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Community Corner

Fresh, Local Produce at Islip Farmers Market

Home grown served with a smile every Saturday.

Ten vendors ready to inform, feed and entice came out as early as 7 a.m. Saturday at the Islip farmers Market held at Islip Town Hall. The market included plant and flower vendors, homemade cupcakes, doggie treats and pickles.

Mindy Abbruzzese, 50, from Ocean Side, participates in farmers markets four times a week, selling all natural home baked dog treats, hand crocheted handkerchiefs and dog beds as well as hand knitted sweaters all featured at her store, Little Lexi's Bakery.

A few tables further was The Big Cheese run by Mark Cassin 53, from Mineola. This table has a pungent spread of American artisanal cheese made with raw milk from cows raised on Mecox Bay Dairy Farm in Bridgehampton.

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After spending several years as a contractor, Cassin reflects on the cheese business stating,  "now I know what I want to do when I grow up." 

His top three sellers: sigit, a hard cheese similar to a gruyere, atlantic mist, a rich and creamy variety with a grey and white rind and blue heaven; a new flavor uncorked for the first time this week. Blue heaven is essentially cheddar cheese with a blue cheese mold mixed in.

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If you are not full yet, cross the walkway to Horman's Best Pickles, who participates in almost 13 farmers markets in the metropolitan area throughout the summer.  According to John Till, 22, from Oyster Bay, who sports a pickle tattoo on his right forearm, the two best selling flavors are the red flannels; made with apple cider, turmeric and red and green bell peppers. The second, horseradish, is a tangy contrast with a strong taste of heat.

There is always room for desert at the Taste of Home Bakery table. Choose from assorted buns, Danishes, cakes, pies, chocolates and breads.

"I have regulars that come here every week just for the bread," said Tim Fuger, 18, from East Meadow, the son of co-owner Rose Fuger.

Terry's Farm Stand, Colorful Gardens, The Cupcake Corner and Papa Pasquale Ravioli Co. are among some of the other tasty vendors that can be found throughout the farmers markets of Long Island this summer.

The Islip farmers market, located at the Islip Town Hall, 655 Main St. Islip, runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

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