One of America’s favorite farmers markets is celebrating one of the nation’s most popular and versatile fruits: the apple.
Apple Appreciation Day at the Burlington County Farmers Market will be held this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM, at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown. The special apple-themed market day will feature numerous varieties of the Jersey Fresh fruit for sale, including Gala, Fuji, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and more.
The event will also hold free apple basket giveaways, an apple dish cooking demonstration, cookie decorating, live music and an apple toss game. Many of the market’s food vendors will also be adding special apple themed dishes or drinks to their menus, and there will be free samples of apple pie ice cream, apple cider and cobbler while supplies last.
And since Halloween is almost here, all children who come to the market in costume will receive a free apple.
“The Burlington County Farmers Market is a must-visit destination throughout spring, summer and fall, and special events like Apple Appreciation Day offer a little extra excitement and family fun,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation. “It’s the ideal destination to purchase everyone’s favorite seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, beer, decorations, and sweet treats. If you enjoy fall, make sure to visit the market soon. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat and enjoy the fall season.”
Apples are one of New Jersey’s largest crops. According to the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, there were 487 farms in New Jersey growing apple trees on 2,481 acres of farmland.
Burlington County was home to 20 of the orchards on 109 acres, according to the 2022 New Jersey Tree Fruit Orchard Report. An estimated 43,600 bushels of apples were produced in the county.
Twenty different farms are scheduled to sell crops at this Saturday’s markets. Among those, at least five will be selling varieties of apples: Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Folks Farm Market, Jams Durr Farm and Robson’s Farm.
Another 26 food vendors will be present, including 17 with special items with apples as an ingredient. Those vendors include Marlton-based Zed’s Beer, which plans to sell a special Bobbin for Apples Ale, a brew mixed with apples, salted caramel and cinnamon.
Armageddon Brewing will also be present with its varieties of hard ciders brewed from Jersey Fresh fruit.
Some of the other food vendors offering apple specials and treats are: Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, GF Goodies by Jenn, GGC Healthy Paws, Hoop House Bakery, Humble Spud, Kath’s Baking Creations, Kelly Girl Desserts & Pastries, Lula’s Empanadas, Mairi’s Cookie Company, Our Souls Shine, Peewee’s Ice Cream, Raven Cakes, Tea for All, The Soup Bar, Tis So Sweet Bakery and Wild Flour Bakery.
There will also be a variety of artists and crafters selling their creations, live music from The Classic Rock Band, and the 4H Carrot Club is bringing a collection of rabbits to pet.
Now, in its 19th season, the Burlington County Farmers Market is held rain or shine every Saturday from early May through Nov. 22, plus a special holiday market on Dec. 6. There are also several preseason market days in March and April.
In 2024 the market was crowned New Jersey’s favorite farmers market during the American Farmland Trust’s annual poll. This year it finished No. 2 in New Jersey and No. 3 in the Northeast.
Earlier this year the market was also voted No. 4 in the nation during USA Today’s 10Best Readers Poll.
To learn more about the Burlington County Farmers market, including a weekly rundown of expected vendors and activities, visit the market’s website at https://www.burlcoagcenter.com/farmers-market/ .
You can also follow the farmers market on social media at https://www.facebook.com/burlcofarmersmarket .
“The farmers market is one of our County’s biggest success stories, and Apple Appreciation Day is expected to be one of the best markets of the year,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “All the attention the market receives brings more shoppers and sales for local farms and small business vendors. The season is almost over, so be sure to visit soon and discover why it’s been voted one of the best farmers markets in America.”