was a great variety of products at the Farmers Market, many of which were just as healthy as they were delicious. Fresh, creamy yogurt, soft and fluffy maple cotton candy, and juicy watermelons were just a few of the foods that were sold at the market. For those who had access to a kitchen, students could buy cartons of local eggs, fresh asparagus, and plump heritage tomatoes. And for the health foodies at Muhlenberg, homemade fizzy and tart kombucha was available to purchase by the cup and in glass, refillable bottles.

By the time I visited the market, it was full of activity, with students eating and laughing with their friends and sitting nearby with their purchases to enjoy the breezy summer day. The wonderful weather seemed to impact each visiting farm as well, as the sellers seemed to enjoy chatting with their customers, their joy and pride in their products clear to see.

One vendor, Beth Rice from BAD Farms, described to me what it is that makes her dairy farm’s products so special.

“I brought along our yogurt smoothies and Greek yogurt. It’s all made from milk from our family farm, and what I brought along today was just made yesterday,” she told me, gesturing to her selection of yogurts, with flavors like vanilla and blueberry.

“We took it to the yogurt maker last night, and picked it up this morning,” Rice said. “It’s very, very fresh!”

After sampling one of her smoothies, I could certainly agree. The freshness of the yogurt made the taste creamier and gentler in flavor than any store-bought brand could provide. Bits of real peaches and a touch of vanilla only brought out the natural sweetness of the milk.

Sue Myers from Ridge Valley Farm makes maple syrup and other maple-flavored treats. “This maple syrup is all-natural, while store bought syrups like Log Cabin are all artificial ingredients,” she explained. There is nothing quite like the strong and delectable flavor of real maple syrup, and the syrup at Ridge Valley Farm is no exception.

With such friendly local businesses offering fantastic products such as these, the visiting Farmers Market at Muhlenberg was an event to not be missed. The market provided Muhlenberg students with delicious and real food—free from additives and artificial ingredients—as well as real conversation with local business owners that we are lucky to have in our community.

So the next time the Farmers Market arrives at Muhlenberg, come look around, listen, and most importantly, eat.