130 Washington Street, #798, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553 info@montgomeryfriends.org

New Jersey is a National Top-Ten Producer of Fruits and Vegetables?

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Last week was a perfect example of why we love the farmers’ market. We are lucky to have vendors serving up wonderful prepared foods and quality products. Walking along the tables, it is so easy to be tempted by all the fruits and vegetables, still dew-covered from the field, and debate what tasty meals to prepare using it all! When you include flavorful locally made meats, cheeses and wine, oh! the culinary adventures!

Did you know?

New Jersey is a National Top-Ten Producer of Fruits and Vegetables

2012 Statistics Rank Production Prod.Value Acres
Cranberries 3rd 550,000barrels $29.9million 3,000
Bell Peppers 3rd 120.3mill.lbs. $28.9million 3,400
Spinach 3rd 25.9mill.lbs. $12.7million 1,400
Peaches 4th 30,000tons $39.6million 5,300
Blueberries 5th 51.5mill.lbs. $80.8million 7,500
Cucumbers 5th 73.1mill.lbs. $15.7million 3,400
Squash 6th 43.4mill.lbs. $17.8million 3,100
Tomatoes 7th 56.7mill.lbs. $30.8million 2,700
Apples 8th 34mill.lbs. $28.5million 1,900
Sweet Corn 9th 68.4mill.lbs. $23.1million 7,200
Snap Beans 10th 8.4mill.lbs. $3.7million 2,700

Sponsor Focus: Union Line Garage

“Very happy with outcome! What great customer service…”

If you Google Union Line Garage, one of the first things you learn about them is that it has great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and happy customers. A four-and-a-half out of five rating on Yelp. You don’t get that without knowing your stuff.

If you’ve ever driven west on Route 518, just outside downtown Hopewell you’ll find Union Line Garage’s base of operations. The focus of the business is to provide service and repair experience as it should be. Open since 2006, they moved from their original location in Kingston (a former stagecoach repair shop) to Hopewell in 2007. Their steady popularity soon required a move to their current, larger location at 140 West Broad Street in 2010, where they operate 5 work bays for fast turnaround.

Union Line Garage is a full automobile service and repair facility. Using state-of-the-art equipment their skilled technicians provide customers with dealership-quality work costing significantly less than dealerships.

As a family-run business they believe in being part of the community. In keeping with that, Union Line Garage has been a Blue Ribbon Sponsor of Montgomery Friends’ Farmers’ Market for several years, bringing you locally produced products. Their support demonstrates their commitment to hometown values and helps local businesses thrive. We encourage you to patronize Union Line Garage for your car needs.

And while you’re there, let them know you appreciate their support of the market!

Market Focus: Griggstown Farms

Todd Royer

George is doing his Happy Chicken dance because Griggstown Farms is now selling vegetarian pot pies! Also helping George sleep at night are new fruit pie flavor combos and knock your socks off frozen soups. The black bean is a market manager favorite. He reminds everyone that fruit, veggies, and legumes are good for you. Sleep well, my friend.

Griggstown Farm has been with our farmers’ market for many years. The business was established in 1975 by George Rude on preserved land in Franklin Township. It blossomed in the ensuing years by selling its products to restaurants and quality supermarkets. In 2002 it opened a retail store to sell its house-made specialties, home-grown produce, and poultry direct to you. It is especially known for its plump pot pies.

The farm was built using sustainable farming practices and is dedicated to producing natural and minimally processed products. They look to maintain a small carbon-footprint and compost their garden waste.

Griggstown Farms Pies

At our farmers’ market, Griggstown Farm sells poultry, eggs, sausages, hand-made cheeses, and mushrooms. Pick up one of its famous pot pies for an easy dinner.

Griggstown Farm Market is located at 484 Bunkerhill Road, Princeton, NJ. More information about the farm is available on their website, as well as tasty ways to serve their products.

Funds from our sponsors defray the costs for Montgomery Friends of Open Space, a 501c3 nonprofit organization to operate the farmers’ market for the community. Thank you for your support!