Locally Grown Plants, Fruits & Vegetables on Parade at Princeton Farmer's Market

It’s all about locally grown food at low prices on a gorgeous, sunny Thursday in Princeton.

Hinds Plaza was bustling with residents getting their first look of the season at locally grown plants, fruits and vegetables. The scrumptious, bright red berries, delicious apples, homemade breads and other tasty treats were on display and for sale at the season opening of the Princeton Farmer’s Market.

"(There are) a lot of great vendors out here with a lot of unique items you really don’t see anywhere else," said borough resident Tammy Crowe.“Some of the fantastic things that I have seen are the beautiful fresh herbs…a lot of people are starting their spring garden so that is perfect for the season…some lovely preserves and also some beautiful local items.”

Aubrey Yarbrough, a farmer with Stonehedge Farm in Hopewell, is a local farmer who understands the value of organic plants to a long life and healthy lifestyle. Residents stood in line to purchase her tomato plants, basil plants, eggplant, herbs, raspberries, kale and peas.

 “I love the Princeton farmers market and am excited to see the season start," Yarborough said.

Rebecca Troutman, an intern for Bobolink Dairy and Bakeyard, from Vernon, held up her Marble Rye bread in pride as visitors walked by.

 “I am excited about the energy here and everyone who comes here is thrilled to get some local food so I’m pleased to be a part of it,” Troutman said. “I really love this bread because of the organic flower and the crusts get a unique flavor from the wood-fired oven’s sustained heat.”

Judith Robinson, manager of the Princeton Farmer's Market, said the markethas been around for three years but this is the second year its been at Hinds Plaza.

Space at the market is reserved only for local farmers, she said, noting that all vendors must have some ingredient in their product that is locally grown.

“These are all local farmers in the 50- 60 mile vicinity of Princeton….we have a tone to the market, a feel to the market that it's got a lot of joy and happiness to it,” Robinson said. “When I talk to farmers, I find out a lot about how they raise their food and how they feel about their food, which is very important to the quality of a market.”

The Market is open every Thursday through Nov. 17  from 11 am – 4 pm at Hinds Plaza at 55 Witherspoon St. next to Princeton Public Library. There will be live music from 12:30-2:30 p.mm. and new vendors will be added every week.

“People come to shop because once you get hooked on food that has just been picked a day or so ago you really get so disappointed in food that has just come from a  supermarket that has been shipped and held and at least a couple  of weeks have passed since they have been picked.,” Robinson said.

“Our prices are actually very reasonable and some of the prices of our vegetables are comparable or lower sometimes than they are in the market. Once you start eating real food and good food you don’t need to eat as much because the nutrition value is also higher and the taste value is much stronger.”