LOCALLY GROWN, FRESH FROM THE FARM SUMMER CROPS PERFECT FOR RECIPES
Columbia, MD (July 1, 2010) – Celebrate the plentiful supply of locally grown corn and tomatoes during the month of July. Located in the center of the fourth largest metropolis in the country, Howard County agriculture offers people who live and/or work here an abundance of fun-filled, quality family activities. Learn about the health benefits of eating locally grown food while also learning about Howard County’s agricultural heritage that is rooted in tradition, but growing in diversity.
Clark’s Produce Stand—located on route 108 in Ellicott City—provides locally grown sweet corn, tomatoes, and a variety of other produce at its stand which opened on July 1. New this season at the stand is grass-fed beef, which is perfect for the grill. Nora Crist, who works in the family business at Clark’s, says “(we decided to start selling grass-fed beef) to take out the middle-man. We already had the resources to do it and it really shows that we think providing local food is important.”
The best-seller at Clark’s Produce Stand has always been tomatoes, but “cantaloupe and watermelon sold a lot last summer,” said Crist. Making a trip to Clark’s Produce Stand can become a fun family event should you decide to go to Clark’s Elioak Farm to experience the petting zoo and treasures from The Enchanted Forest. As with all farms, customers should call ahead to find out if the produce is available.
Larriland Farm (located in Woodbine) provides delicious produce, especially around this time of year. Larriland has “devotion” corn, which is a very light and sweet kind of corn and tomatoes will be there soon. Larriland Farm is a pick-your-own farm that grows many types of fruits and vegetables and also provides family fun with a maze and hay rides.
Early July, with its hot weather and Independence Day, is the perfect time to have a picnic with the family. Fireworks will fill the sky, but don’t let your stomachs stay empty! Locally grown vegetables, particularly corn and tomatoes, are perfect for creating delicious dishes this time of year.
This time of the season, corn and tomatoes are about to hit our farms full force. So many fantastic recipes feature these key ingredients that grow at farms near our homes. A summer favorite is Tomato-Corn Salad, which always proves to be a flavorful way to eat something light when it’s hot outside.
Tomatoes are great for becoming an edible container for the other ingredients in a recipe. Try something unique for your picnic with Tomatoes Stuffed with Corn. Don’t forget an appetizer featuring the summer’s best crops. Try Tomato, Corn, and Avocado Salsa. With hearty vegetables and light seasonings, this salsa isn’t the watery salsa you find from the store! Don’t forget that local produce can also help create tasty desserts.
Larriland Farm is in its peak season for red raspberries and black raspberries. For any recipe, you can replace red raspberries for black raspberries or have them mixed. Try raspberry cobbler for something sweet at your next get-together.
These recipes are perfect for the summer season and your gatherings with friends and family. Go to your local farms today to enjoy what summer has to offer!
About Howard County’s Agricultural Marketing Program: The Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Agricultural Marketing Program supports the development of a variety of agricultural businesses in the county. Working in partnership with state and local agencies, such as Farmland Preservation, the Authority provides assistance in promoting products, diversifying activities, and expanding markets for agri-business. Seminars in agricultural sales & marketing and farm financial management help producers enhance the economic viability of their farming operations. For more information about Howard County’s Agricultural Marketing Program, please visit www.hceda.org/agriculture/.
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small, minority-owned, and agricultural business communities. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached on the Web at http://www.hceda.org.
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