Community News

THE AMISH & THE ITALIAN FILLS A VOID IN KAWARTHA LAKES

CATHERINE WHITNALL cwhitnall@mykawartha.com to amishanditalian@gmail.com or by calling/texting 416-557-1767.

When a local resident learned her family's favourite place to buy sausage was closing she didn't seek out another source — she became the source.

The Amish & The Italian is now filling part of the cured meat void left behind by the recent closure of Zehr's Farm Fresh Produce. The Amish-run family business ran for many years at 1690 Glenarm Rd. near Woodville, selling such items as meat, produce home-baked goods, pickles and preserves.

"My husband [Paolo] shopped there a lot and, over time, became good friends with the family. When he found out they were selling the farm [in December] he asked what was going to happen to the business ... Norm said, 'Do you want it?'," said Joanne Martire who obviously said yes, launching the 'still' home-based business in February. "We just thought it was delicious and we believed in it ... it's all-natural, drug-free and non-gmo. We always bought from him [Zehr] as did most of our friends and family ... It's been a big part of our gift giving."

Although she doesn't have a formal business background, Martire does know quality and has jumped in with both feet. Granted, it helps that Zehr remains involved. Along with giving Martire his vendor list, Zehr checks in occasionally to offer support.

Running the business from her 515 Fennel Rd. home — just two minutes down the road from the farm — affords still convenient access to products and time for her family.

All of the products sold via The Amish & The Italian are either Mennonite or Amish-made, hence the first half of the business moniker. Martire makes up the other half; Paolo's relatives immigrated to Canada from Italy in the late 1940s.

At present, the business offers five flavours of summer sausage — tasty, garlic, maple, hot and all beef; all of which have been smoked for three weeks — 100 per cent Berkshire pig shoulder bacon and twoday smoked pork chops. Martire is looking to add other meat products such as breakfast sausage and pepperettes, as well as honey and maple syrup to the product list.

Also available are customizable cutting and charcuterie boards. The boards can be engraved with

names, symbols, logos or personal messages.

All items are sold by the

pound. Currently, orders can only be made online through Facebook, email

BUSINESS

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281530820268679

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