Figs at the farmers market
What's hitting its peak in July? Early figs. Connoisseurs debate whether these figs are sweeter than fruit from the main harvest. The rest of us are just happy to have them available. Click here for...
View ArticleKyhoto grapes
What's hitting its peak in August? Kyoho grapes. Because of their sweet, grapey flavor, Kyohos are terrific when paired with salty cheeses, particularly blues. Click here for details.
View ArticleThompson seedless grapes
What's hitting its peak in September? Thompson seedless grapes. Choose them when they're really ripe and you'll be surprised at how floral and sophisticated their flavor can be. Click here for details.
View ArticleWinter squash
What's hitting its peak in October? Winter squash. Cutting into a squash can be half the challenge -- some varieties have skins so tough they seemingly require a hammer and chisel. But your diligence...
View ArticleJerusalem artichokes
What's hitting its peak in December? Jerusalem artichokes. They look more like raw ginger than anything else. Whatever you call them, Jerusalem artichokes have a crisp texture and a mildly sweet...
View ArticleKumquats
What's hitting its peak in January? Kumquats. Kumquats are a contrary fruit. Unlike almost every other citrus variety, you eat the entire fruit, skin and all. What's more, the sweet part is the peel,...
View ArticleCarrots
What's hitting its peak in February? Carrots Remember when carrots were orange? Today, you can find them in a surprising assortment of colors: Royal scarlets that are so red they're almost purple;...
View ArticleZucchini flowers
What's hitting its peak in June? Zucchini flowers. So bright yellow they almost look orange, zucchini flowers are nearly irresistible to farmers market shoppers. Yet it seems many people don't know...
View ArticleBartlett pears
What's hitting its peak in September Bartlett pears. Pears will continue to ripen off the tree (indeed, they really have to ripen off the tree to avoid a woody texture). So if your pears are a little...
View ArticleBell peppers
What's hitting its peak in September? Bell peppers. There is nothing at the farmers market that sums up the late summer-early fall season like the mounds of brightly colored peppers that seem to be...
View ArticleFarm fresh peaches
What's hitting its peak in August? Peaches and nectarines. Peaches and nectarines are summer's kissing cousins. In fact, they're so closely related that occasionally a peach tree will bear nectarines...
View ArticleEggplants
What's hitting its peak in August? Eggplants. There is no end to the ways you can prepare eggplant. Fry it, roast it, grill it, deep-fry it, even steam it. Each results in a different texture and...
View ArticleOgen melons
What's hitting its peak in August? Ogen melons. Melons will continue to ripen after they've been harvested as long as you store them at room temperature. If you like melons chilled, refrigerate them...
View ArticleShelling beans
What's hitting its peak in August? Shelling beans. Look for pods that have begun to shrivel and dry, with full-sized beans inside. These will be the most mature and have the best flavor. Click here...
View ArticleGala apples
What's hitting its peak in August? Gala apples. Select apples that are smooth-skinned, deeply colored and glossy. When ripe, Galas will be golden yellow with slight pinkish orange stripes. Click here...
View ArticleBlenheim apricots
What's hitting its peak in July? Blenheim apricots. A ripe Blenheim has a depth and richness of flavor that no other apricot approaches. Click here for details.
View ArticleMulberries
What's hitting its peak in July? Mulberries. These little berries have been more plentiful recently, though if you want them you certainly have to get to the farmers market early and know whom to ask....
View ArticleWhite-fleshed nectarines
What's hitting its peak in July? White-fleshed peaches and nectarines. Once a rarity, white nectarines have become popular in the last 10 years. But most modern varieties are what plant breeders call...
View ArticleSanta Rosa plums
What's hitting its peak in July? Santa Rosa plums. Introduced in 1906, the Santa Rosa is still the gold standard for farmers market plum flavor, though it has fallen out of favor commercially. Click...
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