Great time to buy local produce
It’s still a great time to go out and buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. When it’s fall everyone thinks apples and apple cider. Despite the hail this summer, you can still find plenty of apples. Some of the varieties out now include: Jonagold, Yellow Delicious, Macoun, Empire, Crispin, 20 ounce, Cortland, Empire and Honey Crisp. Pears and plums are also available.
October may not be the month you think of for fresh produce, but it’s out there. At the Farmers Market on Friday there was a wide array of vegetables: peppers in a rainbow of colors, cucumbers, green beans, spinach, broccoli, beets, carrots, cabbage, and cauliflower (white, orange or purple).
Now is a great time to stock up on onions, potatoes, and winter squash. And don’t forget the pumpkins. Whether you are making pies or carving a Jack O’Lantern, pumpkins come in any size you want – from minis to giants.
So while you are out enjoying the changing leaves stop at your local farm stand. There is still time to visit the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market. They will be at the Batavia Downs parking lot Tuesday’s and Friday’s until Halloween. Need other ideas? Visit the Cornell Cooperative web site and look under the Agri-tourism guide. Check Listings for an up to date list. http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/content/view/197
Buying locally helps conserve
Buying locally helps conserve energy and supports the livelihoods of your friends and neighbors.
Friday, my parents and I stopped at The Barn in Elba -- we picked up some huge potatoes, and some incredibly juicy onions. The squash looked excellent.