Mark’s Score 9.2
During our years in China, we lived in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. Our apartment was a few blocks from the Chaoyang Farmers Market. The market was comprised of a series of sheds stretching multiple city blocks, and containing hundreds of individual farmers’ stalls. Almost any food item from fish to flour could be purchased in Chaoyang. I came to appreciate shopping every day and buying fresh ingredients for that night’s dinner.
I am not impressed with Salisbury’s supermarkets. I cannot count the times I have purchased “fresh” vegetables at the supermarket, only to have it go bad two days later. Though we may not have a famers’ market as extensive as Chaoyang we do have a number of excellent farmers markets, and one of the best in the region is Emily’s on Church Rd in Cambridge.
Emily’s was founded by Paul and Kelly Jackson and named after their daughter. From the very beginning Emily’s had a larger mission. The Jacksons wanted to teach their daughter about their work ethic and traditions. Many of the items sold at Emily’s are produced on their farm, including the Angus beef. All Emily grown products are produced using safe and sustainable farming practices. If products sold at Emily’s are not made by the Jacksons they are made by local farms. In addition to fresh produce and meats, Emily’s also produces jams, sauces, dressings, and baked goods. And if you want to eat right away, they also have a sandwich deli.
I have been to Emily’s many times. They sell Bordeleau Wines, consequently I have done wine tastings there. For my money, this is the best farmer’s market on the lower shore. There are other farmer’s markets that sell as wide a range of produce, meats, and baked goods. Other markets have more extensive selection of plants. Other markets offer more upscale products and others still offer as extensive collection of prepared foods. What makes Emily’s unique is its brand. It is not only local; it also actively works to promote sustainable local agriculture. Much of what they sell comes from their own farms and kitchens. Which makes them, in my view, the most comprehensive of all the farmers markets.
Though I have been to Emily’s multiple times and I have barely scratched the surface of their product range. The produce is always fresh. I have yet to try their meats, but their baked goods and deli offer quality foods prepared well. They certainly win the award for presentation. I walk into Emily’s and everything looks so splendid I have to resist the urge to buy everything in sight. But you can only eat so much, so reluctantly I have to leave most of what they offer on the shelf.
If you haven’t been to Emily’s, the next time you are in Cambridge you should make the short detour on Church Road to their store. But be forewarned, you are likely to walk out with more than you intended.
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