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Best Farmers Market Vendors in Seattle
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The greater Seattle area is fortunate to have an amazing lineup of farmers markets. During the summer months, you can hardly go a day without access to a farmers market. It is very difficult to choose the best farmers market vendors in Seattle. I have consistently been amazed at the quality of all products I've purchased from farmers market vendors and I think I've purchased from just about all of them. Choosing just a few vendors was very difficult and certainly not a poor reflection on any market vendor not selected. No matter which vendor you choose for your meat, fruit, vegetables, dessert, beverages, or flowers, you will not be disappointed.
Skagit River Ranch
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The first best farm stand on my list is Skagit River Ranch. Run by George and Eiko Vojkovich, they consistently provide high quality meats and have a wonderful openness about their farming practices and their philosophy. George started farming after developing a heart condition. He wanted his family, in particular, his daughter Nicole, to eat only the best and highest quality products. Their cows are never fed grain or antibiotics, their chickens spend more time outside than in, and their pigs forage for all manner of things. I've written about their eggs before. They have significantly less cholesterol than your generic supermarket eggs and their bacon is the best I have ever tasted. Stop by and chat with them and you'll leave with great meat, some amazing recipes, and a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing the food that ends up on your table.
Empire Ice Cream
Although they are not actually a grower, I picked Empire because they are truly pushing the envelope on ice cream and they are doing it in a strictly local manner. With flavors like Theo Chocolate and Chili, Bacon and Toffee, and Hazelnut and Blue Cheese, there is rarely a week that I am not tempted by something. Of course they also sell flavors like pear sorbet, brown sugar, and chocolate chip, though you'll find them marketed under their own unique names. They get their ingredients from the local farmers markets. Their bacon came from Skagit River Ranch and their Blue Cheese came from Estrella creamery. Even their sugar is local... well as local as possible (it comes from Idaho). They are liberal with their tastings and always love talking about their products. They are also always open to suggestions. They looked a little skeptical the first time they heard the chipotle suggestion but that chocolate chili ice cream is a winner.
Sea Breeze Farms
Another producer of top quality meats, Sea Breeze calls their products 'beyond organic'. They are a devotee to pasture rotation. This means that first they bringin the cows. The cows graze the land and leave their droppings. Then they bring in the chickens. The chickens peck at the ground and work the droppings that the cows leave into the ground all the while leaving their own droppings. Next come the pigs. Repeat. This allows them to avoid the use of antibiotics because the animals do the cleaning of the land for them. Sea Breeze sells pork, some beef, chicken, eggs, and milk. Their raw milk is one of the most popular items at the market and their cream is so fresh that if you want to make whipped cream with it, you'll need to let the cream sit out on the counter for a while to warm up before you try to whip it. Their chorizo is one of life's great pleasures. They even sell the wool from their sheep. If you need chicken stock or lard, you can pick up that too. At their booth, you can also find Sweetbread Cellars, their winery. I highly recommend the Brisage or the Merlot.
Olsen Farms.jpg)
The first produce stand on the list is Olsen Farms. When I first started attending the farmers markets, Olsen sold only potatoes. Now they've branched out into frozen and cured meats as well. Last week I even got an onion from them! They sell just about any variety and size of potato you could ask for and are always working on new varities. You can pick up some Spud Nuts, little baby potatoes that are perfect for throwing in a roasting pan or even putting on a kebab. Not only do they sell a wide variety of potatoes, but they are very knowledgable about which potatoes work best in which dishes. If you don't know what type of potato to choose, just ask. They will be happy to help you pick one (or more) out.
Alm Hill Gardens
Our next farm is Alm Hill Gardens. Alm Hill sells salad mix, carrots, potatoes, turnips, corn, radishes, berries, flowers, beans, and even wreaths during the holidays.They are completely organic and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Growing Washington, a local non-profit, has invested in Alm Hill and you'll find Clayton Burrows, Growing Washington's Director, working the booth at the Ballard Farmers Market most Sundays. Alm Hill has always impressed me with their customer service. Occasionally, a pint of berries just doesn't make it home. If it rained just before picking, or it is incredibly hot one day, the berries might look perfect on the table, but be a little past their prime just half an hour later. If you ever experience that with any of Alm Hill's produce, just let them know and they will make it right. They are always happy to talk about their produce and love to hear how their customers are cooking their purchases.
Rockridge Orchards
Our last farm of the day is Rockridge Orchards. Rockridge produces close to a dozen different ciders (both hard and not). They sample every weekend, so stop by and grab a sip of blueberry apple cider or raspberry apple cider. They are one of the few local sources for Apple Cider vinegar and also grow pears and other exotic plants. If you visit them at the University District Farmers Market, you can talk to Wade, and Judy runs the booth at the Ballard Farmers Market. Wade brings some veggies every week, but they sell out quickly. Have you ever been interested in growing your own tea? Ask Wade or Judy and they'll bring you a tea plant the very next week. The little plants sell cheaply, and within 5 years you'll have more tea than you know what to do with. They'll even teach you how to harvest and dry it once your tea plant grows up a little. In addition to cider, they also produce honey, dried fruit, mead, and spices. During the summer months, they mix their cider up to make a tasty Granita. Grab a cold cup as you wander the markets and your day will instantly brighten.
I hope you've enjoyed this first in a series of Best Farmers Market Vendors. No matter which vendor you choose, you'll be helping the environment, helping to support the local economy, and helping some of the nicest people you could ever want to meet.
Do you have a favorite farmers market vendor? Tell us about it in the comments!
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