OPEN YEAR ROUND Saturdays: 8am-12pm Tuesdays: 3:30pm-6:30pm (May-September)
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Spring Salads!
As the temperature rises, embrace the fresh vegetables of spring with a healthy side salad or a hearty main-dish salad. The farmers' market is the perfect source of inspiration for creating your own refreshing weeknight meal.
Green Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
This lively salad captures the essence of early summer with ripe strawberries, chives and baby spinach. To make it a meal, top it with grilled chicken breast.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups watercress, tough stems removed
- 2 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Preparation:
- Whisk honey or maple syrup, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add spinach, watercress, strawberries and chives; toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates and top with pecans and goat cheese. Add grilled chicken, if desired.
Asparagus and Radish Salad
This colorful asparag us and radish salad is dressed with a sesame-soy vinaigrette. Pair it with grilled shrimp and rice noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, (about 1 pound), trimmed
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2-3 dashes Asian red chile sauce, such as sriracha (optional)
- 1 bunch radishes, trimmed and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion
Preparation:
- Fill a medium bowl with ice water and place by the stove. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket.
- Thinly slice asparagus stalks on the diagonal, leaving the tips whole. Place in the steamer basket and steam until tender-crisp, about 1 minute. Transfer the asparagus to the ice water. Drain.
- Combine vinegar, soy sauce, canola oil, sesame oil, ginger and chile sauce (if using) in a large bowl. Add the asparagus, radishes and scallion; toss to combine. Serve warm or room temperature.
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Vendor Spotlight: In Good Heart Farm
In Good Heart Farm (formerly Ben's Produce), owned and operated by Ben Shields and Patricia Parker, offers vegetables, strawberries & flowers of the highest quality and taste in the Triangle from their farm in Clayton, NC. Their mission is to strive for healthier people, community, agriculture and planet by growing and sharing the best tasting food they can. Their farming practices meet and surpass organic guidelines but they choose not to be certified because they are confident the reflection of their practices in the quality of their produce as well as their relationship with you speaks to their commitment to healthy food and holistic agriculture. 2012 will be their third year farming independently, though they have been farming with family and friends for many years. Ben grew up farming and swore it off in early adulthood. After working a desk job in Manhattan, Ben realized he wanted to live a farming life. Patricia never imagined she'd be farming someday. She met and fell in love with Ben, realizing his dream was unexpectedly hers too. They farm because they love to grow goodness. To make their farm sustainable, Ben and Patricia add nutrients to the soil using cover crops and crop rotation. They also use compost. They are currently making their own compost with scraps from Pullen Place in Raleigh. They also plan to start using the chicken tractor to allow the chickens to clean up old areas as well as fertilize. They irrigate when th ere is not enough rain and when they transplant seedlings. In terms of pest management, they begin by farm-scaping and planting crops that encourage beneficial insects with food and habitat (those critters that eat or otherwise kill the critters that eat the plants). They also work hard to improve their soil and boost the natural pest and disease resistance of the vegetables. The better the soil quality, the better their plants are able to fend off pests and disease. Ben and Patricia are not only active on their farm, but also in our community. They feel very strongly that we need to grow more healthy food, more healthy communities, and more sustainable farmers so that we can all live good lives. They not only work to grow healthy food and relationships, but they also work to spread what they know and what they do as much as possible. Ben and Patricia co-founded Farm it Forward with Advocates for Health in Action and partners Wake Med, Energize!, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, and EFNEP and NC Cooperative Extension. 2012 will mark their second year providing CSA shares to families in need who might not otherwise have access to sustainably grown produce. They are also involved in two agriculture-related working groups in the area. They take every opportunity to participate in local panel discussions, to speak with kids at schools, and they always invite folks to come out to the farm and learn more about what they do. Ben and Patricia love that they are able to complement each other so nicely in their partnership as farmers as well as life partners. "We are so lucky to be able to do something we believe in and something we know makes a positive difference, even if it's small. We love being able to form lasting relationships with the land and so many wonderful community members. " They want you to know that you are MUCH more than a customer! Your participation makes you a co-producer. As Wendell Berry says, "Eating is an agricultural act." Never doubt your actions have ripple effects around you. Change doesn't have to be overwhelming - begin with baby steps. Together, we can all make the world a happier and healthier place! So, why the name change? In Good Heart has a lot of meanings, but they decided on the new name based on the Old English use of the phrase. To say that the soil is in good heart is to say that it is healthy, in good cultivation, and in good spiri t. To say that a person is in good heart is to say that they are cultivating wisdom, courage, and good spirit. Ben and Patricia felt that their farm name should represent their vision and they couldn't think of a better representation of what they want to do and what they want to be in our world than In Good Heart. To learn more about In Good Heart Farm, visit www.facebook.com/InGoodHeartFarm and www.BensProduceNC.com or contact Ben and Patricia at InGoodHeartFarmNC@gmail.com, (919) 800-8898.
