Maple Syrup and Eggs
Brian and I love it when we have an opportunity to partner with fellow farm neighbors such as Ben and Carolne Adams of Midnight Maple and Adam and Emma Ricci of Cloud Brook Farm.
I thought it would be fun to dedicate a blog post to these folks who work hard to bring products to the farm stand that many have either asked for time and time again or are currently enjoying!
This blog post is dedicated to our Maple and brand-new Egg suppliers:
Ben and Caroline Adams, from Midnight Maple, right here in Barnet, have been supplying Maple syrup at the farmstand for several years. When they first approached me, it was an immediate YES! I knew their product would be top notch and that all of you who shop here would love the convenience and joy of supporting another local farm in their endeavors to showcase our wonderful community and all that it has to offer.
Beginning a bit later this week, and definitely for the weekend, right through October, we will be offering a product that I have always wanted to offer and one that so many of you have asked if we have! Can you guess?
Beautiful fresh eggs! Produced by the happy hens owned and cared for by Adam and Emma Ricci of Cloud Brook Farm, also right here in Barnet, and almost just a stone’s throw away from the farm stand. (eggs will be available at the latest on Thursday 6/26/25)
Here are a few fun facts about Pure Maple Syrup:
Vermont Pure Maple at it’s finest
Midnight Maple
Ben and Caroline Adams
A few benefits of Maple Syrup:
Antioxidants: Maple syrup is a source of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, which can help protect against cell damage.
Glycemic Index: Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index (around 54) compared to table sugar (65), meaning it may have a less pronounced effect on blood sugar levels
Minerals: Maple syrup contains minerals like manganese (a significant amount, around 25% of the daily value), calcium (2% DV), potassium (1% DV), and trace amounts of iron and magnesium.
Perhaps you knew all of that, but it is great to know that if you are going to indulge in pure sweetness, you are receiving health benefits as well.
I know many of you depend on syrup from Ben and Caroline, and so fun to see all the many states it has been taken back to over the years… and a few countries!
Does that make pouring a bit of maple syrup on your oatmeal or over fresh pancakes, or have you tried it in your coffee for a special treat, more rewarding? (I am pretty sure that was not a proper sentence, but I just get so excited about maple)
If you haven’t tried Ben and Caroline’s syrup, you are missing out! You can find it inside the Farm Stand, with its own special payment box. If you ever require a special order, please let us know. Caroline will be right on it!
Farm Fresh Eggs:
Adam and Emma Ricci (Cloud Brook Farm) are the suppliers of these beautiful eggs and the keepers of the Hens that lay them.
So what is all the “hype” about farm fresh eggs, and why do they cost more to purchase?
We sure have been hearing a lot about the price of eggs lately! (I could not resist)
The first thing you will notice from the first egg you crack open is the rich color and freshness you will not find in run-of-the-mill eggs…. (from the grocery)
The second is flavor… hands down… farm fresh eggs are the BEST!
That is not all: Most important to me is Nutrition:
Nutrient Differences:
Farm-fresh eggs, particularly those from pasture-raised hens, are known to have higher levels of omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
They often contain more vitamin A, E, and B12, as well as minerals like selenium and choline, which are important for various bodily functions.
Farm fresh eggs can have higher levels of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
Lower Cholesterol and Saturated Fat:
Some studies suggest that farm-fresh eggs have less saturated fat and cholesterol compared to commercially produced eggs.
Beautiful Fresh Eggs!
Adam and Emma Ricci
Cloud Brook Farm - Barnet
Taste and Freshness:
Farm fresh eggs are often favored for their superior taste and freshness due to the shorter time between laying and consumption.
Enhanced Flavor:
The varied diet of pasture-raised hens contributes to a richer, more flavorful egg.
Wow!
THIS! is exactly why we are partnering with Midnight Maple and Cloud Brook Farm. Supporting local Agriculture is near and dear to our hearts…
More importantly, it keeps forest land managed and cared for, and fosters beautiful open fields that, after all, are what make Vermont beautiful.
Time for a chat:
Over the years, I have heard more than a few comments regarding prices. Maybe this is a great opportunity to chat a bit about prices, not just for Maple and Eggs, but also for all the other offerings at a local farm stand, farmers market etc:
It seems that some have the notion that buying direct from the farm equates to “inexpensive”. I sure wish it could, but honestly, there would be no buying directly from the farm, because there would not be a farm to buy from.
From very personal experience, the hours of labor, input costs, fuel, electricity, supplies, etc: that have to go into producing a product, be in Maple, Eggs, Vegetables, or Flowers, is astonishing. We haven’t even gotten to labor…
Believe it or not, after watching the “Vermont Farm Project” earlier this spring, I was convinced more than ever and will boldly proclaim that your farmer has to be able to make a living wage. There are hours of work, not many today would be willing to do… all behind the scenes to make it all happen… to fill the syrup jugs, to pack beautiful eggs in boxes, and to have fresh harvested, washed, and ready to eat veggies in the cooler… and to have beautiful flowers for your summer enjoyment.
Farmers are some of the most generous, giving, kind, and hard-working folks I know… and I know a few of them… haha
Most of them, including us, often feel guilty for charging a fair price, not only for you but also for us… We are just those kind of folk who know the struggle of spending and costs… I guess because we live with that reality every day.
So… I am just going to say:
Thank you for supporting our Farm Stand… We love all of you! You make what we love to do possible… and we NEVER take it for granted.
Thank you for supporting Ben and Caroline, and now Adam and Emma…. I know they also are very appreciative…
Thank you for the role you play in keeping Vermont’s local agriculture alive
We are thrilled to partner with them and, truly, with you… It is how it all works and frankly, is supposed to work…
Farming for you, and supporting our local Farm Community,
Brian and Kathy
See you at the Farm Stand
