Palmer's Market Produce Picks

Palmer's Market in Darien features traditional and organic produce from local farmers throughout the summer months. Check back weekly for our Produce Picks and enjoy the tastiest, freshest produce in CT!

Check out Pictures from Palmer's Market!

Palmer's Market Produce Seasonal Update :

1. California Summer ( stone fruit ) is just getting started. All fruit harvesting has been slightly delayed this year due to the intense rain in all the growing districts of California. White & yellow flesh peaches and nectarines have recently arrived in store. The fruit tends to be smaller at first but is definitely sweet and juicy. Stone fruit is available in conventional and organic.

The prized and most sought after "Red Velvet Apricot" has arrived and the taste is fabulous!. This is actually a Plumcot , which a cross between an apricot and plum. The outer flesh has a deep red velvety smooth skin while the inner flesh is a deep golden yellow and boy are they super sweet. Apriums are yet another apricot & plum cross which boasts a high golden color with rich red overtones, and tastes more like an apricot. Plumcots are very high in sugar content.

2. California early Bing Cherry harvesting has just begun. The size and quality for this first of the season fruit is fantastic !.

3. The California melon season is just getting underway. We will have the last off the imported Central & South American imported cantaloupes & honeydews for another week or two.

4. Mexican & California seedless grape harvesting is just getting underway. Usually smaller berry size and slightly tart flavor accompany the first shipments.

5. Seedless Watermelon is coming on strong from Florida and California. Deep red flesh, and good sugar levels have been seen in this early fruit.

6. Asparagus is finished for the season from California, Washington and New Jersey. Look for imported Asparagus from Peru in the next couple of days.

7. California Artichokes are in the peak of the season. Try the traditional green globe variety or dare to be different and try the" Burgundy" Artichoke. These artichokes are a brilliant deep burgundy color and have a sweeter, nutty flavor.

8. Florida Butter & Sugar Corn has started early and the quality is simply fantastic. Smaller size corn is normal for the first month of harvesting, but wait until you taste them.

9 New crop New Zealand apples & pears season has just begun. It's fall in New Zealand and weekly shipments are arriving by boat of fresh crop apples and pears. Taylors Gold pears are the best pear you'll ever taste, guaranteed Often referred to as the "butter pear", it has a golden russet outer flesh with a pure white inner flesh. Super sweet flavor, loaded with natural sugar and a bib is recommend when eating, and we're not kidding !.

10 California fresh figs are due in early next week. Look for the Brown turkey and Black mission varieties at first.

11 Florida and California Citrus are just about finished for the season. Look for imported citrus from South Africa and Australia soon.

Local Produce is here !!!!!

We have the first of the season, hot house grown Native Beefsteak Tomatoes from Ben March Farms in Bethlehem, Ct. Quality is the best you'll find anywhere. Pell Farms in Somers, Ct. will have native Strawberries by the end of May . New Jersey has begun harvesting Herbs, lettuces including Boston, Red & Green leaf and Romaine, Spinach and cooking greens.

Organically grown produce continues to expand it's fresh offerings and are becoming more readily available.

Palmers Produce Manager Mike Maresca's Favorite Produce Picks:

1. California Bing Cherries. Great deep mahogany color , firm, sweet flavor.

2. California Red Velvet Apricots. Super sweet suculent flavor.

3. New Zealand Taylors Gold Pears. The ultimate is sweetness of any fruit.

4. Florida Butter & Sugar Corn. Early pickings are tasting great.

5. March Farms Native Beefsteak Tomatoes. Less seeds, meaty ,old fashioned garden taste, and locally grown to beat.