Farming in the Hamptons, Re-Imagined

A rotating eco-system that would make Dan Barber smile!

Writing about farms on Long Island’s ‘East End’ offers us an almost unlimited list of edible topics up for discussion, and leaves the reader wondering: will this array of food ever end?  We believe the answer lies in the innovation of the farmers and makers, finding their direction and new path. Our research tells us that we will be entertained and well fed for the unforeseeable future.  We see no limitations and feel safe in saying that the food-boredom factor will be non-existent.

The Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and Atlantic Ocean protect and nurture the ‘Twin Forks’ and its unique terroir. This region, historically home to potatoes and ducks, is rapidly establishing itself as a benchmark farm community which has been nurtured by strict farm zoning and local land trusts. In an older post Gary spoke about Alec Baldwin interviewing Scott Chaskey and their conversation about Quail Hill Farm, New York State’s oldest CSA.  Please take a look at Scott’s portrait by Lindsay Morris.

It is truly possible to live off the land and the sea in Long Island’s East End!

• Shellfish, seaweed, kelp and snails grow vertically.  
• Striped bass, scallops and clams begin life within the local bays and harbors.  
• Offshore waters are home to immense aqua-pods allowing their inhabitants to be at home in their natural environment.
• Herds of grazing goats, sheep, pigs and chickens – cohabitate with quail, partridge and guinea hens.
• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes thriving alongside French Charolais Burgundy cattle. Local cheese, charcuterie, bread, bacon, eggs, and ice cream are complemented by an amazing market basket of vegetables.

A short list of the farm markets’ bounty in summer:

arugula  asparagus  baby lettuce  beets blueberries  cabbage  chard  collards  corn  cucumbers  escarole  garlic  green tomatoes  kale kohlrabi  lavender  leeks  mesclun  microgreens  mushrooms  mustard greens  napa cabbage  onions  peas  potatoes  radicchio  radishes  rappini  raspberries  romaine  scallions  shallots  spinach  squash  squash blossoms  tomatoes  strawberries  turnips  wheat berries  zucchini

For all the seasons, check out this article from Edible East End: What to Expect When You’re Expecting Seasonal Produce.

Food education – for professionals, amateurs and children alike, goes hand in hand with growing, making and farming.  A true cottage industry is blossoming on the Twin Forks of Long Island.

• Hayground School – Along with offering a great progressive education, Hayground School is dedicated to making children and adults food smarter.
• Amagansett Food Institute – Craft Farmer Training, Food Awareness. To hear more listen to Stefanie Sacks.
• Sylvester Manor – Fosters a connection between community, food, art, history, and the land.

These articles shed much light on the bounty of East End Food

• 2019 Guide to Long Island Farmers Markets – by Cyndi Zaweski @Northforker
• Florence Fabricant – says the ‘Chickens Come Home to Roost’ @NYT
• The Long Island Farm Bureau is your guide to East End farms and markets

Edible East End is our bible to everything about local farms, food and drinks!

A few of our favorite farms and markets

• Amber Waves Farm & Market, Amagansett – Our pancakes would not be the same without Amanda & Katie! Plus they have a great Farm Stand and serve a delicious farm-forward menu of breakfast and lunch made with ingredients from their fields, just a few steps away.
• Balsam Farms, Amagansett – You will love stopping at the farm stand when driving the back roads of Amagansett, and they have a Market in Montauk if you need some veggies to go with your fresh fish!
• East Hampton Farmer’s Market, East Hampton – Just a short walk from the Mill House Inn, in the Nick & Toni’s Parking Lot – Every Friday 9:am – 1:00 pm
• Green Thumb, Watermill – Sustainable and Organic, a family farm since the 1600’s
• Halsey Farm, Watermill – a three generation family farm, greenhouses extend their season
• Lavender by the Bay, East Marion – All lavender all the time, by the pot, by the bouquet, by the bag . . . Chef Carolyn uses it in her lavender sugar cookies on the ‘nack bar!
• North Sea Farms, Southampton – ‘A little bit of everything’ Our favorite farm for Thanksgiving Turkeys!
• Open Minded Organics, Sag Harbor – Mushrooms galore, online sales, foods from the OMO Kitchen. Plus now they are an authorized grower, processor & purveyor of hemp and hemp products.
• Quail Hill Farm, Amagansett – This Community Farm, on land donated to the Peconic Land Trust, delivers fresh food to local restaurants (including the Mill House Inn) and food pantries, and participates in the Sag Harbor Farmers Market throughout the season.
• Sang Lee Farms, Peconic – Farm, garden, CSA, Education, Organic Kitchen – Supplier to some of the top restaurants in NYC!
• Share the Harvest Farm, East Hampton – founded on the belief that everyone is entitled to fresh, nutritious food, they grow and donate thousands of pounds of fresh, highly nutritious vegetables and herbs to local organizations feeding hundreds of children, seniors, and disabled people in our community. Plus, they manage the Eeco Farm Stand with 125 community gardens and a farm stand.
• Serene Green, Sag Harbor – ‘Fresh & Local’ – produce, seafood, bison, dairy and baked goods

Farm Events 2019:

• NextActArt Exhibition and Reception, A Benefit for Quail Hill Farm Saturday, July 13 2019
• Hayground Chefs Dinner Sunday, July 28, 2019
• Share the Harvest 10th Annual BBQ Benefit Thursday, August 15, 2019

Please visit Gary’s Blogs at Farms, Aquaculture, and Vineyards on the East End for more . . .