Leah replied:
We love the warmer months, when farmers’ markets, farm stands and CSAs are all bursting with colorful produce, eggs, meat and other local goodies! At the peak of freshness, foods taste best, cost less and save time, because they shine in the simplest recipes. Plus, when you eat food closer to the time it was picked, it’s more packed with nutrients.
Still, figuring out what to do with a ton of eggplant or something new (garlic scapes?) can be a puzzle.
Here are five ideas we use:
- You can ask the farmer if they offer recipe cards or how they like to prepare their produce. Many are very happy to share tips.
- Enter an item into the SNAP-Ed NY recipe search for ideas.
- Type the item name and “recipes” in Google or any other search engine—try to choose shorter ingredient lists and simpler recipes for the most flavor and value.
- Visit Wild Harvest Table for amazing game, fowl and fish recipes.
- Go to your Cornell Cooperative Extension county site for more ideas.
You’ll find lots of great tips in Eat Easy How-Tos, too!