Linden Hills Farmers’ Market FIRST TASTE
The Linden Hills Farmers’ Market brought together small, local vendors at Sociable Cider Werks for a preview of some of the new options we’ll see at the Twin Cities farmers’ markets this season. I was pleasantly surprised to walk in and see my friends from Root to Rise Kitchen there! I’ve had their food many times and always enjoy their fresh, healthy options. They sampled their Walking Tacos and Love Balls, both of which I’m a fan. The Love Balls are gluten-free and have a soft, meaty texture. They’re going to be at several markets this summer so make sure to find them and say hello.
Candor Bar offers a variety of nut-based bars, and I sampled all of the flavors: Chili Cocoa, Almond Cocoa, Lemon, Curry, and Matcha. While I honestly enjoyed all of them, the Curry was such a great pop of flavor. It was a stand out for me and would work well as a meal replacement bar. The Lemon and Almond Cocoa are a little sweeter and perfect for a mid-day snack.
Nutmeg’s caught my eye because one of my go-to breakfast meals is bread and peanut butter. They offer peanut-, cashew-, and almond-based butters and they’re somewhere between creamy and chunky. The especially awesome part of the business is that part of their proceeds go towards ending sexual violence in Kenya. So #spreadthelove and follow them on Instagram, or make a purchase on Facebook.
Drinking Shrubs? When I read that, all I could think of was Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But once I tried a few of the flavors from Calvit’s, all I could think of was delicious. These beverage mixers will add a touch of flavor to soda water, or you can use them as a cocktail mixer. What a great option for parties where there might be people both abstaining from and drinking alcohol. You can find them in some stores around town, and make sure to check out the recipes on the website.
Check out these delicious nuggets from Ommie Snacks. Their goal is to offer fruit and seed energy bars that are free of the top eight allergens. They currently have nine flavors; I tried Apple Cinnamon and Banana but I’m itching to try the Coffee and Apricot Chai. 5% of their profits are donated to local charities, too – how awesome!
I tried a few other products at the First Taste, including sweet potato noodles from Greenhearts, microgreens from Turtle Hare Farm, and a mushroom ginger broth from Taking Stock. Sending thanks to Linden Hills Farmers’ Market for the invitation! I’m so excited for farmers’ market season and plan to explore a few that I haven’t been to before.
Do you have a favorite farmers’ market?