Across the region, farmers’ markets are now open and stocked with the freshest seasonal produce. In addition to providing the best in flavors and nutrition in the form of the latest crops to come into season, markets also make fresh produce affordable. The key is to buy the produce that’s in the most abundance and savor it until the next crop comes into season. It is also worth noting that most markets participate in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and/or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) programs. See the farmers' market list below for details on participating markets.
Here are a few simple recipes designed to help you enjoy the flavors of the season.
Sugar snap pea salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups sugar snap peas
- ½ cucumber, cut into ⅛-inch rounds
- 1 small red bell pepper, stemmed and cut into ⅛-inch slices
- ¾ cups canned mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- ½-1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the vegetables fruit and set aside while you make the dressing.
- In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk until blended.
- Drizzle half of the dressing over the fruit and vegetables and gently toss to thoroughly coat the fruit and vegetables. Sample for flavor and add more dressing to your taste.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving and if any dressing is leftover, make it available on the side.
Zucchini noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cut the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are just tender.
- Stir in the pesto sauce until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Peach and goat cheese salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced peaches, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing salad.
Summer hours and locations of area farmers' markets
Did you know? Your money goes farther with Cash Crop, "double your coupon" program available at Vermont famers' markets that accept SNAP/3SquaresVT. For every 10 SNAP dollars you spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, and starts at the market, you'll receive an extra $10 to put towards additional similar purchases.
Vermont markets
Arlington Village Farmers' Market
- 148 Recreation Park Road, Arlington
- Fridays, 4 to 7 pm
- Accepts WIC Farm to Family and SNAP
Bennington Community Market
- 239 Main Street
- Second and fourth Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm
Benmont Avenue Produce
- 160 Benmont Avenue, Bennington
- 7 days a week, 11 am to 5 pm
- Accepts WIC Farm to Family
Dorset Farmers' Market
- HN Williams Store, 2732 VT 30, Dorset
- Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm
- Accepts WIC Farm to Family and SNAP
Manchester Farmers' Market
- Adam's Park, Manchester
- Thursdays, 3 to 6 pm
- Accepts WIC Farm to Family and SNAP
Massachusetts markets
Williamstown Farmers' Market
- Spring St., Williamstown
- Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm
- Offers a Community Essentials Initiative, which provides food to families in need in the northern Berkshires. Accepts SNAP and WIC at select vendors
North Adams Farmers' Market
- Main Street, North Adams
- Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm
- Accepts SNAP and WIC at select vendors
New York market
Cambridge Valley Farmers' Market
- Owlkill Commons, Cambridge
- Sundays, 10 am to 1 pm
- Accepts WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program