Cambridge Farmers Market

A trip to any farmer’s market leaves one with a sense of connectedness to the land, the people who grow our food and the community in which we live.

Frequenting markets since childhood, I’m fortunate to live within 15 minutes of both the St. Jacob’s and downtown Kitchener markets.  I love to meet my friends over coffee early Saturday morning and discuss what food items we were seeking to create our recipes for the week.  The sense of balance and vitality after a market visit is truly soothing to both the palate and the soul.

Recently, I ventured further east to make my first visit to the Cambridge Farmers' Market, located in downtown Galt.  The day I chose was a brilliant warm September Saturday and parking a few streets away allowed me an enjoyable stroll through the emerging core of Galt.

 The Cambridge Farmers' Market itself is a true farmer’s market in a sense that all vendors offer foods and preserves grown within a 100 km radius of the market.  Still operating at its original location which began in 1830,  the Cambridge market is the third oldest farmer’s market in Canada!   The full market of vendors gather every Saturday and due to the popularity of this unique market, it is now running every Wednesday from May to end of October.

As I made my way through the outdoor market, I was overwhelmed by the variety of produce, the colours and shapes. Fall is the best time as the endless display of squash, pumpkins, beets kale, apples, pears are a delight for the eyes.

For a small market, I was surprised at the selection of offerings. From local organic greens to specialty baked goods from a British Baked Goods, Ontario's largest family owned British Bakery also specializing in gluten-free items, you are sure to leave with something special. 

Along the way, I sampled a yummy spread at the Garlic King. This vendor sells a wonderful buttery, garlicky , herb spread will have you baking garlic bread in a pinch or adding it to anything cooking on the stove.  I should have purchased the larger container because my household has been using it non-stop for 5 days!

 The indoor portion of the Cambridge market offers a place to have lunch, enjoy fresh brewed coffee and continue shopping at Tanner's Cheese  

and Southern Pride Poultry

... as well as a wide selection of preserves and the most extensive variety of exotic mushrooms.  

                         
When I left the Cambridge market that day, I left with a very familiar feeling.  I felt as if I had been to a neighbourhood party.  Meeting new people, watching children laugh and play, swapping recipes with strangers, the experience made me feel complete.  I'm smiling still.