Healthy, Home-Grown Organic Delights at Old Hook Farm

Old Hook Farm is the real deal. 

A 6.5-acre, certified-organic working farm that grows approximately 150 varieties of vegetables, this is the type of sprawling, naturally beautiful location that usually is discovered after miles of countryside driving.

Old Hook Farm is a remarkable local gem which for years has consistently supplied area residents with a glorious abundance of organic produce. Just a stone's throw from home, this historical location serves not only as a piece of the past, but as a functional component of healthier local living.

The benefits of eating organic foods are plentiful, and these are just a few:

• TASTE! Generally, fresh organic produce is far more flavorful for cooking and raw snacking than the mass produced versions. Large chain supermarkets are more interested in shelf-life and "looks," than they are concerned about flavor. This is why many fruits and veggies are covered with a waxy coating, intended to enhance sheen and color.
• Preservatives. Organically grown means no preservatives on or in the produce, and none in you.
• Genetic Modification and Chemical Additives. No one knows for sure what impact these unnatural manipulations have on our health, but eating organic saves you the worry.
• Immunity. Babies and very young children, as well as the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, often benefit from the undiluted nutrients found in organically grown produce.

The simple wooden signage around the modest exterior of Old Hook Farm is initially deceptive to a first-time visitor, but once inside the lushly verdant grounds, there is a quiet sense of nature at work.

Owned and operated by Bruce and Mariel Marek, Old Hook Farm is a family business. Mr. Marek's grandfather bought the land in 1925 and it has been attended to by the family ever since.

While many shops and farm stands feature "locally grown" produce, New Jersey is, in fact, a very large state. By contrast to produce that must travel in order to be sold, Old Hook Farm is quite literally in our own backyard.

And not only can you actually see your dinner in the process of being grown and harvested, here you can speak directly to the people who are doing it.

While most of us are aware of some of the benefits of a more organic lifestyle, frequently people are scared off by the pricing. But compared to some of the smaller clusters of organics offered by large chain markets, Old Hook Farms is quite reasonable, in part because (quite literally) they plant, farm and sell the fruits of their labor in one location.

Along with the impressive roster of seasonal organic produce, Old Hook Farm is a Mecca for any gardener, either experienced or novice. An impressive variety of plants are available and are, of course, grown without any toxic pesticides.

There are a great many outdoor trees and shrubs available, some of which include Japanese Maple, Cedar and various fruit trees. Old Hook Farm also features healthier options in the weed/pest control department, along with organic plant foods.

The substantial indoor natural foods market on the property is yet another treasure in this organic trove. The pies are to die for; made from the farm's own apples, cherries, peaches, strawberries (and more). Bumbleberry is a mixture of apple, rhubarb, blackberry and raspberry. Vegan pies and many other treats are can also be found here.

Although this charming market resembles ye old country store...straight out of central casting, there is a modern twist: no preservatives, no chemical additives. Shelves are stocked with organically grown grains, herbs, seasonings and even organic lollipops. Fresh nut butters are ground up and packaged to go....and they go great on the delicious baked breads!

At Old Hook Farm you can also find a range of gluten and wheat free items, as well as many macrobiotic, vegan, lactose-free and low-carb products. Fruit baskets packed with fresh fruit, teas, jams, butters and organic crackers are available for gift-giving.

There is a certain satisfaction that comes from shopping local, especially at Old Hook Farm. It's a good feeling to know exactly what you are buying, where it was made and the craftsmanship that went into it.

Old Hook Farm is located at 650 Old Hook Road, Emerson. For more information, call 201-265-4835 or e-mail oldhook@optonline.net. The farm is open year round.

Hours of operation: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.