Blog Layout

Farmers Market Finds and Shopping Tips

Be sure to get out and explore your local farmers markets! Not only do they provide opportunities to small farmers and businesses to sell their products, they also help to meet the growing demand for locally grown produce, food and other products. 


Fresh locally grown seasonal produce is a farmers market favorite, and people flock there to peruse the colorful displays. There they can find greens, broccoli, cauliflower, root veggies, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, berries, peaches, nectarines and more! Produce is just the beginning, though, since there is so much more to scope out at farmers markets. Other locally grown, produced or crafted items that may also be found include:


  • Plants and flowers
  • Cheeses
  • Eggs
  • Honey
  • Chocolates
  • Baked goods
  • Prepared foods
  • Olive oils and olives
  • All natural, grass fed beef
  • All natural, pasture-raised meat and poultry
  • Maple syrup and confections
  • Gourmet coffee and herbal teas
  • Salad dressings, sauces and marinades
  • Bath and body products 
  • Artisan crafts i.e. jewelry and apparel, leather items, artwork, etc.


You can even make a farmers market visit into a family outing if it’s one that features music, activities for children and concessionaires’ stands.

Shopping Tips

Recipe Inspiration

It’s always helpful to have a little inspiration and we’re pleased to share a few of our favorite recipes using fresh summer produce that inspire us!

Veggie Lovers Quiche

Start the day off right with a veggie-packed quiche from American Dairy Association Mideast and save time by using a store-bought pie crust!

Get Recipe ->

Balsamic Berry Shortcakes with Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream

Nothing says summer quite like fresh berries with homemade shortcake. The balsamic vinegar intensifies the sweetness of the berries and the Greek yogurt saves on calories without sacrificing taste! Get Recipe ->

Burrito Bowl with Chicken

Skip the tortilla and build a burrito bowl. This recipe, courtesy of Oldways, combines sweet, savory and spicy flavors and can easily be adapted to personal taste preferences. Get Recipe ->

29 Jun, 2022
INGREDIENTS 2 tubes crescent roll sheets 12 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp onion powder 3/4 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp dried dill 1 tsp dried parsley Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) 4-5 cups chopped or sliced veggies INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll each sheet of crescents on a half sheet pan, joining the seams in the center. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until crust is golden brown and puffy. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, yogurt, mayo, onion powder, garlic, dill and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Top with shredded cheese, if desired. Sprinkle the veggies evenly over the crust and press them in a bit. Cover with saran wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. The pizza will last for a few days but is best served within 2-8 hours. Notes : Sour cream can be substituted for the Greek yogurt. If you can't find crescent sheets, you can substitute crescent rolls, but you will have to roll out the dough, so the seams are no longer visible. My favorite veggies to use are sliced mini bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, sliced and halved radishes, broccoli and quartered cherry tomatoes. The crust can be baked, cream cheese assembled, and veggies prepped in advance. I recommend waiting to assemble the pizza until two hours or less before serving.
30 Sep, 2021
INGREDIENTS 16 oz. cauliflower florets 2 tbsp olive oil ⅓ cup buffalo sauce 8 large lettuce leaves 1 stalk celery chopped ½ cup matchstick carrots ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 450F. Toss cauliflower in oil. Spread evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 15-20 minutes, flipping midway, until tender. Drizzle buffalo sauce onto cauliflower and toss to coat well. Return pan to oven and bake additional 5 minutes. Fill lettuce cups with buffalo cauliflower and top with carrots, celery and blue cheese.
26 Aug, 2021
INGREDIENTS ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup butter 1 egg 2 cups flour plus an additional tablespoon 2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp.salt ½ cup milk 2 cups fresh blueberries, washed Streusel Topping ½ cup sugar ⅓ cup flour ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ cup butter, melted INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease an 8X8” pan. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add egg and beat until fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into sugar mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined. Toss blueberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, and gently fold into batter. Spread into the prepared pan. Add all streusel topping ingredients to a small bowl, and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 Jul, 2021
Crisp, light, and fruity, this sparkling white sangria contains less alcohol than most traditional sangrias, making it a refreshing choice when you want some alcohol but not too much.

Gazpacho

This colorful and nutritious recipe from Farm Flavor is perfect for those hot summer days, and it couldn't be easier to make! Just throw everything into a food processor or blender for this delicious chilled soup. Get Recipe ->

Mediterranean Bean Salad

This fresh salad has lots of color and crunch! Shop and eat local by purchasing many of the ingredients at your local farmer’s market i.e. fresh veggies and herbs, olive oil, maple syrup, and feta cheese. Get Recipe ->

Maple Apple Baked Beans

These baked beans from Farm Flavor make a great side dish at a summer barbecue or anytime, and are a delicious accompaniment with many pork, chicken and beef dishes!
Get Recipe ->

We're Social!

Share by: