In 2020, the roots of Peters' Produce sprouted, blossoming into a dream nurtured by a family's passion for fresh, local goodness. Since he was knee-high, Justin had always craved to grow produce, and Annie had a green thumb that could turn deserts into gardens. But the onset of COVID-19 sparked the idea to sow seeds of hope and address food insecurity in their local community. And so, with hearts full of purpose, Annie, Justin, Stephanie, and Derrick embarked on their farming adventure.
On the farm east of Mount Salem, along Calton Line, Peters' Produce began with a humble self-serve stand. They planted peppers, tomatoes, sweetcorn, herbs, zucchini, and potatoes on 1.25 acres, and it was a family affair even as they held onto their day jobs. After the first year, they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and decided to expand their offerings. The little self-serve stand blossomed into an on-farm market, where farm-fresh treasures beckoned passersby to stop their cars. Their commitment to their craft set Peters' Produce apart from the rest. Over 90% of what they sold was lovingly grown on their farm, and their team reflected the diverse communities they served. This dedication shone through in every vegetable, preserving jar, and pastured poultry they offered. From sunrise to sunset, Peters' Produce was a hive of activity six days a week. Early mornings meant plucking sweetcorn to offer the freshest produce at the market. At the same time, late nights saw them preparing for the next market day. Their commitment was a year-round endeavour, with planning and coordination in the off-season to ensure every season was a bountiful success. Peters' Produce found a slice of paradise at the Horton Farmers' Market. The market-goers' happiness and enthusiasm to support local producers warmed their hearts. The discerning eyes of consumers who appreciated high-quality, locally sourced products made each market day feel like a celebration. This year, Peters' Produce had a special treat in store for its shoppers. They ventured into artisanal chicken farming, investing in a high-tech robotic pastured chicken barn. Their feathered friends would enjoy a life of luxury and comfort. At the same time, consumers relished the unique flavour and texture brought to the market by their pastured poultry. Among their treasure trove of goodies, the relishes stood out as Annie and Justin's pride and joy. Corn, zucchini, and dill pickle relishes added a tangy twist to any sandwich, elevating burgers and hotdogs to mouthwatering perfection. As you wander through the Horton Farmers' Market's vibrant aisles, let your feet lead you to Peters' Produce. Discover a family's dedication to cultivating the finest and tastiest vegetables, preserves, and pastured poultry. And when you grab that burger or hotdog, remember to crown it with the magic of Peters' relishes.
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Welcome to the lively world of JayJoe Farms, where farming dreams sprouted and grew alongside the laughter of three young children. The story of this family farm began as a little seed of desire, yearning to cultivate vegetables on a grander scale than just their backyard garden. But with the responsibility of raising three little ones, the timing could have been better. However, fate had a plan, and in 2020, an opportunity blossomed on Krista's grandparents' farm, purchased way back in 1954. The idea of farming gained traction, and the arrival of COVID-19 gave them the nudge they needed to dive into this green adventure. With grit, laughter, and love, they took a leap of faith and decided to give it a go. Armed with dreams and a greenhouse, they embarked on a journey to change their lives forever. And thus, JayJoe Farms was born, bearing the names of two special souls, Jay and Joe—brothers who had left this world too soon. A quirky name that began as a joke evolved into a beautiful tribute, honouring the memory of their beloved brothers. Family unity was the secret ingredient at JayJoe Farms. Shaun, Krista, their children, Carson and Payton, and their moms, Glenna and Eva, worked tirelessly on the farm. Krista's dad, Roger, was also a familiar face in the fields, helping and maintaining equipment. And remember their oldest son, Jason, who pitched in whenever needed, balancing his time between off-farm work and family duties. Their harvest of veggies danced to the rhythm of the seasons, boasting an impressive repertoire of 90-110 varieties. Embracing organic practices, they nurtured their produce with love, never resorting to harmful sprays, only organic amendments.
