Celebrating 20 years in the community! Visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to win!
Week 1: 6 bottles of Lemonade syrup – 1 of each flavour plus $20 in Market Money – $65 value!
This giveaway will run from May 2nd – 6th at 6pm! Winner will be announced on Saturday and prize will be available for pick up on Sunday May 8th!
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market Seedibles will be offering a special deal! Stop by their table on Sunday February 14th and ask for the SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL: Mention this blog post and you will receive an extra loyalty stamp when you purchase a product this weekend!
Q. How did Seedibles begin?
Melissa began making the products last year when she wanted to boost the nutritional content of her toddlers foods. When her friends saw what she had made they started asking her to start making some for them as well. It turned out it was a very popular product among her friends! One friend in particular, Freyja, liked it so much she decided to become a partner in this venture and that’s how Seedibles began!
Q. What makes a seed super?
Super seeds are vibrant, nutritionally dense foods that offer tremendous dietary benefits. They are powerful sources of clean protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, good fats, essential fatty and amino acids, and other nutrients that offer deep levels of nutrition.
Q. If you could tell Port Moody Farmers Market shoppers 3 things about your product – what would they be?
Q. Why do you love attending farmers markets?
Farmers markets are the best place to meet your customers face to face. It’s a great way to get feedback and for people to get to know the story behind your product. Farmers Market customers really appreciate the work that goes behind making these foods and they love to support the local economy. How can we not love that? Yay markets!
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Gabi & Jules is the new kid on the block…literally. Named after owner Lisa Beecroft’s two daughters, Gabi & Jules is a supplemental brand to Caffe Divano with an emphasis on artisanal pies along with jams, breads, scones and muffins.
The idea for the new company grew out of a conversation with one of Caffe Divano’s bakers a little over a year ago. When asked what would make them happier in their job, one of the Caffe Divano’s bakers response was “Let me make pies!” First the idea, then the research, followed by implementation, and earlier this year, a booth at the Farmers Market. The project has taken on a life of its own and Gabi & Jules will soon have its own bakery in Port Moody.
“Our pies and jams are not super sweet so that we can really taste the fruit. ‘Real Food’ like our grandmothers used to make!” Lisa also pointed out that we can pronounced everything on the ingredients list.
Gabi & Jules will be at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market every Sunday so you can return the re-usable pie plate and jam jars and get your deposit back. In addition to this environmentally friendly policy, Gabi & Jules has a partnership with a Tri-Cities charity. The Autism Support Network receives a percentage of each Gabi & Jules sale.
Written by: Anne Ladouceur
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market Fresh-n-Home will be offering a special deal! Stop by their table on Sunday November 29th and ask for the SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL: Holiday Special for $20 a set, rather than $25 for this Sunday only! This 3 pouch set offers one of each of the different sizes of our pouches, so you can experience the effectiveness for yourself! (This offer has now expired)
Q. How does your product remove stinky smells?
Our product contains a powerful volcanic mineral called zeolite, which absorbs and traps smells and moisture.
Q. What is your most popular product?
Our most popular product at market are Banana Pouches because you have No Fruit Flies when you use them.
Q. What do you think are the most common uses for your products?
Our products remove and eliminate odor and moisture and they absorb noxious gases, removing them from the air. Most commonly, our products are used to prevent Fruit flies from visiting; to ensure compost or garbage doesn’t smell; to stop the smell in a kitty litter box or rodent cage; to remove the smell from a vehicle; to winterize an RV so there isn’t moisture inside; to dry and stop the smell in shoes and sports equipment; and anywhere else there is a smell or excess moisture that shouldn’t be there.
Q. If you could let our customers know 3 things about your products, what would that be?
Our products:
Q. What do you love most about attending farmers markets?
We love interacting with the people who come to the markets. This way we have the luxury of explaining what our products do and helping if/when folks need further explanation. Market folks are interested in being healthy and looking to enhance and improve their environments in natural ways and that is a great fit for us.
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In the summer we featured Sola Skin Care on the blog – check out their summer feature here. We are excited to be featuring them again for the Port Moody Winter Market. Be sure to stop by Sola Skin Care this Sunday November 22nd at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market and ask for their Spotlight Special: 35g Coconut Deodorant for $6, regular price $8. (This offer now expired)
Q. Congratulations on completing your first summer season! This Sunday we are so excited to welcome you to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market! If you could tell each Port Moody market shopper 3 things – what would that be?
Get to know the vendors. They love what they do and are always happy to engage with the community, whether by sharing more about their products, the process or who they are as people. Also, try a new vendor each time you visit. You get to know more of the people in the community, and you’ll likely discover a hidden gem!
