A Small Market with a Big Heart
The summer harvest is starting to pick up momentum. My latest farmers market trip brought me to Mableton, GA. Mableton is located on the west side of Atlanta. It was named after Robert Mable, who in 1843 bought 300 acres and built the now historic Mable House. The house has a rich history. It was used as a school and as a field hospital by Federal troops during the Civil War. The Mableton Farmers Market is held in the parking lot adjacent to the Mable House.
The Mableton Farmers Market is an example of what a local market should be; run by mom and pop vendors selling goods from their home gardens. Some of the bigger farmers markets have started to turn into retail outlets for bigger businesses. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but for those who wish to shop at a farmers market for the simple pleasure of purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables without the hustle and bustle of a busy market, then Mableton’s Farmers Market is your cup of tea!
The vendors at the Mableton Farmers Market sell the produce grown in their backyard gardens or small farms. The majority of the goods available are produce and not crafts and other imported merchandise. There were also booths that sold freshly baked pies, special spice blends, and jams and jellies….all made by locals who live in and around Mableton.
The market is open on Thursday mornings for 9-12:30 PM. At 10 AM, there is a cooking demo hosted by Terri, the Floyd Road Mableton Community Garden coordinator. This week she whipped up a tasty quinoa salad with peas, yellow squash, and onions. Terri puts on a cooking demo every Thursday at 10 AM.
One of my favorite finds at the market was Hillari Moon…a local spice vendor. I got to sample several delicious spice blends made by Gwen, the founder of Hillari Moon. I picked up a bottle of the Smoke Seasoning Blend made with Himalayan Salt. It is a flavorful blend of spices that adds just enough smoke and kick to any type of meat or veggie. I find myself sprinkling it on everything from my eggs this morning and on the grilled zucchini and the baked chicken I cooked for dinner last night. Check out www.hillarimoon.com for more info. The spice blends are sold locally at Whole Foods Markets in the Atlanta area.
If you live in in the western Atlanta metro suburbs, stop by the Mableton Farmers Market sometime. It’s a growing market that has lots to offer. I encourage all to check out, LocalHarvest.org to find a farmers market in your area. This is prime season to get freshly grown seasonal fruits and veggies. If you grow you own and have extra, think about getting a booth at your local market! Happy Gardening.