Garden Fresh: Market Revives State's True Persona

Jersey Fresh. Given the recent ubiquity of the Garden State in reality programming, this phrase might be mistaken for the title of cable's next big reality show.

While the state has become a recent pop culture phenomenon, residents of The Caldwells—and surrounding towns—are more familiar with its reputation as the Garden State than its recent portrayal on TV. 

Continuing to earn the Jersey Fresh seal: the weekly Caldwell Farmers' Market.   

"I know it's here on Fridays and it's a gorgeous day," said Mary Visco, of Roseland. "Why not stop by and get some produce?"

Now in it's sixth week, the farmers' market has become an established feature in the community this summer. The market boasts a dozen produce, dairy and meat vendors, with a recent addition: Romarsi Pesto to Go. 

Founded by Mary Silvestri, Romarsi Pesto was formed three years ago. Combining her husband's first name (Robert), her own first name and their last name, the "Romarsi" brand was born.

Both Silvestri's father and grandfather took pride in cultivating herb gardens and meticulously caring for their basil plants. Keeping it in the family, Silvestri's mother passed down her pesto recipe.

When Silvestri received high praise for the homemade pesto she served at her daughter's birthday party, she decided to turn the family recipe into a family business. 

Romarsi Pesto to Go started small, with the Silvestris selling their pesto at local farmers' markets. As demand increased, the brand expanded.

Romarsi Pesto can now be found on the shelves of more than 100 retail stores in New Jersey and New York. Retailers stocking Pesto to Go include ShopRite and Whole Foods.

This is the second week the market has featured Romarsi pesto. Other vendors included Stony Hill Gardens, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Jaker's Pickles and Hoboken Farms. Summit-based folk singer Kenny Woods performed alongside the vendors Friday afternoon. 

This week also included the final installment of Farmival, a booth featuring carnival games for younger patrons. 

"The market's great. My favorite vendor is Hoboken Farms, so I'm happy to see they're here," Caldwell resident Sheilagh Caufield said. "They have this amazing tortilla crusted tilapia. We stocked up last year and had it all through the winter."

Joining Caufield were her two daughters, Bryn, 7, and Kaitlin, 4. As their mother mentioned the Hoboken Farms tilapia, both girls gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. They also agreed that Farmival was a hit.

In addition to the family-oriented vendors, the popularity of this year's market can be attributed to the weather. The market is held rain or shine, but good weather has had a positive impact on its weekly success. 

"The weather has been cooperating," market manager Amy Piazza said. "There was a need for a farmers' market, for fresh, local food. It's great to have a location where we can get that in town."

The convenience of the Smull Avenue municipal parking lot has helped keep the market operating—encouraging customers to return while attracting new patrons.

"There was a good variety and it was friendly," said West Caldwell resident and first-time market visitor Alex Weckenman. "But I do regret not getting a pickle on a stick from Jaker's."

The Caldwell Farmers' market will run through October each Friday from 2 to 7 p.m.