A family that toiled together grew together, and learned together. The biggest lesson they discovered was the sheer dedication required to produce exquisite food. But through the ups and downs, their bond as a family only grew stronger, proving that no challenge was insurmountable when they stood together. The magic of the Horton Market enchanted them—the bustling atmosphere, the delightful customers, and the camaraderie of fellow vendors. Being a part of the market meant they could bring fresh, ethically grown veggies into the homes of wonderful families in their county. As for the shoppers, they had a friendly suggestion—seize the moment when they saw their favourite veggies at the market. Mother Nature's whims could make things disappear as quickly as they appeared. Among their treasure trove of delights, Kohlrabi was the shining star—a versatile vegetable that stole their hearts. Whether shredded in coleslaw, dipped in hummus, roasted, or added to mashed potatoes, Kohlrabi never failed to dazzle with its delectable flavours. So, if you ever find yourself at the Horton Market, follow the scent of fresh vegetables and the laughter of a warm and united family. JayJoe Farms awaits, ready to welcome you into their world of veggies, laughter, and love. In this place, farming dreams became a beautiful reality.
The most enchanting secret of all? Every bite of Bonjour & Yum's fare is a tale of local wonder. Many ingredients are sourced from vendors at Horton Market and lovingly cooked from scratch right at the market itself. There are no shortcuts or sorcery – just pure, fresh, and wholesome goodness. A sprinkle of wisdom they gained along the way was that some brave souls wander the realm with a peculiar taste, shying away from the magic of onions and tomatoes. They crave the simple combination of eggs, cheese, and meat, and Bonjour & Yum deliver their wishes with a mischievous grin. Ah, but the Horton Farmers' Market truly makes their hearts dance with joy. "The Horton Market is community building at its best. Friends meet each other at the market every Saturday. Our customers are mostly regulars who come every week. Those who try us out during their first visit to the market soon become regulars". Now, dear shoppers, a piece of magical advice awaits you. As the seasons change, so does the enchanting menu of Bonjour & Yum. In the warm embrace of summer, they offer their whimsical Muesli, a delightful twist on overnight oats. When winter's chill comes knocking, the market fills with the aroma of their soul-warming steel-cut oat porridge. But the real showstopper, the star of the culinary tale, is the French rolled omelette. Picture it: a fluffy, creamy egg cloud swirling with the tangy embrace of French Brie cheese. It's an experience that almost rivals the most enchanting of adventures. Ah, and one last piece of wisdom to take with you. In the land of Bonjour & Yum, the art of egg cooking is a delicate dance. "Never overcook your eggs. The curd should be soft, almost creamy. Our breakfast sandwiches take just 90 seconds to prepare. The omelettes take only 120 seconds. At that point, they're perfect. We'll cook them more if you want, but we don't recommend it. For the same reason, we don't do scrambled eggs. By the time you eat them, they've become too rubbery". So there you have it, dear friends, the enchanting tale of Bonjour & Yum – where magic meets breakfast, where community and flavours intertwine, and where every dish is crafted with love and a dash of whimsy. Step into their world at Horton Market, indulge in their wonders, and be prepared for a gastronomic journey you won't soon forget. Bon appétit!
Southwestern Ontario is infamous for its heat waves, especially in August. Luckily, your favourite local market has plenty of ways to keep you and your loved ones cool! You'll be chilling all weekend, from drinks to dish ideas and more. It's a beautiful sunny day, a bit too bright for some even, and you've just arrived at the market. You shop around and soak up some rays, but then you get a bit toasty. What do you do? Sometimes, a bit of shade is essential. Thankfully you can stay pretty shaded while you shop under the pavilions. But our beautifully decorated picnic tables make a great place to rest under the shade of a patio umbrella. Enjoy a chat with friends, listen to some beautiful music from the performer, and relax. Maybe it's getting humid…why not stroll through the indoor pavilion? Filled with freezers for delicious meats, milk and mushrooms, you'll cool down in no time. Speaking of which, maybe a tall cold glass of delicious local milk from Mistyglen Creamery is what you need. It would pair perfectly with tasty desserts from our incredible bakeries like Spicers, Abby Mae's or Ruby Blues.
