Author: cfm

Get to Know: Aldergrove Jam & Preserves

Apple Pie, Carrot Cake, (apples, carrots, and pineapples), Pineapple Coconut Line, Salted Carmel Apple, Simply Strawberry, Beet Happy are just some of the enticing jam flavours created by Colleen Hooper of Aldergrove Jam, which is celebrating its first year anniversary in July.

This is a new project for Colleen, daughter-in-law Belinda and husband Dave. It all started when Belinda bemoaned the difficulties of finding jams that weren’t full of sugar. Mother-in-law Colleen pulled out all the jam-making paraphernalia, including her mother’s recipes, she had stored away when she had stopped making jam years ago and introduced the next generation to her homemade low (or no) sugar jams. As with so many of our Farmer’s Market vendors, a friend of Belinda’s tasted the jam and asked to buy some….and the word got around

Aldergrove Jams are made with seasonal ingredients so the choices on offer vary from one season to the next. At the moment, there are 9, including those mentioned above plus 2 savoury options: Dave’s Onion Chutney and Simply Ginger. Colleen started out following her mother’s recipes, but she soon started ‘fooling around’ with different combinations of ingredients, “because that’s what I do”. Husband Dave loves beets and so she ‘played around’ until she came up with Beet Happy.

Aldergrove Jams are low-sugar,non-GMO, preservative-free, vegan and gluten-free. Colleen sources the ingredients locally as much as possible, including from some of the other Coquitlam-Port Moody Market vendors.

Her jams taste great on toast but are also wonderful with yogurt, on oatmeal, with scones – try Beet Happy with cheese scones or Apple Pie Jam on crackers with cheddar cheese or some of Dave’s Onion Chutney with your next BBQ.

Aldergrove Jam will be at the Market on Sunday 21^st and then again in August.

Article by: Anne Ladouceur

Vendor Spotlight: Rockweld Farm

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Rockweld Farm will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: 20% off boneless skinless breast strips. (This deal has now expired.)

Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because the rooster saw a hen on the other side…ha ha

Q. Why was receiving SPCA certification important to you?

We became BCSPCA Certified 13 years ago because the care of our chickens is very important to us and having a third party to audit our farm once a year insures that we are maintaining those standards (check the BCSPA website)

Q. What is your most popular product?

Our most popular product is our whole boneless skinless chicken breast.

Q. What is the most commonly asked question in your truck and what is the answer?

“Are you Certified Organic?”
Answer: “No we are not Certified Organic BUT our chickens are FED Certified Organic Feed, and we are BCSPCA Certified. They do not go outside but they have double the square footage, twice the feeders and waterers and 8 hours of complete darkness. (AND we play country music for them…:)

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

We think farmers markets are very important because it makes it possible for the community to buy local, healthy products. Also because they are FUN (going to the grocery store is not fun).
And it’s great for kids to see where their food is coming from. They make people in the community feel like they are a part of something – supporting the local farmers and growers. Local…Healthy…Ethical…is our motto!

CONNECT WITH ROCKWELD FARM
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Vendor Spotlight: Delish Gluten Free

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Delish Gluten Free will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL on muffins – 2 for $5.

Q. What was your inspiration behind starting Delish Gluten Free?

My grandma was diagnosed with celiac in 1962. Growing up, I’ve always been aware of celiac disease and how hard it was finding good tasting gluten free goodies. Before I opened my own business, I worked as a baker and saw a growing demand for gluten free celiac friendly products.

Q. What are your most popular items at market?

Our quinoa bread and quinoa flax are very popular as it is difficult to find a good tasting and texture gluten free bread. Our vegan oreo cookies are our most popular treat followed by vegan quinoa carrot cake muffin.

Q. What makes Delish Gluten Free treats so special?

Baked with love!! All of our bakers are super passionate about what they do. It’s very satisfying giving people with gluten allergies/celiac disease the pleasure of eating treats again and feeling normal.

Q. What is next for Jenna and Delish?

This year is our second anniversary of our retail store. We are starting to get into more savory items and celiac friendly catering. A second retail store is most definitely in our plans.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets are very important because it encourages people to eat locally, meet the people who bake/grow their food. It’s also great for kids to pick their own food and learn the produce doesn’t always come from the grocery store. I like to incorporate local dairy, produce and anything local into our products. It’s a nice relationship to have between farmers and gives the market a sense of community.

CONNECT WITH DELISH GLUTEN FREE

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Vendor Spotlight – Ripple Creek Organic Farm

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Ripple Creek Organic Farm will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL on plant starts: cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and peppers – a combination of any 3 for $10. (This deal has now expired.)

Q. How long have you been farming?

My wife and I met on an organic farm in Virginia nine years ago and have been involved in farming in some way since then. My wife also studied agriculture at university in Ecuador. She was exposed to farming by her grandmother, who had avocado and mandarin orchards, and grew many different types of fruits and vegetables.
2014 was the first year that we had our very own farm business.

