Locally Grown: Maine
See profiles of our Local Faves:
Massachusetts | Connecticut | Rhode Island | Maine | New England
Our Commitment to Local
For over twenty-five years, Whole Foods Market has supported local vendors, producers and farmers because we know that foods created close to home are fresh, naturally nutritious and delicious. We are committed to creating partnerships with our neighbors and communities.
To help identify local vendors, we have our own foragers whose job its is to stock our shelves with local products including crispy breads baked in Massachusetts, sweet heirloom tomatoes grown in Maine, delicious raspberry jam from Rhode Island or fresh pesto from Connecticut. Every day, you can walk into our stores and choose from a wide selection of New England products.
Definition of Local
Whole Foods Market works to identify food grown, raised or created close to our stores that meet our quality standards. In general, we are committed to providing as many superior artisanal products from Connecticut and New England as possible.
Some of Our Locals
Strawberry Hill Farms
Skowhegan
Organic maple candies and syrup from a family operated farm, committed to protecting their trees as a sustainable resource.
Silvery Moon Creamery
Westbrook
The founder, Jennifer lives in a barn apartment on the farm that helped her create creamery and produce Silvery Moon’s creamy brie, camembert and farmhouse cheddar.
York Hill Farm
New Sharon
Over twenty years of producing farmstead fresh and aged goat cheeses in plain or herb varieties, including Chevre Roll with a swirl of dill or peppercorns.
Box Hill Confections
Cumberland
A luscious assortment of artisanal truffles and chocolates, using only the finest ingredients, including single-bean chocolates heavy cream, real butter, espresso, spirits and liqueurs, nuts, spices, and fruits.
Oyster Creek Mushroom Company
Damariscotta
Growers of wild mushrooms including oak-grown shiitake and makers of dried mushrooms, powders and oil.
Fox Hill Farm
Athens
A 24-acre family owned farm producing a variety of vegetables, pumpkins, pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken, herbs, baked goods, jams and jellies.
Freaky Bean
Westbrook
Locally roasted coffee beans means a fresher cup of coffee and Freaky Bean coaxes the flavor out of every bean in their Maine roasting house.
Spelt Right
Portland
Yummy bagels and baked goods made with high protein spelt.
Caldwell Farm
Turner
A family run farm for 63 years, Caldwell is proud to offer outstanding natural and organic beef and fresh bottled milk.
Winterport Winery
Winterport
Celebrate the everyday with a sip of Winterport’s Sparkling Apricot…just this side of dry with a hint of apricot fruit and a golden glow to match. Or, try Spring Fever Wine also by Winterport…a slightly dry, light and fruity apple-strawberry blend with a hint of sweetness.
Some Local Legends
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Checkerberry Farm
Parkman
"I love doing what I do. It's not a job to me," says Jason Kafka of Checkerberry Farm. Located on the fringe of the Great North Woods in Maine, Jason's farm brings us organic broccoli, cut flowers, sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash and zucchini. "We bought this old farm in the boonies in 1989, and my family and I can see a star filled sky every evening and a field of fresh greens every day. Who could ask for more?"
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'Cue Culture Sauces
Hollis
In his travels, creator Wayne Tuohey sampled barbecue from all over the US and Caribbean. All of these tastes experiences inspire 'Cue Culture barbecue sauces, dry rubs and marinades. Look for innovative splashes of fruit and bourbon, lemon and nutmeg, or apricot, lime, and ginger that enhance the savory aroma in our dry-rubs, seasonings and delicious sauces. Then prepare your taste buds for a hint of Maine maple syrup and other fresh local ingredients in Wayne's unique twist on tradition.
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Stonington Sea Products
Deer Isle
Richard Penfold and his crew use authentic Scottish cures and smoking techniques introduced by Richard when he moved to New England from the Shetland Isles in 1997. Stonington Sea Products continues the seaside tradition of providing year round work to island residents and honoring the history of the island. The unique combination of Richard's years experience along with Stonington's strong fishing heritage, make Stonington Sea Products unique among Maine's top quality smokehouses. Never frozen, Stonington uses only the freshest and best salmon, mussels and scallops.
Local in the Kitchen
Apricot Habanero Chicken Wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup 'Cue Culture Apricot Habanero sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Serve on side: blue cheese dressing and celery
Preheat grill on high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook the wings 8 to 12 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. Melt the butter in a saucepan, and mix in the barbecue sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Place wings in a large container with a secure lid. Pour sauce over the wings, and seal. Shake 'til thoroughly coated. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Chicken Simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 6 ounces portabello mushrooms, coarsely chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 local plum tomatoes, quartered
- 2 medium local zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound chicken tenders
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, mushrooms, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil until onions are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, and zucchini and bring to a simmer. Stir in chicken, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Serves 4.