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WWFM T-Shirts for Sale!
Western Wa ke Farmers' Market t-shirts are now on sale at the market!
Adults (small, medium, large, extra-large) $20
Kids (small, medium, large) $15
All proceeds benefit the Western Wake Farmers' Market!
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What's On Your Plate?
Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) and the Town of Cary present What's On Your Plate?, a witty documentary about kids and food at the Cary Arts Center on Tuesday, April 17, 6:00-8:30 pm, as part of Fit Cary Month. The screening is free, although tickets are required as space is limited. View the trailer and reserve your tickets at www.AdvocatesForHealthInAction.org. 
What's On Your Plate? is a fun, educational and accessible movie about how kids feel about food, how kids think about food and their health, and how families can change the way their food is accessed, prepared and eaten.
Doors open at 6 pm for viewers to visit a variety of educational booths (including WWFM, Great Harvest and Whole Foods) about health and fitness, with the film starting at 6:30. A Q&A session follows the 76-minute film with several community experts:
- Carrie Dow-Smith, MD, WakeMed Faculty Pediatrics
- Julie Paul, MS, RD, CDE, WakeMed Energize! Program Coordinator
- Farmer Ben Shields, In Good Heart Farm (formerly Ben's Produce)
- Keith Bliss, Cary Pocket Community Garden
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Learning @ the Market

Sugar Fix?
How much sugar is in those favorite drinks of yours? Join
Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) in the Education Tent for an eye-opening sugar quiz and other helpful health information, plus stop by to reserve a ticket to the Tues, April 17 screening of "What's On Your Plate?" in downtown Cary (6-8:30 pm). This family-friendly film follows two girls' journey as they explore where food comes from and how it affects their health, and they visit farmers' markets, farms and more! Preview the trailer and reserve free tickets at AHA's web site now. Limited ticket availability! Ben Shields of In Good Heart Farm and others will be there for a Q&A session to follow the film!
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Music @ the Market
Nature inspired and beat driven instrumental electronica, experience Andrew Robbin's original, ambient style this Saturday. For more information, visit myspace.com/hendecatope.
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Just for Kids!
LynneSue Fisher will be back at the market this week with face painting!! While you are shopping for your weekly groceries, make sure to stop by for a creation all your own.
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Don't Forget CASH!
Vendors at WWFM mainly accept cash and check. Don't forget to stop by the ATM on your way to the market so you can stock up on all the goodies offered!
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What's Fresh This Week?
Visit our vendor page for a complete listing of WWFM vendors.
Annelore's German Bakery - Authentic German baked goods that are made in the most traditional way, by hand and from scratch
NEW! Bill's Lemon Tahini - homemade tahini salad dressing
DJ's Berry Patch - strawberries
NEW! Chapel Hill Creamery - Cow's milk cheese, beef and sausage
Coon Rock Farm - Sustainable family farm providing garden crops and pasture raised antibiotic and hormone free chicken, eggs, pigs, lamb and goat
Dog Day Farm - Seasonal produce, plant seedlings, and flowers. This week beet greens, parsley, sage, mint, chives, radish leaves and garden plants.
Fickle Creek Farm - Sustainable farm with minimal environmental impact
BEEF - fresh (never frozen), Jersey, 100% grass fed: ground beef, steaks (filet mignon, NY strip, ribeye, boneless sirloin, chuck eye, flat iron, flank, hanger, skirt), roasts (brisket, eye of round, London broil, sirloin tip, chuck), short ribs, heart, tongue, oxtail, liver, soup bones, marrow bones. PORK - pasture-raised: smoked sliced bacon, fresh belly pieces, bone-in loin chops, smoked boneless loin chops, roasts (boneless loin, Boston butt, shoulder picnic), bulk sausage (country, chorizo, hot extra sage), link sausage (bratwurst, hot Italian, sweet Italian, breakfast fingerlinks, maple fingerlinks, smoked Polish, smoked bell pepper and onion), hocks, meaty neck bones, rendered lard, fatback, feet, organ meats. LAMB/MUTTON - pasture-raised: ground lamb, mutton loin and rib chops, mutton ribs. STEW HENS - free-range on pasture: whole birds plus necks, backs, and livers.
PRODUCE - no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers: arugula, chard, kale, lettuce, radishes. EGGS - from hens ranging freely on pasture: mixed size and jumbo.
Garden Gems - Cut flowers and potted herbs. This week Snapdragon bouquets, potted Sunflowers, Beet and Onion plants.
