Local sweet corn marks the arrival of the summer's best produce

Fresh-picked, local sweet corn is now in abundance at all of the local farmer's markets and farm stands. �"We are lucky to be living in the heart of the Hudson Valley's sweet corn country," commented Maire Ullrich, ag issue leader with Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County. "Tomatoes are soon to follow with their many varieties for eating on an open-faced cheese sandwich with some fresh herbs, made into your favorite pasta sauce or tossed in a scrumptious salad!"�

Ullrich pointed out that virtually every community in Orange County has a market where people can bring home an incredible array of fruits and vegetables grown only minutes from where they live.

"We've posted a complete, up-to-date listing of farmer's markets throughout the county on our Web site� and you'll also find individual farm stands plentiful around the county," said Ullrich.�

Local farmers markets include:
Chester: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown, Village of Chester;

Warwick: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., South Street Parking Lot, Village of Warwick;

Florida: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Intersection of 17A and 94, across from Quick Chek;

Monroe: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Museum Village, 1010 Rte. 17M;

Goshen: Fridays, 10 a.m. to�5 p.m., Village Square, Main St.

While at the farmer's market or local farm stand, Ullrich urges people to check out all of the other local fresh summer produce. There are ripe berries, peaches, crisp greens and new potatoes just to name a few. The selection is amazing and it's what makes summer a fun time to cook and a healthy time to eat, she said.

A list of Orange County farmer's markets is available at cce.cornell.edu/orange or call 845-344-1234 for more information.