If you're craving something with a crunch, try the mouth-watering dill pickles from Jayjoe Farms or their fresh, crisp radishes. Bite into a juicy, locally grown tomato from Our Fields, perfect for making a refreshing salsa. If you're in the mood for grilling, The Turkey Shoppe has a wide selection of everything you could imagine, from pinwheels to pork. Spice up your summer with garlic powder and seasoning from Gully Ridge Farms. Maybe you're looking to plan ahead for the day, having an event or some friends over, or want to relax through the day? Stock up on some refreshing brews from Railway City Brewing Company, offering St. Thomas-themed drinks in a can, perfect for a lazy Saturday. For something more sophisticated to refresh you, look towards Quai du Vin. With so many exquisite wines to choose from, you'll add a whole new level to your summer.
With so many incredible vendors serving fantastic merchandise to keep you cool, you'll surely have a great time at the market and as you continue your day. Remember to stay hydrated, wear light, airy clothing and sunscreen, and take breaks in the heat. Feast your eyes on the delightful world of Kayla's Kitchen! Our story begins with an ambitious and multi-talented entrepreneur, Kayla, who started this culinary adventure in 2019. Picture this: she's juggling the excitement of building a business and the responsibilities of a full-time job at Inovata Foods, all while dreaming of creating something exceptional. What's her secret recipe, you ask? It's all about the love for homemade goodies and a dash of family values! Kayla wanted to build a business that could become a full-time option while raising her children. Now, who can resist that kind of passion and determination? At Kayla's Kitchen, it's all about celebrating the bounties of nature and embracing the season's flavours. You'll be enticed by various Jams, Jellies, Pickled Vegetables, and even some Salsas! But wait, there's more - Kayla's creativity knows no bounds. She whips up these delectable delights using fresh produce, often sourced from local farmers. It's like a symphony of tastes exploding in your mouth with every bite! Now, let's stroll through the bustling Horton Market - Kayla's absolute favourite place! There's an undeniable magic in the air as she chats and giggles with the regulars and fellow vendors. The joy is palpable as she proudly showcases her lip-smacking creations to anyone with an appetite for delicious treats. But hold on tight, folks, because Kayla has a master plan for this year - she's putting all her pickle-loving passion into pushing the Dill Pickled Eggs into the spotlight! Prepare your taste buds for a tangy explosion of flavours. And guess what? These little bites of heaven are now available at Briwood too! Can you hear the cheers from pickle enthusiasts around the town? Though Kayla loves all her culinary creations dearly, one star in her estimation shines brighter than the rest - the Pickled Asparagus! It's so irresistibly delicious that customers can't get enough of it. Seriously, it flies off the shelves faster than you can say, "pickle me up!" Consider yourself among the lucky few if you snag a jar of this delightful delight! They may not be Taylor Swift tickets, but a win all the same! Try this recipe if you have some at home but need to figure out how best to enjoy them! (pickled asparagus, not T-Swift tickets). So, whether you're a foodie searching for unique flavours or a pickle enthusiast looking to up your pickle prowess, Kayla's Kitchen has got you covered. Every jar is filled with love, passion, and the taste of the season. Come on and join the pickle party - an experience you will want to crave again!
