Blog
From the Market Blog
Welcome to our blog, where small businesses and sustainable food collide with a side of humor! We’re the online marketplace that champions your favorite local bakers, gardeners, small farms, and prepared food vendors, and now we’re here to dish out articles on all things delicious. From tips on running a small business without losing your mind (or your apron) to recipes that’ll have you swapping your store-bought goods for fresh, local flavors — we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll keep you in the loop with the latest agricultural trends, because who doesn’t want to be the coolest person at the farmers market? Grab a snack and dig in!
Effective Pricing Strategies for Small Food Businesses
How to Price Your Cottage Food Products (Without Losing Your Shirt) If you're running a cottage food business — baking your famous sourdough, whipping up small-batch jams, or selling gorgeous homegrown produce — setting your prices isn't just a nice-to-have...
Level Up Your Small Cottage Food Marketing (Without Losing Your Mind)
Running a small food business out of your home is equal parts flour-dusted joy and total chaos. You're the head baker, social media manager, accountant, and janitor—all while trying to figure out how to make your cookies look sexy on camera. The good news? With a few smart marketing moves (and maybe some new labels), you can get more eyes—and mouths—on your delicious creations.
Watermelon Salad with Lime-Basil Vinaigrette – A Bright and Juicy Summer Favorite
When summer hits full swing and watermelons start showing up at farmers markets and roadside stands, there’s only one answer: watermelon salad. But not just cubes of fruit—we’re talking a crisp, savory-sweet salad with juicy watermelon, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime-basil vinaigrette that brings it all together.
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s the kind of thing you eat out of the bowl, standing at the fridge, pretending you’re just “tasting” it. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to cool you off on even the hottest day.
How Small Farms Can Scale and Sustain Their Business: A Practical Guide
Small farms are the heart of local food systems. They grow fresh produce, support rural economies, preserve biodiversity, and often practice regenerative techniques that benefit the land and community. But while they offer unique value, small farms also face significant challenges—ranging from volatile weather patterns and pest outbreaks to access to markets and funding. Scaling a small farm doesn’t mean becoming industrial; it means growing smartly and sustainably, with diverse revenue streams and a plan for long-term resilience. This guide explores actionable strategies to help small farms not only grow, but thrive, with links to trusted resources to guide the way.
Roasted Mexican Street Corn (Esquites Style) – A Smoky, Creamy Summer Favorite
There’s nothing quite like the taste of roasted corn in the summertime—smoky, sweet, and just a little bit messy in the best way. One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy it? Mexican Street Corn, or elote. But today, we’re making a slightly less-messy, spoonable...
From Dozens to Hundreds: How to Scale a Cottage Food Bakery
So you’ve mastered your signature sourdough, your cinnamon rolls sell out faster than you can bake them, and you’re starting to hear the magic words: “Do you do wholesale?” or “Can I order 200 for my event?” First—congratulations!That’s the sweet smell of success...
Mango Jalapeño Slaw: A Sweet and Spicy Twist on a Summer Classic
There’s something magical that happens when sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors all come together in one bite—and this Mango Jalapeño Slaw delivers exactly that. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed side that elevates everything from grilled meats to fish tacos, and...
Cottage Food Law Breakdown: What You Can Sell in Your State
If you've ever dreamed of turning your homemade baked goods, jams, or pickles into a profitable venture, understanding your state's cottage food laws is the first step. These laws allow individuals to prepare and sell certain low-risk foods from their home...
Herb Gardening: Grow Your Own Flavor Powerhouse
If you've ever spent $4 on a tiny plastic box of basil that turned into green mush after one pasta night, this post is for you. Welcome to the wild and wonderfully fragrant world of herb gardening—where your cooking gets an instant upgrade, your kitchen smells...
Cake Portion Calculator: How big of a cake do I really need?
Cake Sizing and Portions If you've ever found yourself furiously Googling "how big of a cake do I need" at 2 a.m. with frosting in your hair and a cake order due tomorrow, you're not alone. Welcome to the deliciously chaotic world of cake portioning. Luckily,...
How to Make Money Attending Farmers Markets
How to Boost Your Farmers Market Mojo (and Actually Make Money Doing It) So, you’ve signed up for the farmers market. You’ve got the sourdough starter that won’t quit, pickles that snap like a rom-com breakup, or greens so fresh they practically slap you. You’ve...
Stand Out and Sizzle: How Small Food Businesses Can Shine in a Saturated Market
The food world is bursting at the seams—sourdoughs at every stall, spice blends in every pantry, jams, jellies, jerky, and more. It’s a beautiful thing, really. People everywhere are turning their love of food into thriving cottage businesses. But if you’ve ever...
Homemade Pasta: Because You’re Better Than a Box
Making homemade pasta is one of those things that sounds like it belongs to people who have herb gardens, expensive aprons, and deeply emotional opinions about olive oil. But guess what? You too can channel your inner Nonna—even if your kitchen is the size of a...
Shrimp Tacos: Your New Summer Dinner Obsession
Bring bold flavors to your table with these Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Jalapeño Slaw! Juicy, spiced shrimp are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a crisp, creamy slaw that's brightened with fresh lime and a kick of jalapeño heat. These tacos are quick to make, packed with texture, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Fresh, vibrant, and just the right amount of spicy — they’ll be your new favorite!
