Locals know Sang Lee Farms as a staple for organic produce. The certified organic farm in Peconic operates year-round — giving us colorful veggies in the summer and winter alike.
The farmers make every effort when it comes to growing and educating the community — Sang Lee often hosts cooking classes and wellness series’ with expert guides.
Sang Lee Farms’ commitment to local and sustainably grown produce has earned the farm a ‘Snail of Approval’ from Slow Food East End. It’s the first farm stand on the North Fork to receive the honor.
Until this year, Slow Food East End only bestowed the badge to restaurants and one catering company. The organization expanded the recipients to include farm stands that meet the Slow Food standards of “good, clean and fair food.”
The staff at Sang Lee first learned of their Snail of Approval award in March, following an in-depth interviewing process conducted by Slow Food End East members earlier this year. They were presented with the award last week.
“Slow Food East End is so selective about the restaurants they choose for the Snail of Approval and I think it is so cool that decided to do farm stands as well,” said manager Lucy Senesac. “Most people think that everything from a farm stand is grown there and grown in the way they say, but it’s not always the case. I feel that having this honor and discrimination as a reputable farm stand is good.”
Green Thumb Organic Farm in Watermill also received a Snail of Approval under the new guidelines.
“We are excited to expand beyond restaurants,” said Slow Food East End chair of communication Darlene Salatto Rose. “We have been wanting to do this for years … Farm stands are a big part of our food source. Sang Lee is the original Certified Organic Farm in the area … the whole mission of the award is honoring that everything they sell is local, sustainable and fairly sourced.”
Sang Lee joins other North Fork and Shelter Island foodie havens like Love Lane Kitchen, 18 Bay Restaurant, Noah’s and North Fork Table and Inn in having received the award.
More restaurant winners will be announced later this year, Salatto Rose said.
