The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: A Foodie Paradise in Ontario

Posted by Kate Paddison

Canada’s largest year-round market has been welcoming visitors since 1975. Lynn Crawford couldn’t wait to get her hands on delicious Mennonite-farmed products and the renowned apple fritters found inside this food lover’s marketplace.

  • St.Jacobs Farmers' Market
     Ian Watson
    1 of 9

    St.Jacobs Farmers' Market

    <p>Lynn Crawford leapt at the chance to explore meat and produce from Ontario’s Waterloo region, farmed primarily by the area’s Old Order Mennonites. Also to be found are fresh, ready-to-eat treats inspired by the local ingredients this area is known for.</p>
  • Toys and Fun For Everyone
     Ian Watson
    2 of 9

    Toys and Fun For Everyone

    <p>But first, Lynn channels her inner child with a couple of finger puppets. The <strong><a href="http://www.stjacobs.com/farmers-market" target="_blank">St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market</a></strong> is also known for its original toys and arts and crafts. </p>
  • Kountry Kitchen Cupboard
     Ian Watson
    3 of 9

    Kountry Kitchen Cupboard

    <p>Lynn talks preserves and summer sausage with ladies from Kountry Kitchen Cupboard. </p>
  • Lynn Bumps into Chef Nick
     Ian Watson
    4 of 9

    Lynn Bumps into Chef Nick

    <p>At the butcher’s stall, Lynn bumped into Nick Benninger, chef-owner of <strong><a href="http://uptown21.ca/" target="_blank">Nick &amp; Nat’s Uptown 21</a></strong>, a Waterloo restaurant that celebrates local cuisine.</p><p>Here’s Benninger’s <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/stuffed-lamb-saddle/16815/" target="_blank">Lamb Saddle recipe</a></strong>!</p>
  • Hot Apple Cider Doughnuts
     Ian Watson
    5 of 9

    Hot Apple Cider Doughnuts

    <p>How to resist Heritage Hot Apple Cider Doughnuts? Lucky Lynn receives a freshly dipped half-dozen.</p>
  • Fresh From the Farm
     Ian Watson
    6 of 9

    Fresh From the Farm

    <p>This young vendor gave Lynn a warm welcome and a great deal on his fresh produce.</p>
  • The Fritter Co. Sisters
     Ian Watson
    7 of 9

    The Fritter Co. Sisters

    <p>Sisters Joanne and Lisa Guenther of <strong><a href="http://fritterco.ca/" target="_blank">The Fritter Co.</a></strong> welcomed Lynn behind the scenes to try her hand at making their famous apple fritters. The sisters started the company 26 years ago, combining their love of local apples and fresh fritters. </p>
  • Hot and Fresh Apple Fritters
     Ian Watson
    8 of 9

    Hot and Fresh Apple Fritters

    <p>Lynn cored and sliced the apples before dipping them into The Fritter Co.’s secret batter, then frying them up until golden. The work is definitely worth the reward!</p>
  • Mission Complete
     Ian Watson
    9 of 9

    Mission Complete

    <p>Lynn leaves the market with lots of Waterloo County goodies—including fritters! The <strong><a href="http://www.stjacobs.com/hours-of-operation" target="_blank">St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market</a></strong> is open Tuesdays in summer, Thursdays and Saturdays all year-round.</p>
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