Editor’s note: At the Market profiles a vendor at the Columbus Farmers Market, which meets from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays on First Street behind Columbus City Hall.
By Harriet Armstrong
Bartholomew County Extension
Grandpa Elmer Whipker taught his family that quality is important.
“We don’t sell junk,” he said.
Whipker has passed on to his family his passion for delivering superior produce to customers.
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Business: Azalia Farm Market is a family-owned business which has focused on growing farm-fresh produce since 1954. A wide variety is offered throughout the months of March through October at their farm stand location. Garden plants begin in the spring while mature produce is available late. Orders are welcome for those wishing to purchase for the purpose of home canning and freezing.
Specialty: Sweet corn and fall produce for eating and decorating. In mid-September there will be over 50 different kinds of fall produce to choose from.
Years at the market: 6
What customers like best: Repeat customers say they know they are buying from a tradition of quality that has become a trusted brand.
What the business likes best: Connecting with local neighbors and friends on a weekly basis.
Vendor contact information: Azalia Farm Market, 6291 E. County Road 800S, Elizabethtown. Information: call Josh Whipker at 812-350-0805, Keith Whipker at 812-343-7392, or email [email protected].
Product to look for this week: Sweet peppers
Recipe from FoodLink: Crunchy Chicken Salad
2 cups cooked chicken (chunked)
1/2 cup celery
1/4 cup sweet pepper
1/4 onion
1/2 cucumber
1/2 cup grapes
1 small apple (diced with the peel left on)
1/4 cup plain yogurt
Directions
1. Use leftover cooked chicken, or cook enough chicken to make 2 cups of chicken pieces.
2. Chop the celery and sweet pepper into small pieces.
3. Peel and chop 1/4 of an onion.
4. Peel and chop half of a cucumber.
5. Cut the grapes in half.
6. Chop the apple into half-inch cubes. It’s okay to leave the peel on the apple.
7. Place all ingredients in a large bowl, and gently stir until combined.
