Grown In Connecticut

The summer harvest was delayed slightly by the rainy spring, according to Rick Mascuga of the state's Department of Agriculture but if the weather keeps up, the farmers' markets will have native fruits and vegetables as soon as next week. 

"Things are coming in spotty at this point, we should have more guys online," said Mascuga. "Everything is kind of on target but we should have more availability. If it stays hot we should be pretty much caught up by next week." 

This week, farmer's may have some cherries left but the season "was a disaster" according to Mascuga who said the plants were not well pollinated this year. 

"If you see native cherries , don't hesitate," he said, "because they probably won't be there (next week)." 

Mascuga said peaches may be available by the end of the week and more so sometime next week. Also, he said corn is available.  

"It's small but very very sweet and more will be available by the end of the week.

Available this week: 

raspberries

blueberries

green beans are available but very expensive

greenhouse tomatoes 

beets

carrots

garlic

radishes

yellow and green squash is starting to come in heavy

salad and pickling cucumbers

lettuces are winding down

peas are still available but on the downswing

purple and yellow cauliflower

the whole gamut of herbs, like cilantro, basil, parsley, etc.

squash blossoms, for stir frying or to stuff

cheeses, honeys, jams and jellies

Where to find them:

Ledyard Farmers’ Market is on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ledyard Town Center at the Fair Grounds. www.ledyardfresh.com, WIC/Senior FMNP Accepted.

The Norwich Uncas Farmers’ Market is on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Uncas on the Thames, 401 West Thames Street, 100 Campbell Building. WIC/Senior FMNP Accepted, SNAP/EBT. 

The Norwich Downtown Farmers’ Market is on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the boat marina in Howard Brown Park on Route 2. WIC/Senior FMNP Accepted. 

The Preston Farmers’ Market is on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Preston Plains School on Route 164. WIC/Senior FMNP Accepted.