Farm Fresh Goodness

Now that the warm weather is here it's time to head to your local farms.Many areas , including my overly built up state of New Jersey still has some good clean acreage. Local farms not only provide fresh produce; they also give a respite from our busy lives. There's nothing like wandering through fresh fields picking the fruits and vegetables of the season or the thrill of buying something newly harvested or just out of the oven baked.

While writing yesterday's blog on strawberries I discovered a neat website called
www.pickyourown.org. It lets you find farms in your area or anywhere in the world for that matter. Pickyourown also has what each farm grows along with other farms that specialize in picking your own pumpkins and cutting down your own X-mas trees. Another good aspect of this site is that it gives tips and a monthly table for when to pick various fruits and vegetables. This is a definite print out to put on your fridge. It also has a must have list for picking which is essential for anyone going with children (again another must print out). Pickyourown has instructions about how to identify ripe fruit as well as how to properly pick it. This is a boon and a must have guide for any neophyte. The site also has canning and storing tips as well.

When you visit a farm take advantage of its' other products. A lot of them will have fresh baked pies made with their own fruit as well as cookies and muffins. These are incredible and come the closest to what's known as old fashioned farm baking. Also there may be some home made preserves and jams. These are a definite buy. Their flavor is more intense and delicious than the mass produced sorts A favorite NJ farm, Delicious Orchards, makes its' own raspberry jam that's pure heaven on croissants. Buy a couple of jars.Some farms will also produce their own relishes, piccalillies and chutneys which are good for summer barbecues. Take advantage of these home made favorites at any stand.

Now is the time to head to your local farms. Not only will you get the benefit of freshly picked fruits and vegetables you 'll enjoy time away from your busy schedule. There's nothing like being in the countryside surrounded by summer's bountiful harvest.