Brought to you by:
North Fork farm stands are places of plenty this time of year, but our neighbors to the south have their own brand of bounty to marvel. These five farm stands set the standard for the highest quality and freshest produce, eggs, jellies, and much more on that side of the Peconic. Hamptonites let us in on what you must pick up at each location.
All of the vegetables sold are grown on their own farm. In season vegetables include beets, broccoli, corn, eggplant, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, and many others. The also offer fruit from other East End farms, as well as locally made pies, bread, local eggs, Mecox Dairy cheese, honey and jams. The farm stand is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily.
“I am obsessed with Halsey Farm’s escarole, I buy three or four heads at a time,” said Halsey Farm fan Pat Koenig Franzino. “I intend to use them for soup, but somehow before that happens at least two wind up in a sauté pan with olive oil, salt and pepper. I love them with eggs for breakfast, or alone. I do make sure to buy enough to make escarole and white bean soup to stock up for the winter.”
513 Deerfield Rd, Water Mill, 631-726-4843
At Milk Pail’s fresh market, you will find a large variety of apples, peaches, cider, baked goods, wine, cheese, chocolates, gifts, and more. Their website offers a comprehensive list of the fresh and local produce available daily, and when certain favorites typically become available.
“I shop at The Milk Pail for their apple and pears, and peaches,” frequent buyer Pam Young said.
Holiday gift packs are also available. Closed Tuesdays.
1346 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, 631-537-2565
Open Minded Organics, or OMO, sells a wide variety of mushrooms for every palate and cooking style imaginable as well as an extensive selection of produce. Their new apothecary recently opened on 7 Wharf Street in Sag Harbor, which sells a selection of oils, including hemp derived oil. You can also find Open Minded Organics at many of the farmers markets across the South Fork.
Chef Scott Santangelo, who has been a private chef on the East End for over a decade, shops at Open Minded Organics every week. “They grow their own exotic mushrooms like the Lions mane Maitake and of course the best Shitake’s around! They also grow the best garlic I have ever used!
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
720 Butter Ln, Bridgehampton, 631-255-0990
Open May through December, Serene Green offers more than 200 products on a rotating basis. Everything from marinades, salad dressings, soups, salads and dips, and more. Its line of products are created by executive chef Danielle Sepnieski, who also offers samples and cooking tips while on site Friday through Sunday afternoons.
“I love to shop at Serene Green because they are family owned and operated and they sell the best variety of produce, carry the most delectable prepared foods, and have other essentials like butter and milk. It’s a small gem with an abundant selection,” said Hamptons resident Melissa Ann Mitchell.
3980 Noyac Rd, Sag Harbor, 631-334-6311
A non-profit farm dedicated to fighting food insecurity on the South Fork, Share the Harvest does extraordinary work for families. Share the Harvest donates high quality organic produce to food pantries, senior centers and schools. The Farm is almost totally female-run, and volunteer Peter Lisi, a retired superintendent of the Springs School, is the only man on the farm.
“The level of effort not seen anywhere else in the Hamptons,” said Lisi. “Some of my favorites are their bok choy, lettuce, and breads. They also have a sister farm in Woodstock where they get their organic meat from. Their farm stand also sells as an assortment of jellies, salad dressings, and much more. It is a one-stop shop. If you love the French lifestyle of buying everything at once that you intend to have for dinner that same day, come down and choose from a great selection.”
“I love everything at Share the Harvest,” added customer Lindsey Lynch. “I am currently [especially] loving their fresh cut greens, broccoli, strawberries, fresh herbs, goat cheese, and yummy brownies.”
55 Long Ln, East Hampton
