Nature's Garden Naturally: Shopping Locally

You don't have to wait for a Farmer's Market to shop local. The locavore and slow food movements have created a year round demand for local, organic and sustainable foods. The more I look, the more I realize that the local food movement is alive and strong with cafes and stores offering more local, organic and sustainable products. During the past two weeks I visited several stores all just a short drive away.

After a little Internet research, I decided to visit two stores. First, was the Chester General Store. I stopped there because I read in a New Hampshire Magazine article that they carry tea from Inis Tea Co., which is a southern New Hampshire internet based tea supplier. I am always on the lookout for fresh loose-leaf teas, and white tea blends, in particular. Inis sells a "Silver Peony White Tea" which unfortunately was not available at the General Store when I stopped in. They did have other selections though, in addition to several shelves stocked with locally made products, including wines. If you are are in the area, it's worth a stop.

On the same day, I also traveled to The Farm at Eastman's Corner in Kensington. This year round farm and market has it all - meats, produce, dairy, baked goods and a small cafe which serves warm drinks, soup and sandwiches.

Like the Chester General Store, The Farm at Eastman's Corner is located at a crossroads so it gets plenty of visibility. Allen and Harriet Lewis opened the farm store in 2012 to serve as a place for people to stop and shop for locally grown and made products, as well as a place for the community to gather and learn about living and eating sustainably.

The Farm is a true farm and includes a barn with goats that will come over to greet you. They also grow their own fresh vegetables year-round in greenhouses on the property.

Refrigerators and freezers carry a wide assortment of meats and pre-made dishes which are ready to be heated at home.

And I was very happy to see that they carried a wide-selection of White Heron tea. In addition to selling their products in numerous stores throughout New England White Heron Tea and Coffee Community also has a store and cafe located at 601 Islington Street in Portsmouth. They have been in existence for almost a decade and definitely know tea and all of their products are organic. I selected the organic White Pomegranate which is a blend of China Pai Mu Tan White Tea, Pomegranate Essence and Safflower Petals; a very fresh and soothing blend.

One of The Farm's landmarks is this steel contraption horse. I do not know its history, but it's a pretty cool lawn ornament.

The upstairs of the building has been converted into a very relaxing space for enjoying a cup of coffee or sandwich from the cafe. It is also used as a site for hosting presentations, classes and workshops. It was the perfect spot to eat lunch and catch up on some reading.

The following week I stopped at Johnson Golden Harvest at 412 River Road in Hooksett. Their business card logo is "Know Your Farm - Know Your Food". They are conveniently located right off Interstate 93, Exit 11. Don't let it's small size from the outside fool you, the inside is packed full of many items to keep your refrigerator stocked with fresh and locally produced products.

I picked up a loaf of squash bread and some butternut squash for soup. Their website lists over 40 local suppliers, so if you are unable to make it to the farmer's market or even the grocery store, you might be able to find what you are looking for at the Farm Stand at Johnson Golden Harvest.

Most New England towns have a local market or general store. These historically have catered to local producers and are a good place to find items that may not be sold elsewhere. I stopped at the the Quality Cash Market in East Concord the other day and picked up some bacon from Fox Country Smoke House in Canterbury. They carry a variety of New Hampshire made products, including ice cream from the Walpole Creamery and a recently added wine collection from Gilmanton Winery.