Queens Farm

I received spinach from Queens Farm as a part of my Philadelphia CSA. I’ve had some good vegetables, but this was remarkable.
What a world of difference between this and the grocery store! Not only was the color a deep, dark green, the width amazed me. This spinach must have been at least four times as thick as the flimsy grocery stuff. I never knew what real spinach is like! And, coming fresh directly from the farm, it lasted a long time. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get some more (daytrip to the ‘burbs?) I don’t want to eat any other kind. This is dense, nutrient-​rich goodness!

If you asked me to name my favorite farmers market vendor, it wouldn’t even be a contest: Queens Farm. This is my absolutely essential spot every week at Headhouse. I even have my dude’s business card affixed to my refrigerator door.
And the reason for this passion is equally apparent: Queens Farm provides fresh and difficult-​to-​locate Asian vegetables. I could settle for frozen, packaged shiso from the Asian supermarket, but why bother when I could actually buy a sprig of fresh shiso leaves from here? Not to mention the oriental pumpkin, the various mushrooms, ta chai/​amaranth (like a sweet spinach flavor) or Japanese mustard-​like greens that have become a constant presence in my stir-​fries and soups?
(And its all shockingly cheap, especially in comparison to some of the heirloom produce sold by their fellow Headhouse vendors.)
Perhaps the best things about Queens Farm aren’t even their fruits and vegetables: its the customer service. The father & daughter deftly handle any and all questions about their (sometimes) exotic produce. Some weeks I get so caught up asking about various items that its practically embarrassing, but all of my queries are answered with astounding patience.
How many days until Headhouse re-​opens in the spring?

Add Queens Farm to the list of places I’ve never set a foot in, but have been enjoying fruits of their labors for several years. This stand in the Headhouse Farmers Market and West Chester Growers Market is a must-​stop for vegetable snobs in search of the best.
Bitter greens, plastic bowls of fresh wild mushrooms, bunches of sharp radishes, bitter melons and springy fresh soy beans are heaped upon Queens Farm’s bounteous table. Budget ten dollars to explore veggies you’ve never seen before — their signs list suggested ways to prepare your haul, and prices are beyond reasonable.
If you are looking for particular Asian vegetables, ask this sweet father-​daughter team for their expert help. Cash only for these green treats!