The local harvest arrives Saturdays at the Aquidneck Growers' Farmers' Market in Middletown, RI.

The Aquidneck Growers’ Farmers’ Market takes place Saturdays during harvest time on the field next to the Newport Vineyards & Winery.  Although today we’re about halfway through the season, there still aren’t many fruits — except blueberries, of course, as well as some pretty hard nectarines and peaches.  But I did find an abundance of locally grown vegetables and leafy greens from local farms such as Simmons Farm, Sweet Berry Farm, and Paradise Hill Farm.

This morning, I bought tomatoes, beets, squash, garlic, corn, and red onions.  Geoff bought radishes and hot dogs.  I also spotted eggplants, onions, carrots, kale, swiss chard, green beans, and plenty more.  Having now tried both the corn from Paradise Hill and Simmons, I can now officially declare my preference for the corn from Simmons.  There are also a variety of bakeries (Olga’s Cup and Saucer has excellent pizza doughs and blueberry scones); creameries (try Narragansett Creamery’s Atwell’s Gold or ricotta cheese); and even one butcher (Pat’s Pastured sells top-notch poultry and pork).

Hey, I love avocados too, but I’d almost always rather buy something at a Farmers’ Market than the supermarket.  Shopping at farmers’ markets isn’t cheap — it’s a bit like gambling in that you should arrive with the money you’re prepared to lose.  Even so, it’s always worth it — you certainly get the freshest produce and products, in addition to the satisfaction of supporting local farms and producers.

Aquidneck Growers Farmers Market
June 6-October 24, 2009
Saturdays 9am-1pm at Newport Vineyards & Winery
909 East Main Road
Middletown, RI
www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=1