Author: Jodie Fitz

The market is a great place to bring the kids during school break.  It is an educational experience that can be introduced through fun and entertaining activities.  Here are some ways to expose children to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, while supporting  locally produced and grown goods.

1. Plan a recipe and shop the ingredients. Life skills have a long-lasting impact on children.  By selecting a recipe and shopping for the ingredients they learn about planning, list making, shopping and ultimately, developing valuable kitchen skills.   

2. Let them shop! Give your child(ren) a budget, explain what a budget is, and let them shop.  They will learn to choose wisely, shop first and then make their final selection with their ‘budget’.  It’s a valuable way to spend a day and the market is different from your typical store experience.

3. Play a Game!  Play the market’s I-SPY game this week and earn a produce coin to spend at the market.  Playing I-SPY makes the market even more fun for kids, helps them to identify fresh, local goods and helps them to ‘learn to earn’ which then can be applied to their shopping experience and help them stretch their dollars if you’re letting them shop.  You can use the game in this article or visit saratogafarmersmarket.org to print a copy.  After you’ve played, simply hand in the I-spy at the market staff table to receive the produce coin located near the entrance of the mall in the food court at Wilton Mall, in front of the green marble wall. 

The market is a great winter activity and a fun way to spend family time together.  There  is live music and ready-made vendors on site.  You can grab breakfast, lunch and snacks to enjoy while visiting.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is currently open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.

Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

According to Delish magazine, Google recently released a list of the top searched recipes for the Super Bowl which include;

Shrimp scampi recipe

Chili recipe

Meatloaf recipe

Meatball recipe

Sliders recipe

Sloppy joe recipe

Goulash recipe

Pizza dough recipe

Alfredo sauce recipe

Cheesecake recipe

The great news?  You can find fresh, local ingredients to help make almost all of these recipes for your Super Bowl fare right at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

Our pick from this top 10 list is a delicious burger slider recipe for this week’s recipe share.  Honestly, you can turn meatballs, meatloaf, and sloppy joes into sliders as well and have guests vote on the best slider combo of the game!

The market is filled with ready-made desserts, and cocktail supplies, to help keep portions of your menu planning easy.

Charcuterie boards make the perfect appetizer to have on display as your guests arrive.  Visit saratogafarmersmarket.org and search for charcuterie ideas and items that can be found at the market including fresh cheeses, breads, meats, vegetables, jams and more.

Here are some articles and recipes at the market’s site that are perfect for additional game day bites;

Playoff Game Ready

The Art of the Chicken Wing

The Art of the Charcuterie

Hummus with Roasted Pine Nuts

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Classic Baked Chili in Potato Bowls

Whatever food/recipes you choose to fill your table with, remember to shop and support local growers and producers.  Knowing your food sources is always on trend!

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is currently open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.

Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is actually the original farmers’ market in the Capital Region and surrounding areas.  The organization, now a 501(c)3, began with a handful of farms coming together to form a market in order to bring fresh produce to the community in 1978. 

Over the years it has evolved and grown, becoming not only a community icon, but a tourist destination within the city of Saratoga Springs.  The market is also a community entrepreneurial leader, helping local growers and producers to bring their goods to market, further participating and contributing to the local economy.

The market now hosts its year-round, and primary, market on Saturdays at High Rock Park May through October, moving indoor for the cold weather months to Wilton Mall November through April.  In addition, it hosts a Wednesday (mid-week) market in HighRock Park (May through October) and a satellite market in Clifton Park on Mondays (June through mid-October).

The market is currently accepting applications for vendors for the 2025 outdoor season and the application process closes at the end of January.  If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.  Visit managemymarket.com to apply. 

Markets available to register at the site include:

*Monday: Market at Clifton Park (June through October)

*Wednesday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)

*Saturday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)

If you have additional questions please email sfma.manager@gmail.com.  The market does provide live music; musicians can inquire about joining the market’s music program via email.  In addition, the market does invite local non-profit organizations to table when space is available and those inquires can also be made through email as well. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is currently open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.

Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Did you know January is National Slow Cooking Month?  Every month could be deemed slow cooking month as many of us use a slow-cooker on a regular basis.

Although I was unable to determine exactly who started this national recognition, I was able to uncover a few fun facts;

The “Crock Pot” helped households to survive the energy crisis in the 70’s; which was an event that had an impact on many Americans.  This gadget used the same amount of energy as an incandescent light bulb vs. running an oven.  Still worth noting today with rising costs.

Irving Naxon, originally Nachumsohn, received a U.S. patent for a slow bean cooker which was inspired by his grandmothers cooking in Lithuania, which is now known as the crock-pot.  It was renamed the crock-pot after he sold the original company.