Q. What is the Yarrow Eco-Village and why did you decide to farm on that land?

The Yarrow Eco-Village is a co-housing community in Chilliwack, that apart from 33 households, also has 15 acres of farmland, some of which is leased to different individuals or businesses. More information can be found at www.yarrowecovillage.ca. We chose to farm here because the land is beautiful and the community is very supportive. So much so that when Ana went into labour on a harvest day last summer and our second child was born, many neighbours came together to harvest and process our vegetables and even went to the Abbotsford farmers’ market the next day to sell them!

Q. What is your favourite vegetable to grow?

I get satisfaction from growing all types of things, there’s nothing like harvesting a perfectly ripe strawberry or salad mix in its most tender and delicious stage. But my favourite vegetable to grow is the cherry tomato!

Q. You received your full organic certification this year (congratulations!), why was that process important to you?

We have always been dedicated to farming organically, but chose to go through the certification process so that new customers can be confident that they are buying a product that is grown in an environmentally responsible way and consuming produce that is free from harmful chemicals (and hopefully tastes great!)

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets enable a connection between people and their local food source. Supermarket chains that provide imported produce throughout the year with little to no seasonality have a tendency to disconnect people from that source. Customers that shop at farmers markets are rewarded with a product that is generally fresher, tastier and more nutritious than what is offered at a supermarket.

They also provide an opportunity for farmers to meet the people who are eating the product of their many hours of labour. It is much more gratifying for a farmer to interact with a customer, and see their excitement about buying a head of butter lettuce, than sell that lettuce to a wholesaler and never know where it ends up.

CONNECT WITH RIPPLE CREEK ORGANIC FARM
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Vendor Spotlight: KICS LEMONADE

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Grand Opening, KICS Lemonade will be offering a special deal! Stop by her tent on Friday as ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL and you will get $1 off a single bottle of lemonade!

Karen Curtis from KICS Lemonade has been with the farmers market for almost 15 years and her lemonade has become a market must have for many families. Karen previously sat on the Coquitlam Farmers Market Society Board and writes a monthly column for the Tri Cities News – Market Fresh!

Q. You have been doing farmers markets for a long time, how did it all start?

15 years ago I suggested to my mum that we try selling my granny’s lemonade syrup at the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market. I remember the first sunny day we had in July and we sold 77 bottles! We were so excited. I bought a portable dishwasher with the profits that year. I am still using the dishwasher! Mum passed away in 2007, and the business is now her legacy.

Q. First it was lemonade, and then came marmalade and salad dressing/marinade – what’s next?

Don’t forget the lemon curd! Those products were created out of a desire to work this business all year round. Lemonade isn’t the biggest seller in the winter after all. I am thrilled with the response to the salad dressings (which use the lemonade syrup as a base instead of vinegar) and hope to continue to create new flavours in that line.

Q. You are known for using your products in creative recipes, what is your all-time favourite way to use your lemonade syrup?

I don’t really have a favourite recipe, but I am always looking for ways to add the syrup to an existing recipe. Honestly, I just love to drink it!

Q. What is the best thing about being the lemonade lady at the market?

The sense of community. I have met the most amazing people at market, and forged some very meaningful relationships over the years. While I am at lots of other markets now, Coquitlam is my heart market. It is where it all began.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets are the lifeblood of the community. They are so much more than a place to buy food. In this world where we can get whatever we want, whenever we want, we have lost sight of how our food and other products are made. A vibrant market educates people about the importance of a sustainable food system. A dollar spent at market provides a direct economic benefit to artisans and farmers that in turn benefits the economy with far greater impact than a dollar spent at Walmart. Your dollars are not being sent offshore. They stay in the community to help build the place we call home.

CONNECT WITH KICS LEMONADE

Website // Twitter// Facebook // Instagram

Vendor Spotlight: Nasty Free Naturals

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Farmers Market, Nasty Free Naturals will be offering a special deal just for you. If you stop by her booth and ask for the spotlight deal, you will get to purchase “Bug Off” Spray for $9 (regular price $10.) *This offer has now expired.*

Q. Nasty Free Naturals are 100% All Natural, Healthy, Handmade Home and Beauty Products. Why did you decide to start making these products at home?
A really good friend of mine got me started on my all-natural journey years ago. She taught classes on how to make all-natural product. I loved her classes and my own passion was born from them. It began with me tinkering with it for fun, making product for my family and friends. Once my two boys came along, I realized I didn’t want to work in Corporate Downtown anymore. I was encouraged by my growing fan base of friends and family to pursue my aromatherapy “hobby” as something I could do while allowing me to be flexible for my boys. I received my certificate in Aromatherapy from West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy and my little business was born!

