Farmers Market Report: July 20, 2016

You see it on all the Facebook pages of local farms and farm markets: When are the blackberries? Are the pick-your-own blueberries available? When will the tomatoes be ready? Do you have any cantaloupe? Before you post all those questions, let us help out — with this week’s farmers market report.

Summer is in full swing (in case you hadn’t noticed the 90°+ weather) and Bucks County farmers markets have the best produce that the season offers. Tomatoes, berries, peppers, and sweet corn are finally here.

So then, what’s new?! 

Here are updates for the week for a few local farmers markets. We didn’t list them all, so call your favorite farmers market to see what they have or to just check their website or Facebook. Feel free to just swing by a farmers market on a whim, maybe you’ll find something for dinner, lunch, or for snacking!

Lower Makefield Farmers Market: The market is preparing for another warm week, but their vendors have a lot of produce this week. Stop by from 3:30 – 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 21 for blueberries, cantaloupe, sweet corn, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce and lettuce mix, radishes, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, garlic, potatoes, fresh onions, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, leeks, parsley, basil and other goods. Next week the market will have a “demo zucchini race” for their Annual Zucchini Race on August 4. Check their page for more information.

Shady Brook Farm: Hello corn! Shady Brook Farm in Yardley now has white and bi-color corn, blueberries, green, yellow and heirloom squash, cucumbers, three types of beans, carrots, cherry tomatoes (which are still coming in), eggplant, and peppers.

Peace Valley Winery: Pick-your-own blackberries have reopened at Peace Valley Winery. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but the fields are open for picking on Wednesday through Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm, and Sunday 12 – 5:30 pm.

Double Brook Farm: Double Brook Farm in Hopewell, NJ recently discovered that their wineberry crops were coming in nicely in the forest. These are unique berries. One possible reason why they are not commercially grown is because they fall off the bush when ripe and they have to be pried away from prickers, according to the farm. They make for a great pancake topper, and they are currently available at the Brick Farm Tavern. Be sure to call in advance to see if there are any left.

Gravity Hill Farm: Their veggie of the week is Swiss chard, which is a huge leafy green that is packed with nutrition. It’s also a member of the beet family! Gravity Hill Farm in Titusville, NJ is now offering eggplant, leeks, okra, hot peppers, and sungold tomatoes. Coming soon will be husk cherries and lots more tomatoes. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm and on Tuesdays from 1 – 6 pm.

Need something to do with all that chard? Check out this summery, flavorful recipe: Swiss Chard with Pine Nuts and Raisins

Yardley Farmers’ Market: New at the market: Jesse Howe from Howe Sharp will be bringing his mobile sharpening service to Yardley Farmers’ Market monthly, starting this Saturday July 23. You’ll need sharp knives and scissors for all the produce you’re going to buy! Their summer produce bounty continues, and this weekend you might see cantaloupe and other end-of-July items.

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

• Apricots (select markets) NEW!
• Beets (with green tops), Golden and Red
• Blackberries (select markets) NEW!
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cantaloupe NEW!
• Carrots (with green tops)
• Collard Greens NEW!
• Cucumbers
• Edible flowers
• Eggplant NEW!
• Fennel
• Garlic (fresh)
• Herbs: basil, dill, parsley, thyme, mint, sage, cilantro, oregano and chives
• Hot Peppers, Shishito Peppers NEW!
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Leeks (select markets)
• Lettuce and lettuce mix, Romaine lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Peaches NEW!
• Peas and Pea tops NEW!
• Potatoes
• Radicchio
• Radishes
• Raspberries NEW!
• Red onions (Tropea) NEW!
• Scallions
• Summer squash
• Sweet corn (select markets) NEW!
• Sweet Peppers
• Swiss Chard
• Tomatoes (just starting…)
• Hakurei Turnips
• 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 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.