One of the original ‘crock-pot’ colors was avocado green.  I think they could bring it back with the popularity of the avocado (retro-wink).

Whatever your favorite recipe is in this handy-dandy gadget, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is stocked with fresh, local ingredients to help make your favorite winter time dishes.  There’s something nostalgic about putting all of the ingredients into this ‘classic icon’ and enjoying it’s simmering scents throughout the day.

Become a Vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.  Visit managemymarket.com to apply. Markets available to register for include:

*Monday: Market at Clifton Park (June through October)

*Wednesday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)

*Saturday: Market at High Rock Park Saratoga (May through Oct)

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.

Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market to get playoff game ready!  Check out the winter market vendor list and come discover how you can fill your playoff menu with all things local.  There are endless possibilities with forty-five vendors representing both locally grown and produced items.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.

Visit saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Albany Distillery

Argyle Cheese Farmer

Awakened Tonics

Autumn Harvest Winery

Back to Zero Foods

Bakery Suzanne

Ballston Lake Apiaries

Daily Fresh

Eat with Aliens

Euro Delicacies

Gomez Veggie Ville

Grazin’ Acres Farm

Great Northern Pantry

Halfmoon Harvest

Hepatica Farm

Holly and Vine Farm

Jireh Organics & Livestock

Katie Bakes GF

Kokinda Farm

La Capital Tacos

Long Lesson Farm

Lovin’ Mama Farm

May-K-Mark

Muddy Trail Jerky Co.

Mugzy’s Barkery

Nally Coffee

Nettle Meadow

Night Work Bread

Parchment Baking Co.

Perogi, Pierogi, pyroogie

Puckers Gourmet

Radiant Living Healing Arts and Massage (on site chair massage)

Saranac River Ranch

Saratoga Apple

Saratoga Candles

Saratoga Peanut Butter

Scotch Ridge Berry Farm

Slate Valley Farms

Sweet Treats by Jennifer

Sydney Anechiarico Jewelry

The Bull and Bee Meadery

The Mushroom Shop, LLC

The Thymeless Homestead

Tyromance Fine Snacks

Yankee Distillers

As I read through the 2025 food trends, not every list is the same and there are varying opinions.  However, there are similar topics showing on more than one reputable source that are noteworthy in relation to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market;

Functional foods

Sourdough

Protein Love

Food Waste and Sustainability

Functional foods can mean several things by definition, but in general, consumers are following along with ‘food is medicine’ trends.  They are learning how different foods have an impact on longevity and vitality.  Less processed and more ‘whole food’ is the overall direction while increasing produce consumption.

Sourdough is around for the long haul, in my opinion, as we continue to learn that all carbs are not created equal.  Sourdough can have a beneficial impact on gut health, digestion and blood sugar levels.  It’s worth researching.

Protein is key.  Natural protein sources, including eggs, are on the rise as research demonstrates the importance of protein in a balanced diet.  However, consumers are looking at how their protein is raised and fed in their decision making as they shop.

Food and Sustainability feels open ended, but in short, consumers are more interested in supporting regenerative farming as a whole and the impact of food production on the environment. In fact, ‘Tastewise predicts that more consumers are craving accountability and transparency from the products they buy—and more than half are willing to pay more for items that have less of an environmental impact’.

The good news for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market?  Shopping and supporting local is always on trend. And at your local market, you can explore and interact directly with local growers and producers to learn more about the foods you consume and the processes they use in their production.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market, thanks to the generosity of Halfmoon Harvest a local flower farm and vendor at the market, composting is available every Saturday at the market located at Wilton Mall now through April. While they are currently stocked with dried flower arrangements they also offer beautiful hydroponically grown fresh flowers at various times throughout the winter and fresh flowers in the spring/summer months.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Wilton Mall hourly on Saturday mornings.

Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

According to some recent publications, wellness priorities of 2025, look and sound similar to other years.  However, some of the trends behind the ‘buzz words’ have slightly different connotations.

* Weight Management no longer refers to the fad, extreme dieting and instead is embracing metabolic health, balanced nutrition, and sustainable habits for a longer term impact.

* Healthy Aging no longer means grab the latest and greatest cream, although they are still important.  Instead, individuals are looking to support their physical and cognitive function to boost longterm vitality.

* Immunity Boosting has grown in popularity to encourage supporting overall immune wellness as a foundation for healthy living through not only supplements, but to expand to include various foods, exercise, etc.

So, how can the Saratoga Farmers’ Market help you achieve some of these goals if they’ve made your list for 2025?

