Cleveland Late Summer Produce Guide
Maybe you wait for spring, when the sun shines a little longer and new, baby green grass and leaves are visible. While fruits and veggies are a little more exciting in spring than winter, you're still waiting for the abundance. In the fall, there are so many hearty vegetables and fruits to choose from, readying you for winter. But summer, when the sun is warm and the days last long, is the best time for buying the produce you love. Asking a farmer is one way to know what's best in the late summer. Or ask your vendor. Wherever you shop, your vendor should be honest and knowledgeable about what produce is best in late summer.
Vegetables: Vegetables in the summer are perfect for grilling or eating simply with light dressings, salt and pepper. Vegetables that are ready in the summer are abundant and the plants will keep producing long after the first harvest. Look for tomatoes and peppers to be ready first, followed by cucumbers and eggplant next. That sweet summer corn you've been waiting for is ready towards the end of summer, but it's worth the wait. Garnishing your vegetables has never been easier with basil, cilantro and thyme, herbs that grow quickly in the summer. An herb garden surrounding the vegetables is a good way to keep pesky plant eaters away too.
Fruits: Fruits in the summer are delicious. Ripe and ready to be picked, join your favorite berry-picking farm to have fun while purchasing your summer fruit. Berries are ready all summer; strawberries and blueberries grow quickly and need that first harvest for multiple picking opportunities. Cantaloupes are ready towards the end of summer, needing more time on the vine. Pears and apples also need the extra sun and days summer offers but most are ready for picking by early august. Also on the tree are apricots, a sweet fruit you can eat and bake with. Pick apricots with the rest of your late summer fruits and veggies.
The West Side Market
1979 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 664-3387
www.westsidemarket.org
The West Side Market has an amazing selection of late summer produce. Local vendors are supplying the best from farms and family businesses right here in Cleveland. Do your shopping early in the morning for the best selection or late in the afternoon for a discounted price. The West Side Market has all of the fruits and vegetables you're looking for this summer.
Lakewood Farmers Market
City Center Plaza
14884 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 256-7793
www.lakewoodfarmersmarket.blogspot.com
Shopping local has never been easier than with the Lakewood Farmers Market. All summer and into the fall, it is offering the produce you've been dying for like heirloom tomatoes, fresh berries and leafy greens. Lakewood Farmers Market has local honey and beeswax candles along with more artistic creations. Do your produce shopping and pick up a gift or two.
North Union Farmers Market
13111 Shaker Square, Suite 301
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 751-7656
www.northunionfarmersmarket.org
The farmers market at Crocker Park, the North Union Farmers Market, is easy to shop. With lots of parking and a variety of vendors, from the Amish to local small farms, there's a place for everyone at Crocker Park. Bring the family so you all can pick out the late summer produce best for your house. There's no shortage on the crops and entertainment at Crocker Park.
Marissa Burke is a happily adventurous wife, mother and runner. Living in Lakewood, Ohio she searches neighboring communities for exciting food and drinks that are good and good for you in the Cleveland area. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
