Harvest Market: The local answer to a global dilemma

  • By Lisa C. Lipp
  • March 8, 2010
  • 521
                        
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” to borrow a phrase from Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities. Economic difficulties are abounding, countless numbers are unemployed, and many cannot seem to locate reasonably priced and locally grown goods. However, in the little community of Apple Creek, Leonard and Ruth Kaplan have fashioned a pleasant grocery store called Harvest Market to provide the answer to the dilemma. Harvest Market is not a typical grocery store, for it is a marriage of the old and new. Upon entering the store the senses are awakened by the aroma of soups simmering, meat being cooked, and fragrant spices. The aisles are wide and the lighting is bright. Many items in the store are provided by local suppliers in the surrounding communities. Various local names will be recognized including Smucker’s, Mrs. Miller’s, Smith Dairy, Bauman Orchards, Prairie View Farms, and Gerber’s Poultry. Although Harvest Market has a wide variety of merchandise, it is best known for locally grown meat. The various meats are supplied by farmers who do not use hormones, antibiotics, or food additives. Harvest Market uses a special aging process that enhances the flavor of the meat, which is the same method the old-time butchers used. Years ago this was the type of meat most mothers would purchase. They walked down to the local market, asked the butcher for a chopped sirloin, and would examine the meat before it was cut. The butcher would be proud of his choice cuts, and the same is true at Harvest Market. They enjoy filling customer requests, and will slice meat to order. Staff will even put together a healthy, home-cooked meal for lunches and dinners. Leonard Kaplan remarked, “It is the little village market, such as can be found in Europe. We have filled hundreds of requests for our customers.” For those who like vegetarian fare, fresh produce is delivered four to five days a week, and when certain fruits and vegetables are in season, Harvest Market turns into more of a farmers market. Ruth Kaplan said, “It is all about healthy eating.” For those who choose to bake their own bread there is a wide variety of grains. They even carry ingredients for gluten free and sugar free diets. Some bulk items that go quickly are various types of candies such as Peanut Butter Monkey Munch, Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes, Gummy Fried Eggs, and even candy bricks that the youngsters love. The market has a large selection of spices to add flavor to any meal. Ruth Kaplan said, “Harvest Market has put spice into our lives and Leonard and I make a great team.” Harvest Market is an appealing local market with reasonably priced merchandise. It is located at 60 East Main Street in Apple Creek on U.S. Route 250, and the phone number is 330-698-0404. The store is open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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