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Salvaterra’s Gardens is a family-owned operation located in Alburtis, PA. Our “garden” originated as a simple back yard kitchen garden that fed us fresh vegetables in the summertime and allowed us to put away canned and frozen items for those long winter months. Although space was limited (we lived in a twin towards center city Allentown) our garden grew year to year as we tested out new types of plants and different varieties. First it took over the backyard, then the front yard, then the narrow strip of land between our house and the neighbor. After our third year of gardening, every square inch of our property was officially cultivated. Unfortunately, that year we had so many tomatoes, we couldn’t find enough people who were willing to take them for free! We were forced to make a crucial decision- downsize our garden or increase our production and find a way to get rid of it!
We were initially not able to find the right farm for us so we began renting a ¼ acre on East Texas Road in Macungie to give us some more space and allow us to grow enough vegetables to join a farmer’s market. After two years of searching, we finally found the right farm. In August 2009, we moved into a 7.5 acre farm located in Alburtis right down the street from Bear Creek Ski Resort. After digging raised beds, building an electric fence, testing and amending our land with compost, manure and mushroom soil, and the many other tasks necessary to get a farm up and running, we were finally ready to begin growing on our own property!
We enjoy growing heirloom varieties and saving the seed from these plants to continue a tradition that is many centuries old. We believe that everyone has to right to access and purchase fresh, healthy and natural food. It’s important to us to utilize natural and sustainable practices and products both in our home and on our farm. Because we are a small farm, we have not gone through the lengthy and costly process of becoming certified organic. Although we are not certified organic, we grow all of our products naturally and we believe that if we wouldn’t eat it or serve it to our families, we shouldn’t sell it either.
We both continue to work full time careers outside of farming so time is usually in short supply at Salvaterra’s Gardens. Even so, we find ways to make time for working, farming, spending time with family and friends, cooking, canning and freezing our food, and even sometimes taking a vacation! We have a great time at the Easton Farmer’s Market meeting new people every week and getting to know our customers. A BIG thanks to ALL Easton Farmer’s Market customers for supporting local agriculture!
Our list of produce items includes:
Collard Greens, Swiss Chard, Broccoli Raab, Endive, Escarole, Mustard Greens, Pak Choi, Kale, Spinach, Head Lettuce, Baby Lettuce Mixes, Zen, Radicchio, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Rutabaga, Salsify, Parsnips, Burdok, Carrots, Beets, Turnips, Scallions, Onions, Radishes, Leeks, Garlic, Shallots, Egyptian Walking Onions, Cucumbers, Tomatillos, Okra, Snow Peas, Peppers, Celery, Eggplant, Beans, Edamame, Winter Squash, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Tomatoes (60 varieties!), Corn, Melons, Basil, Parsley, Mint, Oregano, Fennel, Cilantro.
And hopefully coming soon:
Asparagus, Strawberries, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Rhubarb,
If you have any questions about our products or need any recipe ideas, please ask us!
Thanks!
Matt and Jessica Salvaterra
Salvaterra’s Gardens
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