Q. Do you have any tips of tricks for keeping our skin looking healthy during the cold/wet winter months?
Winter weather is drying for the skin, so be sure to keep hydrated – that’s the best way to keep your skin from getting too dry. Lots of water (not ice water, but room temperature instead) and lots of herbal teas and soups. We make the best bone broth from bones we purchase from Rockweld Farm. Our Soft Skin Balm is also my go-to in the winter months. I keep a tin in the car and apply it to my hands when I get in the car. Pop my gloves on afterwards and when I arrive at my destination, my hands are soft and hydrated for the day.
CONNECT WITH SOLA SKIN CARE
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market Marie’s Guilt Free Bakery will be offering a special deal! Stop by their table on Sunday November 8th and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Choice of one of our handy red shopping totes or 15% off all purchases over $20
Q. What was your motivation behind starting Marie’s Guilt Free Bakery?
A few years ago, two members of my family were diagnosed with celiac disease. It suddenly struck me as I thought back in time and realized that my adored late grandfather probably suffered from the same disease. I remember all the home remedies he had laying around. Many of them treated chronic digestive disorders. At that time, there was not much information on the disease, let alone dietary alternatives. Although today, many gluten-free products are readily available in stores; unfortunately, most of them contain a lot of eggs. Many of our family members are vegetarian, so they end up still missing out. Celiac disease has had a huge impact on my family and many of my friends. I decided that, even though my efforts may only impact a few…I would still do something to help.
Q. What are your most popular items at market?
Our most popular items are our bread products. These range from bread, to English Muffins and Pizza Crust.
Q. Do you have a personal favourite?
My favourite item is the English Muffins toasted and loaded with butter substitute.
Q. If you could let your shoppers know one thing about your product – what would that be?
Whether you make the choice to follow a gluten-free diet for personal reasons or medical reasons, it can be a very difficult lifestyle choice. The North-American diet seems to be predominately focused around wheat or other forms of gluten. Being surrounded by food we can no longer eat can be pretty depressing; and like any significant change, it can leave us feeling quite unsettled. When being faced with such a challenge, it is important to remain optimistic and divert your focus from the negatives to the positives. Yes, you may lose the option of eating anything you want, but you might gain the experience of a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. For many of you that suffer from celiac disease or wheat intolerance, imagine a life finally free of pre-existing stomach issues, joint pain, headaches, unexplained belly bulge, autoimmune disorders and brain fog etc. If you have gluten intolerance, it’s time to try a gluten-free diet. It’s time to lose the discomfort and embrace the overall sense of well- being that awaits you.
Q. What do you love most about attending farmers markets?
I enjoy talking to fellow vendors and customers the most.
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Culinary Blossom will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Tea! Buy 2 bags of tea and get the 3rd one free.
Q. Where does the passion behind Culinary Blossom come from?
The passion comes from a personal love of nature, food and flowers. Add to that a family background of farming and gardening and Culinary Blossom was born. My mom was an amazing gardener, so growing up climbing fruit trees to pick a snack, plucking juicy blackberries from vines behind the garage, or stopping to smell roses in the garden, is what fueled my passion. Our house was always filled with fresh food, flowers, family and friends. So combining food and flowers on a plate comes naturally for me…as does sharing my love of cooking and fresh local food with the community.
Q. What is your most popular item at market?
As I cook seasonally, whatever is in season seems to be most popular. Our handcrafted small batch preserves are always fresh and created from only pure, local food, just the way nature intended. If I had to pick a few, I’d say Nasturtium Pepper Jelly or Figgy Plum Petunia with Port Wine for appetizers, and Raspberry Verbena or Lavender Blackberry Jams to slather on buttered toast. That being said, Strawberry Rose Petal Jam is right up at the top as well. Not to be outdone by preserves is iced fruit teas in summer and hot mulled ones in the winter.
Q. What is your personal favourite flavour or blend?
Oh I wish I could say I had just one! Truth be told, I love the excitement that comes with each new season of food. Picking just one favourite would be like asking me, ‘which one of your kids do you love most?’ Impossible to answer! However that being said, anything blackberry is near the top of the list. Whether in jams, jellies, pies or teas they taste so good! I think it goes back to childhood memories of picking them off the vines behind the garage and gobbling up as many as I could before the telltale signs of a purple mouth gave me away! Add to that garden fresh herbs and flowers for my cuppa tea and you have just a few of my favourites.
Q. With cooler weather just around the corner, what new flavours and blends can shoppers look forward to?
The season of harvest brings so many wonderful flavours to choose from! There’s cranberry, apple and pear jams, jellies, chutney and sauces all lightly spiced and ready for Thanksgiving. As well, our West Coast Blueberry products (a delicious blend of blueberries and cranberries) are a tasty addition to any autumn menu. And look for roasted spiced nuts to add to cheese plates, fall salads or simply munch on. In keeping with cooler weather, our sustainable loose-leaf teas become richer, darker and are filled with dried fruits, herbs and spices. Think warm spicy chai or hot mulled cranberry tea and of course herbal wellness blends to see us through the winter. Is it any wonder why we love the seasons so much?
Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?
