Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cantrell's Produce

As the growing season and farmers market move into hibernation for a long winter's nap, I have to mention one of our most faithful and largest suppliers to Evins Mill. Jeff Cantrell and his family would probably correct me on the winter's nap bit, for it is a year long process. I do hope they get to sleep in a little; they deserve it.

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On top of being the work horse for Cantrell's Produce, Jeff is also the president of the Dekalb County Farmer's Market. This is the first year that our local market has become officially organized and resided in its newly constructed location. I feel like Jeff and the other officers and farmers have gotten it off to great start and built a solid foundation so that we have a vibrant market for years to come. I was there nearly every Saturday and there were always very excited customers and a nice assortment of vendors with just amazing products. It was hard to not try everything, though some weeks I think I did.
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Jeff always has a nice variety of products, but is far and above the best pepper and chili producer around; his bell peppers are the biggest, most beautiful you have ever seen! We also used a lot of his tomatoes, turnips, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, winter squash, turnip greens, and even some sorghum he picked up in Kentucky. Jeff also has quite a following; you better get there early to see all he has to offer.
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I am getting a little misty eyed knowing my Saturday morning ritual will not include Jeff and the gang for a several months. I did load up on Jeff's fresh turnips which will keep a little longer. So prepare yourself to find them in something on your next visit to the Mill. They are good!