Things are really growing now that June is almost here. The cooler season crops are slowing down, but wait until you see what your local farmers markets are bringing to the party! This week, try to ask your vendor what would taste good for dinner, and try at least one new food.
In the Northeast, look for asparagus to be coming to the end of its season. Buy what you can and make a few jars of pickles! Radishes are going strong, slice them and add to your sandwiches for a kick of flavor. Rhubarb can be sliced and frozen for later in the year and broccoli is easy to freeze as well be sure to pick up a little extra.
If you live in the Southeast region of the country, look for those beautiful berries! Blue and strawberries are still going strong. They are such a great treat either fresh or frozen. Freeze them on a tray or flat dish, then transfer to a freezer bag. Add frozen berries as you buy them, and you will have a delicious treat that cost pennies on the dollar all winter long. The sweet potatoes are perfectly ripe right now as well. There is nothing like a plate of sweet potato fries (we make chips). Summer squash is crazy good this time of the season. Are you stuffing it and using your grill to make a succulent side dish? It gets weird and watery when frozen, but shred it and place in freezer bags. When thawed, squeeze out the juice and add to your spaghetti sauce to give it thickness and extra bulk, without changing your recipe's flavor.
The Midwest markets may still have some late season peas if the weather is still cool. My grandmother had the patience to can them, but we just eat our fill and dream about the taste for the rest of the year. Spinach is plentiful, so mix it with the lettuce that is also growing like crazy. Add a punch of nutrition to your salads, with minimal effort. The cooler spring temps this year means the asparagus is still growing, too. Don't forget to throw some on the grill for Memorial Day.
Northwest farmers markets offer garlic. If you let them know, sometimes you can order a garlic braid and have some hanging in your pantry for the rest of the year. Do you ever have enough raspberries? Get what you can right now, and freeze those jewels flat on a tray. Make raspberry jam galore, too. With such a simple recipe, you will thank yourself for months to come.
Southwest markets are plumb full of thoe delectable stone fruits still. If you can't think of a thing to do with them, make fruit leather, jam, dried whole fruits, compote with the ones you aren't grilling tomorrow. Artichokes are such a fun food. Be sure to buy what you can, and share this treat with the kids. They love to play with food and watching mom or dad doing the same, is always the best.
By no means exhaustive, this list will hopefully inspire you to get out there and visit what your local producers have to offer. While you are at it, snap a few pics and send them to me!
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