Boston Flora

Tag: Mass Farmers Markets

  • Thursday, August 20, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm – 31st Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest

    Please join the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for the 31st annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest on Thursday, August 20 from 9:30 – 2 at the Kitchen in the new Boston Public Market.

    Tomatoes from farmers across Massachusetts will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. Categories include field tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom varieties and weight. The contest will be judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, cookbook authors, produce experts and state officials.

    The contest is sponsored by the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Mass Farmers’ Markets and hosted by the Trustees’ Kitchen at the Boston Public Market. This friendly contest is open to commercial tomato growers and is designed to increase consumer’s awareness of local agriculture.

    The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services – MDAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.  For more information visit http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/greater-boston/bpm-1006.html.

  • June 1 – July 1, 2012 – Strawberry Dessert Festival

    The 5th annual Strawberry Dessert Festival will be held from June 1 – July 1 at 40+ area restaurants around Boston, featuring special strawberry desserts. A portion of the proceeds  will benefit Mass Farmers Markets. Desserts being offered range from strawberry shortcake to a strawberry rhubarb float at Upstairs on the Square to a roasted homemade strawberry ice cream sandwich at Ashmont Grill. Full listing of restaurant participants at www.strawberrydessertfestival.org.

    For more information, call Mass Farmers Markets at 781-893-8222.  Strawberry tart photo courtesy of Southern Living Magazine.

  • Monday, August 22, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Tomato Contest and Festival at Boston City Hall

    On Monday, August 22 from 11 – 2,  a panel of judges will choose the top tomatoes from Massachusetts farmers.  Tomato samples for the public will be available.  The event is held in conjunction with the City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market.  Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and Mass Farmers Markets.  Log on to www.mass.gov/agr/markets/tomato_contest.htm for more information.  Image from www.simplemom.net.

  • Friday, June 10, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm – 2011 Strawberry Dessert Festival

    Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries across the Bay State will donate a percentage of proceeds from specially prepared strawberry-infused desserts to the Federation of Mass Farmers Markets, the non-profit dedicated to supporting, promoting, and advocating for the over 230 farmers markets state-wide, on Friday, June 10.

    Restaurant patrons will provide much-needed support for our state’s farmers and farmers markets simply by enjoying the taste of local strawberries at the following restaurants:
    * Armsby Abbey (Worcester)
    * Beacon Hill Bistro (Boston)
    * The Beehive (Boston)
    * Bistro 5 (Medford)
    * Bistro Les Gras (Northampton)
    * Blue on Highland (Needham)
    * Bondir (Cambridge)
    * Butter Cafe and Bakery (Walpole)
    * Craigie on Main (Cambridge)
    * Evoo (Cambridge)
    * Flora (Arlington)
    * Flour Bakery (Boston + Cambridge)
    * Henrietta’s Table (Cambridge)
    * Highland Kitchen (Somerville)
    * Isador’s Organics (Oxford)
    * Lineage (Brookline)
    * Oleana (Cambridge)
    * Smolak Farms Bakery (North Andover)
    * Sofra Bakery and Cafe (Cambridge)
    * Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro (Foxboro)
    * Tatte Fine Cookies and Cakes (Brookline)
    * Tomasso Trattoria (Southborough)
    * Tremont 647 (Boston)
    * 14 Boston-area Whole Foods Market locations

    While highlighting the incredible taste of local, in-season berries, the Mass Farmers Markets Strawberry Dessert Festival also raises the funds MFM needs in order to sustain and strengthen the Massachusetts farmers market system. The Strawberry Dessert Festival has become a seasonal tradition for many Massachusetts diners thanks to the dedicated support of local chefs.

    This year, the event is expected to include more than 40 popular farm-friendly restaurants and eateries across Massachusetts. Chefs and bakers from each establishment will use locally grown fresh berries to create tasty strawberry desserts that should not be missed. For more information, visit www.strawberrydessertfestival.org.