There's something new at one of the Valley's oldest farms.
Earthworks Farm, one of original Matanuska Colony farms from the mid-1930s, will have a grand opening for its "on-farm" store on Saturday. Starting Saturday, the store will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays through December. The grand opening coincides with Colony Christmas in Palmer. The farm is at 5705 N. Farm Loop Road just outside of Palmer.
The Earthworks store will feature the farm's Abeille Alaska product line of handmade beeswax and honey-based skin, bath and body care items.
"Our store architecture was built using post-and-beam construction, wood paneling inside and out and a high-pitched roof, all elements which resemble the architecture of our historic farm cottage," owner Dee Barker says.
The farm's original barn for the Quarnstrom family has been moved across the road, but the apiary is sitting atop the old barn's cement pad. "In the cool spring, the cement pad heats up and I think radiates warmth to our bees because they have a tendency to come out when the sun shines despite the cool temperatures," Barker says.
Look for some new items, including Azure perfume, which has citrus, spice, honey, amber, oak moss and patchouli. The new soap line includes the following varieties: Homespun Honey, Lovely Lilac, Winter Holiday and Holiday Confetti.
Center Market
A wide selection of vendors will be at the Wednesday and Saturday Center Market.
La Grassa is introducing two new raviolis this week – vegan Alaska beet and cashew ricotta and preserved lemon, goat cheese and kale. Other pasta options include vegan sourdough strozzapreti; Alaska potato gnocchi; sauteed mushroom ravioli; Alaska squash and pecorino ravioli; and fresh pastas in original, spinach and white wine saffron flavors. La Grassa will be at both markets.
Sweet Caribou will be at the Wednesday and Saturday markets with a signature Christmas selection, owner James Strong says. It includes these flavored macarons: peppermint bark, gingerbread eggnog, cranberry orange and a new salted caramel hot chocolate. Other flavors include dairy-free Almond Joy, After-Dinner Mint, passionfruit orange guava, peanut butter chocolate, lavender milk chocolate, birthday cake and milk chocolate passionfruit. Cupcake options include key lime and peppermint. "And by popular demand, hazelnut Rice Krispie rolls are back," Strong says.
Alex Davis has a variety of pork items, including suckling pig, chops, loin roast, fresh side, ground pork, sausage and ribs. He also has produce including four colors of carrots and beets; Alaska Sprouts items including tofu and basil; fresh eggs; and barley products.
Alaska Black Cod is back at the market this week with smoked black cod portions, tips and collars, along with smoked Copper River salmon. They also have a variety of seafood options for the stove or grill, including black cod, scallops, Pacific cod, Copper River salmon, halibut, ling cod and rockfish.
Farm 779 will be at the market both days with "delectable and nutrient dense, no-processed-sugar-added treats," owner Julie Meer says. "Fair trade organic cacao and cashew truffles will send your taste buds reeling without spiking your blood sugars. Made from carefully chosen fair trade and organic ingredients, these truffles are rich, delicious, and satisfying. Feed your brain, build your energy and have a satisfying snack.
"If chocolate is not on your list, try our Perfect Snack Mix. It's a delicate dance of sweet and savory that adds sparkle and jazz to salads, sides, slides and wraps."
Farm 779 also has krauts, kvass, kombucha and other items.
On Saturday, the Rempel Family Farm will have a variety of produce, including carrots, beets, potatoes, winter squash, cabbage, sugar pumpkins and snow apple turnips.
Other vendors include Earthworks Farm with their Abeille Alaska body care products on both Wednesday and Saturday; Monica's Confection connection with a variety of brittles on Wednesday; and Duane Clark's Country Health Foods with beef, yak, honey, jams and other items on Wednesday.
Top Shelf Artisan Market
Top Shelf Artisan Market is Friday at the MTA Sports Center outside of Palmer.
Jonesers will have hand-blended teas, including chaga, and nectars made from locally sourced plants and flowers, along with spices and tinctures.
Farm 779 will have "whole food probiotics for the health-minded athletes and body conscious patrons," Meer says. Look for kvass, krauts, coconut kefir, rosemary magnesium body butter and other items.
Country Health Foods will be there with Valley-grown root veggies, beef, yak, locally sourced honey, salsa, relishes and pastas from La Grassa.
Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.
Local farmers markets
Monday in the Valley: Depot Farm Market, noon-6 p.m., Palmer Depot
Wednesday in Anchorage: Alaska Pacific University Farmers Market, 1:30-6:30 p.m., APU campus in front of Grant Hall; Center Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street
Friday in the Valley: Top Shelf Artisans Market, 2-7 p.m., 1507 N. Double B St., Palmer
Saturday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street