Sink your teeth into the succulent side of summer, offered up in a rainbow of locally-raised fruits and veggies for sale at roadside farm stands. Produce just tastes better when it’s homegrown and fresh-picked, perfectly ripe in the palm of your hand. Reward your taste buds with the juicy nectar of some of our favorite treats.
1 | BERRY SWEET
Last month’s Strawberry Festival kicked off the delectable season, and pretty, rosy strawberries are still ruling the patch. Grab a quart for strawberry shortcake or a naturally sweet snack. There’s also rhubarb, raspberries and blueberries for pies. Jollyview Farm’s organic offerings steer clear of sprays, meaning you can start nibbling on your drive home. Prout’s Jollyview Farm, 1560 Memorial Highway, Oley, 610.291.2369.
2 | BLOSSOMING DELIGHT
Peaches are king at Preston Orchards, where the downy fruits are picked fresh daily and never put into cold storage. The chill robs them of their flavor, and that just won’t do, says owner Carolyn Preston. Pears and apples are also among the summer offerings, with the latter pressed into cider weekly as the air turns brisk. Preston Orchards, 168 Preston Rd., Wernersville, 610.678.8686.
3 | MOVEABLE FEAST
Feast your eyes on this miniature marketplace. Tables of potatoes and tomatoes mingle with cucumbers and zucchini. Homemade quilts and crafts are for sale alongside the dairy aisle—fresh milk and eggs kept in the cold. Plus you can pick up dessert on your way out, with local staples like shoofly and whoopee pies. Martin’s Produce Stand, near the intersection of Route 222 and Pleasant Hill Road, Fleetwood, 610.926.5828.
4 | FRESH ‘N’ QUICK
A crisp ear of sweet corn may ruin you for other varieties, with its fresh-from-the-field taste. As a bonus, these ears come already-shucked—perfect for those laziest of summer days. Just boil, slather in butter and salt, and make sure there’s enough for seconds. Burkholder’s Farm Fresh Produce, 55 Stump Rd., Fleetwood, 610.944.8380.
5 | ONE STOP SHOP
Get your summer picnic prep done in a snap. Gigantic and juicy watermelons and cantaloupes are ready to be savored. Satisfy a sweet tooth with top-selling homemade sticky buns. Then grab some plants or a sprig of flowers to liven up your décor. Burkholder’s Farm Market, 630 Topton Rd., Kutztown. 610.683.5204.
