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Market Scene: Provincetown Farmers' Market, Massachusetts

Posted by BostonZest, September 21, 2009 at 3:30 PM

Note: On Mondays, one of our various Market Scene correspondents checks in with what's fresh at farmstands, what's coming up, and what you better get while the gettin's good. This week, we hear from Boston correspondent Penny Cherubino of BostonZest. Take us to the market, Penny!

[Photographs: Penny and Ed Cherubino]

In 2007, Andy Pollock from Silverbrook Farm organized a farmers' market in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Over the years, this town at lands end, on the tip of Cape Cod, has served as a haven for fishermen, artists, writers, and the gay community. Today vacationers and tourists are its primary source of income, and the farmers' market is a welcome addition to the Saturday scene.

The market is hopping on good weather weekends. Hands reach across the stands to exchange cash for crops, customers lean in to ask questions, and farmers scurry to refill their baskets and boxes any time they see a break in the action.

Silverbrook Farm had a great supply of tomatoes, corn, potatoes, herbs and squash. They were also featuring their wonderful cippolini onions and local honey.

This market has quickly become a social gathering spot in the town. Locals exchange greetings, stop and chat, and catch up on gossip. Part-time residents, and seasonal renters mingle with the year-rounders trading smiles, tips, and recipes.

Lucky Field Organics had boxes of heirloom tomatoes like these beautiful Green Zebras.

Those looking for fruit are fortunate because Doris Mills brings a wide selection of apples, berries, and stone fruit to town from Noquochoke Orchards. Since 1899, these folks have been improving and perfecting their fruit. Today they have more than 70 varieties of apples, plus a great selection of peaches, nectarines, plums, and pears.

In addition to farmers, artisan food producers add variety to the marketplace. The Danish Pastry House arrives with trays of spectacular muffins, pastries, and baskets of bread.

With food gathered for the evening's meal, customers head to the back of the market for flower arrangements prepared to order. Now, the dinner table is complete.

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Tags: Cape Cod, farmers' markets, Lucky Field Organics, Market Scene, Massachusetts, Noquochoke Orchards, Provincetown, Provincetown Farmers' Market, Silverbrook Farm

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