Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds. Each week hundreds and hundreds of shoppers seek and find an exceptional array of fresh farm produce and unique gourmet items which brings them back every week. The market satisfies Westport’s increasing demand for high quality, fresh, healthy food which finds its way to our tables each week. 

Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds.

When visiting the market, many gourmet cooks will make a stop at Seacoast Mushrooms, (above, right) Seacoast is a local mushroom farm based out of Mystic, CT that supplies dozens of the state's top restaurants, as well as several different farmers markets across CT. The farm grows up to ten varieties of mushrooms, all of which are bursting with flavor and provide a vast amount of health benefits. To learn more about all they have to offer, visit Seacoast Mushrooms.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The Westport Farmer's Market is an institution cherished by the late Gordon Joseloff, who served two terms as Westport‘s First Selectman. In fact, Joseloff, along with his Second Selectman Shelly Kassen, were instrumental in moving the market to it's current home at 50 Imperial Ave. next to The Westport Women’s Club. Joseloff and Kassen in fact secured the property for the WFM and arranged to pave the lot on which the market now stands along with ample parking alongside the vendor booths and overflow parking available in the lower lot. they assisted in WFM becoming

According to Executive Director Lori L. Cochchran-Dougall, "Gordon and Shelly Kassen were instrumental in the success of WFM. They secured the Imperial Lot for the market by paving the lot for the market, helping WFM become a 501c-3, finding me to run the market and assisting in identifying the address of 50 imperial Ave as WFM's physical address. These actions are what helped make WFM an institution in Westport."

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

One delicious offering is from Sprout Juice Bar, (above, left) which is a great example of the mission of the Westport Farmer’s Market. Owner Anderson Leite told WestportLocalPress,”We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest ingredients directly from local farmers who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. Our approach to juicing is as much about supporting our community as it is about delivering nutrient-packed beverages. We collaborate with local farmers to source the freshest fruits and vegetables, ensuring that each juice is not only delicious but also packed with the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.”

But our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our ingredients. We're dedicated to reducing waste and giving back to the very farms that supply us. After we press our juices, the remaining pulp and vegetable/fruit remnants are returned to the farmers. These byproducts are used to feed their animals and create organic compost that enriches the soil for growing more of the vibrant produce we use in our juices. This closed-loop system helps us minimize waste and reinforces our connection to the local agricultural community.

Leite added, “For the past four seasons, we have proudly participated in the Westport Farmers Market, a renowned community gathering under the leadership of Executive Director Lori Cochran-Dougall. Lori’s unwavering dedication to providing fresh, local, and seasonal food—grown with sustainable practices—aligns perfectly with our own values.” To learn more visit SproutRawJuice.com

There is plenty of seating for those who cannot wait to get home with their goodies, or who want to enjoy their Boxcar lunch. Gourmet cooks need sharp knives to craft their dishes and often drop off their cutlery for sharpening while the do their shopping.

The WFM is open on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and their summer season runs from May through November. The Winter Market then opens at Gilbertie's Herbs and Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport, just off Riverside Ave.

Find out for yourself all the WFM vendors have to offer. The full list of vendors with links for more info can be found here: Westport Farmers Market

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.