NUTLEY, NJ — Some gargantuan bragging rights were handed out last weekend at the Nutley Farmers Market.
On Sunday, local gardeners showed up with a bounty of humongous veggies to compete in an annual "Biggest Tomato and Zucchini Contest."
After weighing and judging the entries, James Huey earned top honors for the largest zucchini – which weighed in at whopping 6.290 pounds. Meanwhile, Tom Orlinski took home the prize for the largest tomato at a sizable 1.675 pounds.
The market also welcomed amateur chefs to showcase their talents in a "Tomato & Zucchini Cook-Off" competition. Participants prepared homemade dishes featuring the two summer favorites and submitted their original recipes for judging.
Two winners were recognized for their delicious and inventive entries: Anita Gibaldi won for her zucchini blueberry bread, while Anita Angotti was honored for her vegan zucchini stir-fry.
The Nutley Farmers Market is marking its 17th season this year. It takes place on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from June through October along Booth Drive (next to Nutley High School, the library and the Park Oval). Learn more here.
Visitors can shop for a wide variety of fresh, regionally grown produce, farm-fresh eggs and meats, baked goods, flowers, honey, cheeses, pickles, specialty foods, and handcrafted products while enjoying live musical entertainment each week.
The final event of the season is scheduled for Oct. 25.
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