Summer's Bounty

You know Summertime is in full swing when the local farmers market is overflowing with fresh abundance. The peaches, nectarines, corn, melons and tomatoes are in season and every market stand features plenty of variety.

We picked up a few unique fruits and vegetable to enjoy this week, including a "great white" heirloom tomato, white nectarines, a cantaloupe, sweet corn and purple string beans. We were intrigued by the crazy colors and names of your typical everyday fruits and veggies. I don't know about you but I've certainly never seen purple string beans.

The corn is so delicious. The vendor was handing out raw pieces of corn to sample. It was irresistable and it wasn't even cooked! We had to pick up a half a dozen ears for the week.

We also love heirloom tomatoes and have been waiting for them to make their annual appearance at the market. It seems like the selection of their colors, shapes and names are endless. Last year, we made a delicious pasta sauce from a variety of heirlooms. We haven' quite decided what to do with our first heirloom of the year.

Another Johnnycakes and Butters favorite is white nectarines. Like white peaches, their flesh is white instead of the standard yellow tinge. They are also a lot sweeter than the regular yellow fruit. I'll be sure to go to the market the next several weekends to make sure I stock up. We wait all year for the white peaches and nectarines!

As you can see, we'll be eating plenty of fresh and healthy foods this week thanks to our local farmers market. Keep an eye out for this week's meals featuring the purple string beans and corn.