Farm Fresh Rhode Island Calls All Picklers to a November 7th Contest

Local Sustainable Food Organization to Host A “Perfect Pickle” – off at the opening Wintertime Farmers’ Market.



Providence, RI (September 14, 2009) Farm Fresh Rhode Island is going to host a Pickling contest on November 7th, to kick-off its Wintertime Farmers’ Market and to promote the preservation of local foods. Six judges will pick the perfect pickled item in two groups: Chefs and Home-Batch. Each contestant can enter in any (or all) of three categories:



Best Brine (traditionally brined cucumbers)

Best Alterna-Brine (any pickle-able vegetable, any flavor)

Best Ferment (any sauerkraut or kimchee)



Sign up online by October 31st with your name, category, and what item in your batch is local. Stop by your neighborhood farmers’ market to see what you can put in your jar.



About Farm Fresh Rhode Island:

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values environment, health, and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters. With this mission in mind, we seek to preserve Rhode Island farmland, build healthier communities, support and strengthen community-based businesses in Rhode Island, increase access to fresh food, and improve the impact of food production and distribution on the environment.


The Wintertime Farmers’ Market will be held from 11am – 2pm, every Saturday, November through May at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. (Excluding December 26) Over 30 vendors will be there with greens, gourds, eggs, meat, honey, artisan chocolates, breads, and much more! Stock photos and quotes are available upon request. The weekly market has, in the last year, grown to be a staple in many Rhode Islanders' weekly routines. Thousands of people attend to shop, attend workshops, listen to music, and appreciate expanse of the local food system. This event is serving as both the start of our 2009 - 2010 season, and an educational experience in preservation. Fermentation, pickling, and preservation have picked up in popularity as of late for a number of reasons, first, that it prolongs the shelf life of food that may not necessarily have been eaten in the season. Food remains fresh and edible if preserved correctly, and Farm Fresh believes that our local foods are able to sustain us throughout the year,. A congregation of picklers can also lend itself to a community of picklers, and a movement that may bring the art of pickling to a more expansive audience in the state. Lastly, home - jarring can be a money-saving technique. Pickling beets that were grown in your garden in September is more affordable than purchasing them. Come to the market and enjoy the food, company and stop by the pickling contest.