We think we’ve done a pretty good job at hyping up all the end-of-summer produce, and we don’t plan on stopping! This week’s farmers market report covers what’s new as well as some good tips on tomatoes—like how to cook and freeze them. As for what is available, just about everything you can grow in Bucks County is on the shelves at local farm markets.
Most farm markets have a variety of tomatoes to choose from; it’s not your typical supermarket trip. Gravity Hill Farm in Titusville, NJ is an organic farm and market, and at their full market on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm you might be able to find sweet cherry, Sungold, and black cherry tomatoes; standard red, heirloom, salad tomatoes and sauce tomatoes and husk cherries (a cousin of the tomato).
Doylestown Farmers Market will most likely have tomatillos, cherry, heirloom, and slicing tomatoes. Or drop by the Yardley Farmers Market (Saturday) and the Lower Makefield Farmers Market (Thursday), and the Wrightstown Farmers Market (Saturday).
What to do with all those tomatoes? Gravity Hill Farm suggests this recipe.
Recipe of the Week: Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
makes about 1 quartINGREDIENTS1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided5 lbs ripe medium size tomatoes, coredKosher saltGranulated sugarBlack pepper to taste
1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp. each dried thyme, oregano and basil leavesHOW TO
1. Preheat oven to 275°F. Line two jelly roll pans with foil. Lightly coat with olive oil.
2. Cut tomatoes in half through equator not stem. Arrange the halves, cut side up, on pans.
3. Sprinkle a pinch each of salt, sugar and black pepper over each tomato half, drizzle each with balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle garlic and herbs over. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over and around.
4. Roast until the tomatoes are dark in color and collapsed. Could take 3 – 5 hours. Remove from oven and let cool; transfer to tightly sealed container. Use within a week or freeze.To freeze: let cool before packaging in clearly labeled and dated small freezer bags or tightly sealed containers. Include some of juices in each bag or container. Use within 6 months.
But wait! I have one more tomato left and I don’t know what to do!
Tomatoes are obviously delicious, contain vitamin C, vitamin A and are a good source of copper, potassium, and other vitamins. You can stuff your face with tomatoes and, use them on your face.
While some facial washes in stores contain tomatoes, they also contain lots of chemicals. This face wash has two ingredients: tomatoes and lemon juice. Tomatoes have natural skin lightening properties and can help with acne scars. Also, it will just make your face feel good! Check this “recipe” out from beauty tips blog Bellatory.
Peach-Tomato Salad. Combine two late summer produce items and suddenly, you have a beautiful and tasty salad. Peaches and tomatoes make a great simple salad, according to Chef Rich Baringer, the chef and owner of Dinner’s Done Personal Chef Service. Tip: be sure to use fresh and ripe tomatoes and peaches or this just won’t be as good!
For a full listing of Bucks County farmer markets and their days/times, go to our Local Food Guide of Bucks County farmers markets.
Here’s what you will find at area farms and farmers markets, all grown in Bucks County. [Note: not every farmers market will have all these goods, but there’s a good chance you will find this produce.]
CLICK HERE to download My local food shopping list from BUCKS COUNTY TASTE – perfect for planning your weekly shopping at local farms and markets.
Produce
- Arugula
- Apricots (select markets)
- Beets (with green tops), Golden and Red
- Beans (yellow, green) NEW!
- Blackberries (select markets)
- Blueberries (select markets)
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots (with green tops)
- Collard Greens
- Cucumbers (including pickling cukes)
- Edible flowers
- Eggplant (Italian, Japanese and others)
- Endive
- Escarole
- Fennel
- Garlic (fresh and cured)
- Herbs: basil, dill, parsley, thyme, mint, sage, cilantro, oregano and chives
- Husk Cherries (ground cherries, gooseberries)
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks (select markets)
- Lettuce and lettuce mix, Romaine, Red-leaf
- Melons: Honeydew, Watermelon, Canary, Cantaloupe
- Mushrooms
- Nectarines NEW!
Okra NEW!- Onions (cured and fresh, yellow, red, Torpedo)
- Peaches
- Pears
- Peas (green, black-eyed)
- Peppers (sweet, Shishito Peppers, Hungarian, Jalapeno and Cayenne)
- Plums NEW!
- Potatoes (white, purple, yellow)
- Purslane
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Scallions
- Shallots NEW!
- Spinach
- Summer squash
- Sweet corn (select markets)
- Swiss Chard
- Tatsoi NEW!
- Tomatillos NEW!
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Many markets will also be selling…
Honey – Locally sourced honey and beeswax products.
Meats – Locally raised meats including pasture-raised pork, beef, chicken, and goat.
Eggs, Dairy – Free range eggs, fresh cow and goat milk cheeses.
Baked Goods – Wood fired Breads, sweets using locally sourced ingredients, gluten-free goods, granola.
Prepared Foods – Soups and meals to eat at market or bring home, plus pickled and fermented goods.
Other food items – Preserves made from local fruits and vegetables. Pie fillings. Marinades and sauces. Oils and vinegars. Locally roasted organic coffee beans. Bottled wine and cider.
Plus – Dog bones and treats, crafts, soaps and skin care products, olive oils, food trucks on site, and other gift items.
CLICK HERE to download My local food shopping list_Bucks County Taste – perfect for planning your weekly shopping at local farms and markets.
