PAVeggies.org offers guides from experts
August is Pennsylvania Produce Month, and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program is celebrating in a big way with pop-up events, all-inclusive guides, tips and recipes to help veggie lovers across the state navigate their markets and kitchens like pros. Throughout August, readers can find gems on PAVeggies.org like farm-fresh recipes from top Pennsylvania chefs.
Easy-to-use guides
PAVeggies.org is serving up additional summer resources including a top tomato picks guide to inspire tomato lovers to discover interesting tomatoes at the market (like striped zebras) and to educate them on what types to use for what.
PAVeggies.org will also celebrate the Keystone State's bounty with a Guide to Grilling Pennsylvania Vegetables to help veggie lovers think outside the bun.
Not all vegetables are created equal. Despite Pennsylvania's farmers' time, effort and dedication, sometimes "ugly is beautiful" produce comes in from the fields. However, these misshapen veggies are full of flavor and rich with nutrients. Readers will learn how to embrace "ugly" veggies and also how to preserve the taste of summer with a how to preserve and can veggies guide.
Why shop locally?
Did you know that agriculture is Pennsylvania's largest industry? Pennsylvania produce is not transported thousands of miles in fossil fuel producing trucks; it is grown by nearby family farmers in a state that is home to more than 1,000 farm markets and community farmers markets, many of which participate in Pennsylvania Produce Month promotions with special events or offers. For every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 stays in the local economy, and $99 stays in state.
To find the closest market, go to www.PAVeggies.org and click on Find PA Veggies. Other valuable resources are PA Preferred at www.papreferred.com, Penn State University's AgMap at http://agmap.psu.edu; the Pennsylvania Buy Fresh, Buy Local at www.buylocalpa.org; and the Pennsylvania MarketMaker at www.pamarketmaker.com.