Q. What goes into the process of making one item?
Every item is different. But it really starts with me doing my homework. Knowing the reputable suppliers for essential oils and ingredients. You wouldn’t believe how different they can be! I work in small batches. I try to never make more than 12 to 16 of any product at a time. It allows me to maintain a fresh supply for my customers and also maintain my own strict level of quality control.

Q. Why are your products so popular?
Thank you for calling my products popular! I think my loyal customer base comes from trying the product and it working for them. I love nothing more than having someone come back to me and saying “I love your deodorant/bug-spray/face cream” … Word of mouth has been a huge part of my success as well, and for that I am thankful! I’m also very chatty with everyone who comes by. I love answering all their questions. In doing so, it’s very helpful for them to make their decision because they now know the ingredients in what they are buying; why those ingredients are in there and their benefits.

Q. Some of your most popular items are the sunscreen and bug spray. They offer the same protection as the ones we buy in stores except for the fact that they are chemical-free. If that is the case, why are they still made with chemicals and why do people still buy them?
I wish I could answer that. The fact that these known carcinogens are still allowed in these products is beyond me. As for why people still buy them, I honestly think they just haven’t done their homework. Knowledge is power. And when you know better, you can choose better. Slowly but surely people are coming around.

Q. You primarily sell your products on your website and at the farmers market. Why do you think farmers markets are such an important part of the community?
I love the sense of community that they foster. Seeing families out spending time together, picking up their fresh local food for the week ahead, supporting local. I see a lot of the same faces each week. My boys love the markets and all their amazing offerings. They know most of the vendors by name, and the customers too. It’s just a wonderful vibe.

Q. What are some of your favorite products to make and use?
My favourite products to make and use are my Soothe the Soul Peppermint and Eucalyptus Bath Salts. I am seriously addicted. Also, my Bug-Off Bug Spray. I am not exaggerating when I say I am an absolute magnet for mosquitos. MAGNET. As is my oldest son. So my Bug Off is a life saver for us. It really works! Products I use every day and I cannot be without is my line of Face Food. Cleanser, toner and most importantly, my Green Tea and Rose Moisturizer. I would have to say that moisturizer is one of my favourite products to make. There is something about watching the magic of all these incredible ingredients coming together to make this beautiful, creamy lotion! It gets me every time!

CONNECT WITH A NASTY FREE NATURALS

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THIS WEEKS INSTAGRAM/FACEBOOK WINNER

Thank you to everyone who played along in this week’s Facebook & Instagram giveaway for a chance to win a $10 credit to spend at the Port Moody Farmers Market. This weeks winner is Jenny Gasparini via Facebook. Congratulations and please send an e-mail to admin@makebakegrow.com to claim your prize.

Small Space Gardening Tips via Little Miss Mama

Local lifestyle blogger, Tairalyn at LittleMissMama.com shared her tips and tricks for small space gardening last week. Today we’re sharing them with you.

Your only excuse for not growing a garden of your own is, that you thumb is more a shade of purple than it is green. Space is definitely not a issue when it comes to growing a garden of your own. Your garden won’t look traditional, but who ever strives for that anyways? Gardening in a small space can be just as rewarding as one with ample room, with the added bonus of always being close to your beverage. Right? It’s the way I like to garden, shovel in one hand, cool bevvy in the other.

After being inspired by all the amazing gardens online, I decided to bring all my favorites together under one roof, and by roof I of course mean a pinterest board. I have learnt lots, been inspired by many, and more importantly am sharing my tips and tricks for gardening in a small space with you today.

Here is your golden ticket to a beautiful and successful patio garden this year:

Think Vertical
traditionally you grow along the ground, horizontally, but when you have a small space that isn’t always an option. Need more garden real-estate? Grow up. See some of our favorite ideas on our pin-board, Lettuce Turnip the Beet” now. Get inspired and start looking up.

Get Creative
Don’t just think your garden needs to be on land, think hanging baskets, think window boxes, think think think. As long as this container isn’t biodegradable {you wouldn’t want it to eventually give out} and as long as you have ample drainage, you can pretty much grow what you would like in any container. We got a few crazy but a whole lotta’ great idea’s on our pin-board.

Loads of Love
Just like anything that grows, babies included, you’re going to need to give it a ridiculous amount of your love. Watering and sunshine is key, especially if you are gardening on a covered patio {trick: water your vegetables with recycled cooking water. boiling potatoes? steaming broccoli? use the water once cooled to feed your patio vegetable plants}. Make sure they get ample water, sun, and love; the only thing that will get hurt from talking to your plants is your reputation with your neighbors. Make sure to check out all the other fun ways to love your garden on our pin-board, Lettuce Turnip the Beet.

WILL YOU be getting your hands dirty this gardening season?