NEW! Good Graces Homemade Dog Treats - Homemade dog treats
Great Harvest Bread Co. - Hand crafted breads and baked goods made from our freshly milled wheat flour, sourced from family owned farms.
Hillsborough Cheese Co. - Handcrafted small batch fresh and aged cheese from goat's milk and cow's milk
In Good Heart Farm(formerly Ben's Produce) - Seasonal, sustainably-grown, chemical-free produce. This week we will have kale, mesclun, tat soi, bok choy, baby bok choy, spinach, chard, herbs and leeks.
La Farm Bakery - Artisan baked goods and breads
Larry's Heirloom Garden - Hot chili peppers and plants, cabbage and broccoli, tomatoes, chills and sweet frying peppers and some herbs and basil.
Little River Ranch - Pasture-raised lamb, traditional pork, pasture-raised rabbit, pond-raised duck
Locals Seafood- Fresh caught fish, shrimp, scallops, crab, oysters and more
Jones Farm - Seasonal, pesticide-free produce
Martin's Curry Rice - Handmade, prepackaged Indian foods
Melina's Fresh Pasta - Handmade, fresh pasta, ravioli and pasta sauce
MoonDance Soaps and More - Handcrafted cold process soaps and natural body care products
Muddy Dog Roasting Company - Artisan coffee, specialty blended tea, grits and corn meal
olifant+castelo - Spices and herbs
Redbud Farm, Certified Organic - Certified organic seasonal produce. This week asparagus, swiss chard, lettuce, cilantro, arugula, radishes, and various herb plants.
Sarah Cecilia Good Food Company - Fresh food prepared with local, sustainably grown ingredients
Screech Owl Greenhouse - Greenhouse operation of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, hydroponic lettuces, and herbs
ShellyMac Farm - Farm fresh eggs, seasonal produce, regular and honey sweetened jams and jellies from home grown and local fruits, and made from scratch baked goods
Singing Turtle Farm - Sustainably grow seasonal produce, grains and ornamentals
Smith Angus Farm- Family-owned, 4th generation farm offering Black Angus beef
Smith's Nursery - Family owned and operated nursery and produce farm. Strawberries.
Sunburst Tomatoes - Greenhouse tomatoes
Sweet T, a cakery - Handmade cakes, pies, cupcakes, quiche, breakfast biscuits and more
Two Bridges Farm - Pasture-raised eggs, goat meat, chicken, seasonal produce
Uncle Bob's Nuts - Roasted nuts, organic peanut butter, nutty salsa, and unique gourmet kettle corns
Wrenn's Farm & Nursery - Seasonal produce
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Area Businesses Support the Market
This market wouldn't be possible without the generous support of area businesses. Many thanks to these market sponsors! Please remember their support for our market as you shop, dine, and do business around town.
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Upcoming Events |
Saturday, April 14thEducation: Advocates for Health in Action
Music: Andrew Robbins
Saturday, April 21st
Earth Day! Education: NC 10% Campaign and Cary Dinner Fairy
Music: Kyle Scobie
Saturday, April 28th
Education: Chef Scott Crawford
Music: CityFolk
Tuesday, May 1st 3:30pm-6:30pm
Tuesday Market Opens
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Volunteer at the Farmers' Market!
| Love the market? Volunteer!
WWFM is always in need of volunteers at Saturday markets and with special events. If you are interested in volunteering, click here. |
Calling All Chefs and Educators!
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WWFM hosts the Learning @ the Market tent, which features local chefs and educators who are as passionate about local, healthy food as we are. Starting in April, chefs/educators are scheduled every Saturday 8AM - NOON.
If you are interested in being a educator or having a chef demonstration at the market, please e-mail Madison.
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Calling All Local Musicians!
| Love playing music? Love the farmers' market? WWFM is
looking for local musicians to play Music @ the Market. Starting in April, musicians will be scheduled every Saturday 9:30AM - 11:30AM.
Any and all types of music are welcome. If you are interested in playing at the market, please e-mail Madison.
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Become a WWFM Sponsor!
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WWFM is seeking sponsors to further our community festivities and educational events, as well as support the development of a permanent structure for the market.
Please encourage local businesses you support to support the Western Wake Farmers' Market and become an integral part in our community. For information about the benefits of sponsorship and how to become a sponsor, click here.
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Passionate About Local Food? Interested in Fundraising and Marketing?
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As WWFM continues to search for a permanent home, we need your help! We are in need of individuals with fundraising, legal and/or marketing expertise who are as passionate about local, healthy food as we are! If you are interested in leaning a hand or know someone who could help us out, please e-mail Juliann Zoetmulder.
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Hillsborough Cheese Co. is Hiring!
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Hillsborough Cheese Co. is looking for full and part time employees. If you are interested, contact Dorian West for more information.
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