August 3rd is considered National Watermelon Day and for good reason too. Here in Ontario, the watermelon harvesting window runs from July to September, with the peak arriving in August. These delicious fruits are often considered a staple of summer and highly anticipated by melon lovers near and far. While these fruits are typically accessible in large grocery stores outside harvest season, they aren't as sweet, ripe and ready as in summertime! This melon is entirely unique, from a striped, green outer shell, to the bright red delicious center, and it makes for a perfect way to keep cool and hydrated in summer! Being composed of 92% water, this fruit has an accurate name! Many of our farm vendors are always excited to bring the best watermelon of their fields directly to you through the Horton Farmers' Market. While eating this citrulline-rich fruit on its own is delicious, there are plenty of recipes to help you and your family beat the heat! A classic recipe and nearly a no-brainer, watermelon juice will help keep you and your family cool. You can make this drink as straightforward or sophisticated as you like. While some prefer drinking the juice with the melon as the only ingredient, others recommend adding lime juice, mint, sugar and even strawberries to sweeten the deal. You can concoct a watermelon lemonade using lemon juice and granulated sugar for a more tangy taste. Another odd but rather popular way to serve watermelon is found in salads. For a hot summer's day, watermelon is said to pair delightfully with cucumber, basil, lemon zest and feta cheese, making for a crunchy, refreshing appetizer. Not to mention beautiful! The red, green and white colours genuinely pop. If you still need to chill, this last recipe will cool you down quickly and make a delicious homemade dessert. While it requires an ice cream maker to prepare, this tasty treat will surely be a riot. For those who still want to enjoy a classic dessert but don't have an ice cream machine, watermelon ice pops are always possible and easy for the kids to help with too! With many possibilities and ways to prepare watermelon this summer, you'll surely return to the market for more! Remember to stay hydrated in the heat, and while watermelon is an excellent water source, sometimes nothing beats a good old bottle of H2O.
Once upon a time, in Southern Georgia, a love story began between Jerry and Cindy. They fell head over heels for a 200-acre pecan orchard. Life, however, has a way of weaving its twists and turns. As it always does, it led them on a different path, and they eventually sold the beloved farm, bidding farewell to Georgia and venturing back to their roots in Canada after 23 years. Upon their return, Jerry and Cindy scoured the stores, searching for the same freshness that had enchanted them in Georgia. They couldn't find any pecans that matched the exquisite taste they remembered. Then, a spark of inspiration ignited within them, and Clover Pecan Company was born. At first, they set out to bring up the freshest pecans directly from the farmers they knew and trusted. These handpicked treasures were meticulously shelled and lovingly brought to Canada, where they found an instant fan base in grocery stores across Ontario. The response was overwhelming, and their pecans quickly earned a reputation. Buoyed by their success and the joy they brought to pecan enthusiasts, they decided to expand their offerings. The trio of dark chocolate, praline, and cinnamon pecans debuted, becoming an instant hit. These luscious delights were embraced with open arms and quickly became a cherished addition to their growing pecan family. Their home base, Horton's Farmers Market, is their sanctuary, where the magic of Clover Pecan Company truly unfolded. Jerry and Cindy love sharing their story and captivating visitors with a slideshow of pictures from their Georgia farm. Tales of pecan trees and the fascinating pecan harvesting process left people in awe; many had never thought of the pecan origin story. With a heartwarming sense of pride, Jerry and Cindy relished the opportunity to share a bit of their life and passion, transporting their market-goers to the beauty and wonder of Georgia. It was their way of bringing a particular part of their Georgia life back up to Canada, a testament to their love for both places they called home. This year, they're excited to add regular pecan rolls and maple pecan rolls to their repertoire, fulfilling a long-cherished dream. "This year, we're excited to bring up regular pecan rolls along with our maple pecan rolls. It's a dream of mine to be that special treat at Christmas that everyone looks forward to getting. I'll be offering our Christmas gift boxes with a choice of maple or original pecan roll paired up with a couple of bags of our amazing pecans". Among all the delightful additions, Cindy's favourite will always be the plain pecans. "I absolutely love them! I have a handful every day. They are a nutritional powerhouse! 19 essential vitamins and minerals, high antioxidants, fibre…makes the body happy". But the magic didn't stop there. Clover Pecan Company had a secret recipe to share - roasted spiced pecans. With just the right balance of heat and sweetness, they will surely be a holiday favourite, evoking memories of Christmas joy and pecan-infused cheer. So come dear friends, and savour the magic of Clover Pecans, where Georgia meets Ontario in a nutty adventure of flavour and joy. A tale of love, passion, and the art of bringing the finest pecans from one home to another. Clover Pecan Company - the home of Georgia pecans in the heart of Ontario.
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