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Stories Behind the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Incredible Eggs

May 22, 2018 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

 

Goose Eggs from Moxie Ridge Farm

If you’re a first-time visitor to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, the vast variety of eggs that farmers bring to market might surprise you:

  • Eggs with shells that range in hue from ivory white to deep maroon, from light blue to olive green.
  • Eggs in a variety of sizes.
  • Eggs from chickens, ducks, and geese.

What these eggs all share in common is the fact that they’re nutritious, relatively affordable, and delicious. “Eggs are the least expensive source of protein,” says Mary Pratt of Elihu Farm.

Pratt and her husband Bob have raised hens for decades. Their flock consists primarily of Red Stars, a breed of hen known for producing brown eggs. Their hens, like those of most other farmers, spend much of the day foraging on pasture land outdoors. This farming practice boosts not only the health of the chickens and the flavor of their eggs but also creates healthier soil.

As Jim Gupta-Carlson of Squashville Farm notes, “Everyone on our farm works together, and our chickens’ job is to fertilize and scratch at our resting garden beds and eat bugs and ticks. They free range over our resting gardens, grass, and forest. Their golden orange yolks are a sign of their healthy and diverse wild diet.”

Squashville Farm eggs come in a variety of colors from a number of different Heritage Breed hens: Araucanas lay green and blue eggs, Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons brown eggs, and Blue Andalusians and Dorkings white eggs. The color of the egg makes no difference to its flavor or its nutritional content but indicates genetic diversity within a flock.

Most farmers supplement their birds’ diet with a feed to ensure a well-rounded diet. Steve Otrembiak, of Otrembiak Farm, describes his flock’s diet as consisting of a “high protein layer mash” from a local farm that includes corn, wheat, oats, and soybeans. His chickens and his flock of ducks also nibble on bugs, worms, and green plants. “This allows the birds to live during the day as they would if they were in the wild,” he says, adding that “the birds are secured in their coop at night to protect them from predators.”

Duck eggs are usually larger than chicken eggs, with a harder shell. The eggs themselves tend to be higher in protein, omega fatty acids, and cholesterol. Duck eggs are often coveted for baking.

And then there’s the goose. Leah Hennessy, of Moxie Ridge Farm & Creamery, brings these eggs to market from her Pilgrim geese flock. Sold in pairs, the eggs about the size of an average adult’s hand. “Aside from the size, geese are exclusively herbivores so the flavor of their eggs has a ‘cleaner’ taste,” says Hennessy. “The whites have almost a mineral quality to them.”

Ask a farmer how to cook an egg and the answer is almost always as simple as possible: “Fried, over easy,” says Laurie Kokinda of Kokinda Farms.

To find eggs at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, visit the following vendors:

  • Moxie Ridge, Otrembiak, and Squashville farms on Wednesdays.
  • Elihu, Kokinda, Longlesson, M&A, Moxie Ridge, and Otrembiak farms on Saturdays.  

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check us out on the FreshFoodNY app. E-mail friends@saratogafarmers.org for volunteer opportunities.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: chicken eggs, duck eggs, eggs, goose eggs, Saratoga Farmers' Market

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We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies
When the food court sun hits the product just righ When the food court sun hits the product just right... 👌 Don't forget our online preorder deadline is TONIGHT at 9pm for pickup this Saturday! Give some love to your gut and grab a bottle of @junbucha365 online or at the market.
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#saratogafarmersmarket #junbucha #kombucha #probiotics #loveyourgut #farmersmarket #onlinepreordering #curbsidepickup #saratoga #saratogasprings

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