Container Gardening Gardening Tips Gardening Tricks Small Space Gardening

The Port Moody Farmers Market: It’s (Not) All About the Cookies

When local mom blogger, Hillary With 2L’s visited our farmers market with her adorable son, she posted about her adventure and we are sharing it all with you!

When you think of the farmers market, you likely think of local produce. Which isn’t totally off base; the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is a great place to find beautiful produce. The farmers market has so much more to offer than mountains of radishes and bushels of kale though.

Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of piles of gorgeous produce.

When I told Grady we were going on an adventure to the farmers market last Sunday, the first thing out of his mouth was: “they got cookies there?” I told him they do have cookies there (thanks to the lovely Sweet Thea! Pro tip: try the lemon tart. You will die it’s so good.) He thought about it for a minute and then clarified “we get the cookies?” As soon as I confirmed, my little negotiator agreed to a trip to the market and we were on our way.

Our very first stop? Cookies, obviously.

The Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is more than just a place to stop to grab some groceries. It’s an experience. There are food trucks so you can grab a yummy snack. There’s live music and space for the little kids to run around and dance without knocking over any shoppers. Many of the vendors offer samples and all of them are happy to talk about their product. Grady was absolutely charmed by the pictures of the farm animals hanging out with Barrie’s granddaughters at Redl’s Home-Grown Beef while I hemmed and hawed over what I should buy (everything sounded amazing and it’s tough to not buy one of everything when it’s local beef raised on the pasture with no hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or any other nasty stuff.) It’s a different level of service than what I experience at the grocery store. The vendors are proud of what they’re selling and it shows.

The selection of products available is extensive without feeling overwhelming. We managed to come home with our beef and cookies, but also snagged two giant bags of gorgeous organic kale from Ripple Creek Organic Farm (I know this is going to make you roll your eyes at me but seriously, I have never tasted kale like the kale I bought from Ripple Creek.) We also brought home an amazing loaf of bread from A Bread Affair ( it had cheese and roasted garlic in it, have mercy), wildflower honey and a beeswax candle from Vlad’s Apiary, and a dozen organic eggs from Rockweld Farm.

Our market haul!

Buying from and supporting locally-owned businesses is important to our family. Shawn and I both work for locally-owned small businesses so we see the value in keeping our dollars in the local economy; we worry about the environmental impact of buying food from far-off places (it’s been painful to cut back on favourites like fresh pineapple and papaya in favour of fruit that grows closer to home but we believe the effort is worth it); and we don’t want to see our neighbourhood turn into a no-personality zone of big box stores and chain restaurants.

The Port Moody Winter Farmers Market runs on Sundays from 10am – 2pm until April 26th and then the Poirier Street Farmers Market will run May 10 – October 25th on Sundays from 9am – 1pm. You can find the market on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram (psst – they’ve got a cool social media contest on now where you can win Market Money and products from the vendors so keep an eye out for the hashtag #makebakegrow!)

farmers market port moody shop local support local

Vendor Spotlight: Bobali

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Farmers Market, BobAli will be offering a special deal just for you! Stop by their stand and ask for the spotlight deal which will be on all their products. 1 for $5 or 3 for $12. Make sure to get as many of their delicious items as you can!

BobAli’s Hummus, Pesto and Tapenades are famous for their freshness and amazing flavour. Their homemade hummus, pesto and tapenade are often the talk of the market and we got to chat with them to find out more!

Q: BobAli, where does the name root from?
We had no idea what to do for our business name when we started so we went with ‘Bob’ – my dad and ‘Ali’ is my partners dad.

Q: What do you love most about bringing ‘BobAli’ to farmers markets?
I love making a fresh product and bringing it to the market the next day for customers to be able to take home and enjoy. It’s also a great environment to test out new flavour combinations.

Q: What are your most popular products?
The Dips that pack a bit of heat, Thai Green Coconut Curry Hummus and the Miso, Sesame & Horseradish Hummus

Q: Out of all that you create, what if your personal favorite?
Curried Carrot, Orange & Ginger Hummus, it’s like a soup in a hummus!

Q: Other than as a dip, what do you hear your customers using your products for?
I have one customer in Port Moody that likes to freeze the hummus in ice cube trays and then pop them into a soup for some extra flavour. Otherwise most customers like to use them as sandwich spreads, salad dressings and even just as a sauce to go with whatever they’re eating.

CONNECT WITH A BOBALI

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THIS WEEKS INSTAGRAM/FACEBOOK WINNER

Thank you to everyone who played along in this week’s Facebook & Instagram giveaway for a chance to win a $10 credit to the Port Moody Farmers Market. This weeks winner is Charmaine Francis (charmaingail) via instagram. Congratulations and please send an e-mail to admin@makebakegrow.com to claim your prize. Another giveaway will go live on Monday, so make sure you are following us on FB and Instagram for your next chance to win!