The market is packed with locally grown and produced products to help fill your plate with nutrient dense, sustainable foods that can help with weight management, healthy living and immunity boosting goals. In addition, there are two specific vendors specializing in vitality to help kick off your healthy new year with specific items;

* Awakened Tonics specializes in Apple cider vinegar (ACV) products; ACV is well-known for its amazing health and wellness benefits.  Visit Awakened Tonics at the market to learn more about their blends and how they can help your overall immunity and system support.

* Saranac River Ranch creates an all natural, 100% raw juice cleansing systems to help promote digestive health and overall wellness.  Visit to learn more about their juices and the benefits to trying their systems.

There’s always so much to discover at the market and it’s a great place to get in some steps while kicking off a healthy New Year!

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Wilton Mall hourly on Saturday mornings.

Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Breakfast is part of the overall holiday experience and there’s nothing like filling the table with all things local!  The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has a little bit of everything to help finish off those special recipes or to keep it simple with ready to eat options.

Are you planning Pancakes, Waffles or Eggs?  Consider fresh buttermilk from Argyle Cheese Farmer and fresh eggs from Grazin’ Acres Farms, Hepatica, Holly and Vine, Jireh Organic Farm & Livestock, Kokinda Farm or Squash Villa Farm.  

French Toast?  Grab fresh bread(s) from Bakery Suzanne or Night Work Bread.  Along with Muddy Trails perpetual vanilla and maple syrup from Grazin’ Acres or Slate Valley Farms.  

If you are planning omelets or hash browns, don’t forget the veggies from Gomez Veggie Ville, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Squash Villa Farm or Shushan Valley Hydro.  And, of course a little sprinkle of cheese from Argyle Cheese Farm or Nettle Meadow.  Gomez and Kokinda Farm still has potatoes available and mushrooms are always a great addition from The Mushroom Shop.

Looking for the savory sides like ham, sausage or steak?  Stop by to peek at all the goodies from Grazin’ Acres Farm, May-K-Mark (formerly Hebron Valley), Hepatica Farm, Jrieh Organic Farm & Lifestock, and Long Lesson Farm

Grab some fresh applesauce, dried slices or fresh apples from Saratoga Apple for the perfect garnish and/or side to your holiday plating.

Consider trying a breakfast charcuterie board.  You can fill it with bagels, specialty breads, muffins, croissants and other delicious baked goods from Bakery Suzanne, Caliva Cookies, Katie Bakes Gluten Free, Night Work Bread, Parchment Bakery,  Sweet Treats by Jennifer or The Great Northern Pantry.  Jams made fresh by Kokinda Farm or Slate Valley Farm, flavored peanut butters from Saratoga Peanut Butter or honey from Ballston Lake Apiaries or Slate Valley Farm are perfect additions along with assorted yogurts from Argyle Cheese Farmer.

Don’t forget the sips!  Fresh ground coffee is available at Nally Coffee along with fresh squeezed juices from Saranac River.

While all of these vendors have a diverse array of goods to offer for your shopping experience, don’t forget to also visit other vendors on site and take advantage of a few last minute gifts;

Gift the gift of health with Awakened Tonics

Find specialty items at Eat with Aliens, Good Way Gourmet, Halfmoon Harvest, Holly and Vine, Northbound Boutique, pebble and Fern, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Candle, Saratoga Suds n’ Stuff, Sydney Anechiarico Jewelry, and Tyromance Fine Snacks, 

Love the pups in your life?  Make a special stop at Mugzy’s Organic Barkery and Northbound Boutique.

Take a holiday break and grab ready to eat items at Daily Fresh, Euro Delicacies, La Capital Tacos, Perogi – Pierogi – Pyroogi, and Back to Zero.

And, last but not least, don’t forget to bring fine cheers from Albany Distillery, Autumn Harvest Wine, The Bull & Bee Meadery and Yankee Distillery

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Wilton Mall hourly on Saturday mornings.

Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The market has been accepted to participate in the Saratoga Participatory Budget Process.  This year we are partnering with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios on Beekman Street in hopes to bring a community created mural to our market space at High Rock Park.  

The theme of the mural is ‘Rooted in Community’ and the final design will be selected through a community process and there will be opportunities for the community to participate in the painting of the mural.

Voting for the market to receive the grant funding is easy: 

1. Scan the bar code in the photo to vote or visit pbstanford.org/2024-saratoga-ny

2. Grab your family & friends to vote!

Voting is now through December 14th and we need your help!  Thank you, as always, for supporting the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Wilton Mall in the food court area. The Holiday/Winter Market takes place from November 2nd through April 26th. Find us online a www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.