Freshski's

What a wild ride it’s been in the gardens this spring.  Just about everything has been earlier than normal by many weeks.  And now it is nearly over long before it should.  If you are like me, you have already disposed of the greens, which probably have bolted due to the higher temperatures.  Root crops like radishes and turnips are starting to taste hotter and pithier by the day.  So let’s move on to the most consistent season we have here for the gardens.

Yes that would be the coming of summer and the coming of hot days and warm nights.  By now you should have planted your tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini/summer squash, eggplant, okra and corn, if you have the space.  All of these sun lovers thrive in our climate.  And many consider the tomatoes here to be the best in the country.  I’d have to agree as the warm nights add fullness and character to the taste of any tomato grown here.  You should be seeing all of this summer delights in local groceries, road side stands and farmers markets by mid month and lasting long into the remaining growing season.

Look for English, snow and sugar snap peas at your markets in the first two weeks of this month.  They should be better than average but the season is short and they will only be available for a few weeks.  You will also start to see many items that you should try if you have not in the past.  For example, bulb fennel is outstanding and great prepared with seafood or simply grilled.  The beautiful Swiss chard is a must for those wanting to add earthiness and texture to any number of dishes. And we must not forget the beets of all colors, red, yellow, striped, and white.  Try them roasted or grilled to bring out the sugars and intensify the flavors.  Beets are especially good when paired with a goat or cream cheese. 

There will be broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage this month.  You should try it, as it will be good.  But remember the taste and compare it later in the fall when the best Cole crops are grown in this area.  The same goes for carrots and the last of the spring greens, including kale, mustards, and collards.  The heat does change the taste of these vegetables and are best grown and harvested in the cool days and nights in the fall.

For those of you who garden and have lots of space, consider melons and winter squash.  Now would be a good time to plant these for harvest later this summer and fall.  Melons are a bit tricky and require a sandy soil.  Far too often, they look good on the outside but really aren’t as sweet as we would like.  It is best to buy these at markets from growers who have the soil conditions to ensure the sweet tastes that you will enjoy.

Winter squash is on a roll in this area and some growers are introducing many varieties that are discovering a rebirth in Midwest kitchens.  Local restaurants are demanding more and more winter squash for the fall and winter and you will see many more varieties at the markets later this year.  It will be an exciting time to experiment with one of the most flavorful and versatile vegetables.  Use them in soups, pastas, stews, and desserts.

Herbs are popping up all over.  Basils, parsleys, chives, dill, oregano, and mints of all kind are ready for your kitchen.  Cooking with fresh herbs is enjoyable and adds flavor to whatever you prepare for friends and family.  You can even use some in desserts and drinks. Fresh herbs give you the opportunity to experiment and discover flavors that you may be missing.  Give them all a try, even the unusual ones like shisho, borage and savory.

Those of you who took advantage of the early strawberry season know how good they were this year.  And the blueberry and blackberry seasons will be too.  Look for both of these beautiful berries all month at just about every market.  You may want to be adventurous and try some gooseberries or elderberries, but they will be a little more difficult to find.

The growing season has been a real success this year in spite of the unusual weather patterns and roller coaster temperature changes.  This month will be a strong month for lots of local vegetables, herbs and fruit, and cut flowers for those who enjoy the beauty of summer bouquets in your rooms.  Sunflowers, zinnias and others will be in great supply at farmers markets as many growers have added them to their fields.  June will be a very good month and will be busting out with the best of spring and summer.