One of the most entertaining and accessible components of the PA Farm Show is the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage. Created by the PA Department of Agriculture to shine a spotlight on food and agricultural products grown, produced, and processed in this state, PA Preferred is an invaluable resource for farmers and agribusinesses. Their Farm Show presence illustrates how delicious what’s generated on PA farms can be.
Some of the presentations we’re most looking forward to-
- Salad Russe, a Haitian potato salad, presented by Cybille St. Aude-Tate, who with husband Omar Tate created Honeysuckle Projects. Collectively they’re brought irresistibly appetizing Afrocentric bites to West Philly through Honeysuckle Provisions; as they prepare to open their newest concept, Honeysuckle, they share a bit of the magic that’s made their previous undertakings foodies’ favorites, and their upcoming opening one of the most anticipated ventures. This is just one of Tuesday’s multiple Potato Day offerings for which we have forks at the ready.
- Honey Extraction Demonstrations by the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association. Our snow days have been brightened by playing with pairings as we consume bottomless cups of hot tea, but the goodness of honey goes so much farther. As you’ve probably noticed from frequenting your neighborhood farmers markets, local honey is available in an enticing variety of flavors and forms, creating endless possibilities for baked goods, sauces, dressings, you name it. This gives a closer look into the inner workings of the hive with multiple demos throughout the week.
- The Best Mushroom Appetizers Cook-Off features Top Chef contestant Jennifer Zavala, James Beard fellow Tonii Hicks, and the crop that Pennsylvania grows close to 100 million dollars of each year! Speciality mushroom production started in this commonwealth when a couple of Quakers brought some spores back from European travels in 1885; now we’re the country’s largest generator of these curious and intriguing culinary delights. Wednesday is Mushroom Day and we’re here for every last bite of it.
- The many events that feature students who are exploring work in food in PA educational facilities, including Pennsylvania College of Technology, Dauphin County Technical School, Careers through Culinary Arts Program, Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center, and IUP Academy of Culinary Arts. There’s a wealth of fulfilling opportunities out there, and for the right person the service industry can be a lifelong home. We look forward to seeing what they’re working on all week long.
You can view a full schedule of events, plus check out this year’s edition of the recipe book here!
