8 Must-Try Buys at the Lancaster County Farmers Market

Here in Delco, we love to go out, but we also love to cook. Our communities are blessed with all sorts of great markets, where fresh produce, specialty items, gourmet cheese, meat, seafood and more are all at our fingertips.  

One of the jewels in the crown of our county’s food retail industry is the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne, PA. This bustling indoor market has been in operation since 1930 in one form or another. It’s a foodie’s paradise, with dozens of vendors selling a range of delicacies. Of course, there’s a rainbow of seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as grass-fed beef, small-batch candy, handmade pasta, artisan breads and baked goods and so much more.

Whiling away an hour or two, letting your inspiration guide your purchases, is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon in Delco. It might not be realistic to hit up every stall in the market, so we pulled together a list of eight highlights across different categories. Make sure you don’t leave without checking out these highlights from Lancaster County Farmers Market:

 

Freshly Roasted Coffee from The Nut Connection

The Nut Connection is an offshoot of The Heat Nut, which you might know for its seemingly endless selection of bulk spices, candy, dry goods and, of course, nuts. This iconic local brand also includes an in-house coffee roasting operation: Main Line Coffee Roasters. The range of styles it offers is staggering: from flavored beans, like amaretto coffee and cinnamon hazelnut coffee, to seriously dark, bold blends from famous coffee-growing countries like Brazil and Tanzania. The prices can’t be beat, and the quality is incredible, so don’t leave without a bag of at least one type of beans.

 

Wild Mushroom Ravioli from Positively Pasta

There’s nothing wrong with a classic ravioli flavor, like ricotta and spinach or smoked mozzarella. But the secret power of these little pasta pockets are that they can be a canvas for a whole array of flavors. Positively Pasta, run by local couple Chris and Karen Foster, sell their delicate, handmade ravioli with a bunch of filling options. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but if we had to pick just one, we’d choose its wild mushroom ravioli. They’re so savory and earthy, perfect with one of the stand’s homemade pesto or basil cream sauces.

 

Hydroponic Lettuce from Good Harvest Farms 

This sustainable farm based in Strasburg, PA, maximizes its growing-space with its year-round growing capabilities and with 50,000-square feet of greenhouse space, including 4,000-square feet of hydroponics. This growing method uses water instead of soils, and can grow tender lettuce and herbs all year long. Its stand in the Market is usually piled high with many kinds of produce (plus homemade jellies and other canned goods). No matter what else you buy, be sure to grab a head of its lovely lettuce for a nice future salad.

Photo courtesy of S. Clyde Weaver

Lancaster Conestoga Sharp Cheddar from S. Clyde Weaver

Love cheese and charcuterie? This is your spot. All sorts of salty delights await you, but we must steer you toward an old faithful: sharp cheddar made with local dairy. It’s got everything you want from this workhorse kind of cheese: a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity with a slightly crumbly texture (it also melts well). Try a hunk with sliced apples and fresh baguette for the ultimate snack.

 

Whoopie Pies from Sunnyside Pastries

The perfectly fitting motto of this sweet spot is, “Spreading joy and deliciousness from our bakery to your home.” Surely, you’ll be tempted by its sumptuous sticky buns, pies and donuts, and the “can’t miss” pick is its whoopie pies. This Pennsylvania treat is a combination of nostalgia and indulgent. The classic chocolate with vanilla cream is a no-brainer, but don’t be afraid to branch out to try some of Sunnyside’s creative whoopie pie options, like red velvet and chocolate mint.

 

Short Rib & Potato Empanadas from V Empanadas

Because grocery shopping is a special kind of sport, you’re bound to work up an appetite while you’re at the Lancaster County Farmers Market. When you need some sustenance, pay a visit to V Empanadas, specializing in authentic empanadas, inspired by the flavors and culinary traditions of Ecuador. Honestly, all of the flavors are winners, but the beef short rib and potato option is just the right amount of extra. Pair it with a signature sauce, like sour cream sofrito, or an order of fresh guac. 

 

Seasonal Fruit at Herrcastle Farm

Since 1985, Ed and Judy Herrmann have operated Herrcastle Farm in Holtwood, PA (Lancaster County). In 2013, they joined the roster at Lancaster County Farmers Market, and have been providing the area with farm-fresh produce ever since. Its fruit is always stunning; pick up whatever’s in season, including strawberries in the spring, tomatoes and peaches in summer, and squash in fall.

 

Tuscan Tomato Pie at The Ultimate Bake Shoppe

Don’t you love a bakery that excels in sweet and savory carbs? At The Ultimate Bake Shoppe, a true fan-favorite is its Tuscan Tomato Pie, a fluffy, perfectly chewy crust topped with tangy tomato sauce and herbaceous basil. Order by the slice, or pick up a whole pie. Like all of its products, this bakery’s tomato pie is scratch-made, using only high-quality ingredients. Bonus: Add some blueberry muffins to your order for breakfast the next day.

 

Happy shopping, Delco foodies! Find the Lancaster County Farmers Market at 389 W. Lancaster Ave. in Wayne; phone: (610) 688-9856.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

 

Feature photo courtesy of Lancaster County Farmers Market