My grandma and grandpa had a farm and farm-store on the Prairies. It was the hub of the community and it brought the community together. People knew where their food came from. Fast-forward to today and it’s no different. Farmers Markets connect people and bring the community together along with the food they eat. They educate, bring awareness to local food movements, changing environments and support small local business. Farmers Markets are modern day farm-stores to shop locally for the best, freshest in-season products. And from Culinary Blossom comes a very special thank you, as we have the pure joy of cooking local food for our Farmers Market community!
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Real Meals will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Save $5 on any purchases $50 or more.
Q. What was the motivation behind starting “Real Meals”?
It began with a change in lifestyle and becoming aware of what was in the food I was feeding my family. I was appalled with what I learnt. We started eating primarily organic and I started making everything from scratch. After talking to parents at school and functions I found many had the same concerns but with busy work and family schedules did not have the necessary time to cook “clean” meals. We believe everyone should be able to eat clean healthy prepared meals so we started Real Meals. We aim to make comfort food that is familiar, delicious, good for you and convenient.
Q. What is your most popular menu item?
We would have to narrow this question to category as well these answers are based on market trends not online sales. Our most popular soup is the Carrot Coconut Curry The most popular Stew or Chilli is the Veggie Chilli. Our most popular Casserole is the English Cottage Pie.
Q. Do you have a personal favourite?
I love the 3 Bean + Roasted Chicken soup, Granny’s Chicken Pot Pie and 3 Bean Beefy Chilli.
Q. What makes your meals different from what shoppers can find else where?
We make everything from scratch, our meals are not processed as they are handmade, we don’t add any preservative or additives.
Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?
Knowing where you food comes from is imperative. When you go to a grocery store you can’t get to know the tomato farmer or the chicken farmer. Building relationships with you food suppliers not only gives you piece of mind about what your eating but it creates an amazing sense of community. We love sharing our products with our local Farmers Markets and cherish the communities that we are becoming part of.
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Satya Organic Skin Care will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Buy one, get one 50% off
Q. Where does the name Satya come from?
The name Satya was chosen by my to reflect what I wanted for my company and for my daughter. It’s found in a number of languages, philosophies and religions but ultimately, Satya means truth. That truth I am always striving to reflect in integrity, decision making and transparency of my product.
Q. Where did the passion come from to create an alternative to steroid creams?
This product came from my own necessity. My daughter got eczema and only 8 months old and the only option that was given to me by my doctor was steroid creams. I researched into non-toxic anti-inflammatories and created my product in my kitchen. Now, after getting my Health Canada approvals and getting organically certified, I know I have a clean, effective product that I am proud of and that not only helped my own daughter, but many others as well.
Q. What is the most commonly asked question you receive at market and what is the response?
I think the first question is always, “Is there any fragrance added?” The answer is absolutely not. Fragrance can be an irritant to so many people, especially those with sensitive skin. That is also why I created this to be so simple and chemical free. People need to know exactly what is going on their skins, and consequently into their systems.
Q. If you could share 1 thing with our customers, what would that be?
People who suffer with skin issues have often tried and so many products and have already spent A LOT of money trying to get some relief. I try to keep my products affordable for everyone and also have created the travel size for those who want to know how it would be with their specific skin. There is enough in the travel size to try it for a couple of weeks and then when you fall into love with it, buy a jar and refill the tin. That way you can always carry it with you.
Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?
Farmers markets ARE community. It’s a chance to see familiar faces and say hello. It’s the place to get the best vegetables and the tastiest treats. It’s a place to discover people who are creating innovative products and making change, sometimes one person at a time. I LOVE my market!
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market The Chef Nose will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Salmon spice for $5 a bag (regular $8).
Q. What is the story behind how The Chef Nose begun?
Mark has been making the Original since he was a chef in Edmonton. He developed what he then called simply “steak spice” to enhance the flavour of steaks and roasts. It became a very popular gift for our friends and family at Christmas time but they would run out in a couple of months. One of those friends encouraged him over the course of 10 years to sell the product. One summer evening she brought over a bottle of wine and on our back deck….a business was born.
Q. All of your spice blends are amazing, but what do you think is the most popular?
The Original is by far the most popular and the most versatile. We do however have people who have an absolute dedication to their blend. One of our customers wants to bulk purchase Veggin Out.
Q. If you could give our shoppers one big tip on how to season meat for the BBQ – what would that be?
If you are able to plan ahead, cover your meat with the Original and allow it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Take the meat out of the fridge about one hour before you are going to cook it to allow the meat to relax. Put the meat on a barbecue that is pre-heated.
Q. What is your most commonly asked question at a farmers market and what its he response?
Who is that picture? or Is that you? Our response is usually to defend Mark’s nose. But the business is called The Chef Nose!
Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?
Farmer’s markets provide a community hub that many of our communities have lost. They bring people together, even temporarily to have access to local products. They provide a venue for farmers and small producers to bring their goods to market in an inexpensive way.
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