eating 'local'

I had to be on the east coast last week and made sure to take advantage of the local specialties.  There is a great farm stand in Old Bridge, NJ that sells Jersey corn, tomatoes, greens, etc.  If you are not from NJ...maybe you have no idea what kind of glorious produce New Jersey can produce?  The state is most famous for it's corn, tomatoes and blueberries.

I got some corn.  WHOA.  The kernels were seriously jumping off the cob with freshness and they were so incredibly sweet.  Not organic, though!  Hmph.  They were so good, I packed a half dozen into my luggage and we ate them tonight.  So, I flew them back myself, that must count for something as we try to eat locally.

[The Jersey tomatoes were 2.99/lb and the 'other' tomatoes were 1.99/lb.  Uh huh. I know. What gives, food system?!?]

Oh no!

What?  We're out of vegetables already??  This is the 'curse' of summer produce from the farm - it's much more evenly divided between fruits and vegetables.

We do still have a few radishes and some half-portions kicking around, but everything else is history.  That's what stir-fry and pizzas are for - using up the leftovers!

PS: Summer is officially here.  We have received tomatoes AND basil.  This week will be the real start of tomato season as the heirlooms are on their way. 

PPS:  I have started a new blogroll category called 'Farm Life' to keep track of the new, beautiful, enviable blogs that are originating from farms these days.  

PPS: On the farm note, there is a beautiful photo spread in last Sunday's NY Times magazine profiling female farmers.  Enjoy.