Thornhill Veggies & Fruits

Fresh Fruits And Veggies In Wintertime

Montclair’s one local shop for fresh fruits and veggies appears to be kaput.  After only nine months on Thornhill, the green grocer closed for good last week.  We all liked the owner, but he wasn’t turning inventory – the neighborhood just didn’t give him sufficient business.

So it’s back to the Montclair Farmers Market, not that we’re complaining or anything.  If you’re like me, then you pick up a few things during that Sunday stroll.  You probably venture to the supermarkets in between, buying whatever produce is on hand there.

Well another option walked up to me, last week.  That’s when a Farm Fresh To You sales rep stopped me in the Village.  With pamphlets in hand, Richard asked if I ate my fruits and veggies!  He was ready to discuss organic farm deliveries, right to my doorstep.

Farm Fresh sounds interesting, because they adjust delivery quantities and frequencies to meet your requirements.  You may also pick and choose what’s in the seasonal deliveries, at least a little bit.  The service does seem pretty convenient.

Of course, we had milk and eggs delivery when I was a kid…showing my age!  More recently I tested out the Safeway delivery, but would advise packaged goods there; my fresh stuff arrived with near (and past) expiration dates.

So has anyone tried out organic farm deliveries yet?

Thornhillers Must Buy Hyperlocal Veggies

The gauntlet has been thrown.  Today a brand-new market with fresh veggies and fruits has opened on Thornhill Drive, in the little strip mall next to Thornhill Coffee.  It’s up to Thornhillers and other Montclarions to support the new place, and create healthier options than our beloved 7-Eleven.

Delicious Avocado

Even though I was headed to work, I stopped by and bought my first avocado.  It was $0.99 and this item typically runs $1.50 or more at the supermarkets.  My specimen was getting ripe, looked good, and tasted great for lunch – rivaling the farmers market quality.

This new market is small but quite nice looking, with flowers for sale placed outside the front door.  Inside you will see dark-tile floors, wood shelving and artfully displayed freshies plus other goods.  The proprietor was friendly and I look forward to getting to know him.

Because change is so gradual around Thornhill, I shared my glee while picking up morning libations next door.  Sure enough, the contractor who built out the market was getting coffee and was duly proud of his recent work.

As someone who lives nearby, I’m bound and determined to have a market survive here.  Yet stores won’t survive on a single veggie purchase, so this is a challenge for Thornhillers to graciously accept.