Fresh From Bucks County Farms

Just in time for the start of the 2011 growing season, Fresh From Bucks County Farms, a local listing of 75 places where you can buy local produce is available from Penn State Extension.




This popular guide identifies farmers markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and roadside markets where hungry consumers will find locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, wine, cheese and other agricultural products.


Fresh From Farms is available at all Bucks County libraries and on request from Penn State Extension- Bucks County by calling 215-345-3283. It’s on the web at http://www.buckscounty.org/Visitors/Farms/FarmFresh2011.pdf

Strawberries are a popular, season-starting crop that is abundant locally. Usually beginning in late May, some growers already have early production for sale. Pick-Your Own- PYO is a great way to enjoy a farm experience and harvest berries at a great price. Fresh Form Farms list more than a dozen strawberry growers, most of which offer PYO. Get ‘em while they last… strawberries are only in season until late June.


Community Farmers markets are another great way for consumers to connect with a variety of produce. Doylestown, Ottsville, Lower Makefield, Langhorne, New Hope, Plumsteadville, Wrightstown and Feasterville each has a weekly market. At least one of these markets is open Tuesday through Saturday. Each market has a unique blend of vendors. Find locations and detail in Fresh From Farms.

Strawberries are hot!

Strawberries are "in-season" right now in Southeastern Pennsylvania. So there is no better time to get a taste of a locally grown specialty. I know of at least 15 farms in Bucks County where you can pick your own or buy pre-picked, luscious strawberries. (I'll tell you how you can find them in a minute.)
I think many folks miss the opportunity for a gourmet treat by going to the grocery store rather than the farm for berries.. not to mention a lot of other locally produced food. You just CANNOT beat field-ripened fruit.
Strawberry season will only be "in' for another couple of weeks and this hot weather is condensing the picking season, so if you want some of these delicacies, get them while they're hot.
If you want to enjoy fresh strawberry taste all year long, preserve them. Penn State's Let's Preserve fact sheet series will tell you how to make jams and jellies or freeze that fresh flavor. A little strawberry jam in January goes a long way to beating the winter blues.
OK, want to find a local berry farm? Call us (215-345-3283) for the 2008 Fresh From Farms market directory. It lists 63 places where you can find Bucks County grown berries, sweet corn, peaches, eggs, meat and other good stuff. Check it out on the web at: http://bucks.extension.psu.edu/Agriculture/freshfarmlist.html