Shop Local, Eat Fresh at the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Food, Crafts, Music in Saratoga Springs

Shop Local, Eat Fresh

2021

Nine Pine Soup & Design shares the benefits of white pine

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By Madison Jackson

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Pattie Garrett

On Wednesday afternoons under the shade of the south pavilion in High Rock Park, you can find Janine Stockin, also known as Jai, owner of Nine Pine Soup & Design, behind a table of thoughtfully displayed products.

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Madison Jackson

Pine cones adorn a table with jars of white pine needles, teas, and oils. Homemade soup broth gently steams nearby. Tree branches, carefully woven with colorful yarn, are placed around the space. The art of decorating these branches is known as Ojo de Dios or God’s Eye; a traditional Mexican craft that symbolizes peace, protection, and prosperity. Jai handmakes each piece in various sizes and colors meant to inspire meditation and a sense of calmness.

The main focus of her business is the needles of the white pine tree, a conifer traditionally used for lumber and sap. In this case, Jai uses the pine needles to brew tea and oils rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Jai sought a spot as a vendor with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market to share the many benefits of white pine needles with the community. She has been studying plants since age 14 and pursued an education, earning a degree in Botany and Earth Science. In January 2019, Jai became inspired by information on white pine from well-known herbalists like Susan Weed and Dina Falconi.

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Pattie Garrett

White pine has a rich history with Iroquois roots and is known as the “Tree of Peace” for helping to end a conflict between the Five Nations. White pine needles are rich in compounds linked to better health, and, historically, they have had many uses as natural remedies. They are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

Jai makes a healing massage oil infused with white pine oil and almond oil, which deeply conditions the skin. She notes the uplifting aromatherapy of the tea and oil, which soothes and nourishes the body. Jai also makes white pine broth and white pine iced tea.

Stop by the Wednesday market to speak with Jai about her products and sample her fresh white pine needle tea and broth. For more information on her products, contact Jai at 9pinedesigns@gmail.com.

This week’s recipe: Pine Needle Vegetarian Broth

Saratoga Farmers’ Market to begin 43rd outdoor season in two locations

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Outdoor Saturday Market, photo by Pattie Garrett

By Madison Jackson

Spring is in the air, and we are eager to move outdoors for our summer market season. May 1st marks the beginning of the 43rd outdoor market season for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, the area’s longest-running, producer-only farmers’ market. The Saturday market will open at the current location, the Wilton Mall Bon-Ton parking lot, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Wednesday market will open at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs from 3 to 6 p.m. every week.

The location split results from various factors, including COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, customer parking, accessibility, and community feedback. A recent survey with more than 700 responses resulted in an even split in public opinion on holding markets downtown versus the Wilton Mall.

Balet Flowers & Design, photo by Pattie Garrett

This year’s weekly Saturday markets will feature more than 70 vendors selling fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, flowers, prepared foods, and more. The Wednesday markets will feature about 20 vendors with a similar range of products. Both markets will also include music, community guests, and periodic special events like Saturday’s Blueberry Festival in July and Power of Produce (POP) Club for kids on Wednesdays this summer.

We are excited to welcome new and returning vendors into the mix carrying a variety of products. Some to look out for include Capital Greens NY, Charlton Woodworking, Dancing Ewe Farm, Grazin’ Acres Farm, Leaning Birch Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, M & A Farm, Mirage Waterless, Native Farm Flowers, Night Work Bread, Old Tavern Farm, TogaNola Snack Company, Vashti’s Kitchen Delights, and Nine Pine Soup and Design.

Shushan Valley Hydro Farms & Underwood’s Greenhouses, photo by Pattie Garrett

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has remained committed to creating a safe environment for both vendors and customers, including handwashing and sanitizing stations, social distancing, and mask requirements. As we move into the summer season, we will continue to enforce these state-issued regulations for the health and safety of our community.

The addition of an online ordering and curbside pickup program has provided an alternative for customers to safely and conveniently access local goods without having to shop inside the market. Orders can be placed online each week between Monday at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 9 p.m. for curbside pickup on Saturdays.

“Warming temperatures are a sign that the summer market season is about to begin, and we can’t wait for all it will bring this year: spring flowers, summer produce, live music, and community in the great outdoors,” says Market Administrator Emily Meagher.

Find our full listing of summer vendors in our Vendor Directory.

SARATOGA FARMERS’ MARKET OPENS 2021 SUMMER SEASON IN TWO LOCATIONS

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Saratoga Springs, April 1, 2021 – The Saratoga Farmers’ Market, the area’s longest running farmers’ market, will open their 43rd outdoor market season on Saturday, May 1 at its current location at the Wilton Mall, in the former Bon-Ton and Bow Tie Cinemas parking lots. Their Wednesday market will open on May 5 at downtown Saratoga’s High Rock Park.

This year’s weekly Saturday markets, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature over 70 local vendors selling fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, meats, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and more. At Wednesday’s markets, weekly from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 20 vendors will be providing a similar range of items.

The decision to start the summer season in two locations was made to keep market vendors and customers safe while the COVID-19 pandemic still requires social distancing. The smaller Wednesday market fits comfortably at High Rock Park, but for the larger Saturday market a more expansive footprint is still needed. A survey conducted among customers, which gathered over 700 responses, indicated an even split in their location preferences.

The markets will continue to follow current COVID-19 safety guidelines for farmers’ markets by hosting socially distanced markets, offering hand washing and sanitizing opportunities, and following mask requirements for vendors and customers. The Saturday market will continue to offer its online preordering and curbside pickup service. Market staff will continue to assess market safety and updated operational guidelines for farmers’ markets and does not rule out moving back downtown when it is deemed safe to do so.

 

Wilton Mall 2020, photo by Pattie Garrett

 

High Rock Park 2019, photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett