Summer squash are varieties of Cucurbita pepo related to pumpkins, melons and cucumbers. Believed to be native to America’s, summer squash are harvested when immature and the rind is still tender and edible. We farm 4 acres of squash growing six different varieties including; yellow round (AKA 8 ball) green round, yellow straight neck, Cousa,… Read More »

We were delighted to have  interviewed Caroline on her last day of her marketing internship on our farm earlier this month. Enjoy Caroline’s perspective of life before, during and after her internship at Alstede Farms. Before Caroline, a local high school graduate and current University student interned with us throughout the summer. Caroline has always… Read More »

Eggplant, also known as Aubergine, is technically a berry, as it contains small edible seeds, although it is regarded as a vegetable in cooking. Eggplants are a member of the nightshade family which also include; peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. Eggplants are in season on our farm in the summer months of late July through September,… Read More »

The amazing tomato is our eating in season feature of the week. Botanically known as a fruit, culinary speaking we refer to tomatoes as vegetables. Tomatoes can be classified according to their harvest time or by their characteristic type. That means you may hear the term early, mid season or late being used in addition… Read More »

Garlic is one of those things that is so very loved by some and not so much by others, a true dichotomy if you start asking around. Here’s an example of that divide, even in our culinary specialist Miss Jenn’s’ own family, as her parents cooked with garlic daily while growing up.  Now she and… Read More »

Peach blossoms typically have five pink petals, but they are occasionally known to be white.  Peaches are either freestones or clingstones, the difference being the flesh separating easily from the pit or not. Freestone peaches flesh is easily separated from the pit, while the other is not.  Peaches have fuzzy skin. Peaches with smooth skin… Read More »

Do you know? Is Corn a fruit or a vegetable?  Corn is technically a fruit as it derives from a seed of a flowering plant. There are generally two types of corn, sweet corn and field corn. The differences between sweet corn and field corn are that sweet corn is picked when immature and used… Read More »

Bean thinking about healthy eating? Try adding green beans into your summer dishes to enjoy the health benefits of eating farm fresh and in season. The green bean is a herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family and has been around for a very long time. Some say that there are over 100 varieties of… Read More »

Blueberries certainly are berry good eats and they are in season now on our farm. There are generally two types of blueberry bushes: the first being wild (commercially known as lowbush) blueberries and cultivated (commercially known as highbush) blueberries. We have seven plus acres of the highbush blueberry variety on our farm.  Highbush blueberries have… Read More »

Leeks are in the allium family related to onions, garlic, chives, shallots, ramps and scallions. One taste and you will be able to tell that very easily. Leeks have a sweet, milder onion flavor that works so well as a base for soups, stews, pasta dishes. It’s a long bulbous vegetable with white flesh and… Read More »

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense perennial vegetable and a member of the lily family. It is only harvested during spring months in our area, so when it’s available be sure not miss the chance to savor some of these tender veggies. Remember that eating in season and eating local is more sustainable and tastes best! We… Read More »

Greens is a common term used to describe the leaves of green vegetables that are eaten as food. Greens comprise a wide list of vegetables that we grow on our farm, including; kale, arugula, spinach, lettuce, sorrel, mizuna, swiss or rainbow chard, mustard greens, Tatsoi to name a few. Greens are not only limited to… Read More »