Berry time

This weekend marked the beginning of an exciting fresh fruit and vegetable season with the first pick of strawberries out at the orchards in Charlie-Thornberry. I am happy to report that the strawberries I got at Young's Orchard on Saturday were both DELICIOUS and nutritious. I think I ate about two gallons all by myself as soon as I got them out of my car and washed-OK, I lie, I ate a few even before I washed them!!! Dirt don't hurt! And the kids I saw out at the orchard who had been picking their own strawberries seem to agree-the evidence was clear enough from their faces, stained red from strawberry juice!
In the coming weeks and months, our local farmers will have strawberries, blackberries, and the ever-popular peaches along with delicious fresh vegetables. Trust me, once you try fruit and veg straight from the farm, you'll have NO problem getting your recommended five servings per day. You'll eat five servings in one sitting if you're not careful! Of course, I would NEVER recommend eating five servings at once....
My favorite are the peaches and the fresh tomatoes that will be ready later on in the season. They both are around for my birthday and one of my fondest childhood memories included having peach cobbler every year from Charlie-Thornberry peaches for my birthday dinner dessert at my grandmother Alice's house. Who needs birthday cake when you get PEACH COBBLER?? Even though Grandma has passed on, I still have her peach cobbler recipe today, and it's a nice trip down memory lane to go out and get those peaches every year and then make the recipe.
The fresh tomatoes are delicious in salads, on the grill or even baked in the oven with some breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of cheese!
So if you get a chance, visit the farmer's market or drive out the Charlie-Thornberry. It might take a few extra minutes but your efforts will be rewarded!

Posted by Stacy Horany at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)