In Season: Coventry Regional Farmers' Market

Today I made a zucchini omelet for breakfast and a few nights ago had that quintessential summer treat, corn-on-the-cob, as part of my dinner. Both veggies were fresh from the Coventry Regional Farmers' Market. There's nothing that quite says "summer" to me like corn-on-the-cob. Everyone has their own method of eating it--mine is with butter but no salt, in a haphazard fashion instead of the straight "typewriter" across--and there's no better place to get summer corn than from local farms.

I am very fortunate that the biggest and best farmer's market in the state is right around the corner from me, in Coventry. Most famous as the birthplace of patriot and spy Nathan Hale, the market takes place in the fields of his historic family homestead. It takes place very Sunday from 11-2, but the event is so popular that you really need to get there by 11 if you want any produce to be left--and to avoid the sweltering heat.

The market kicked off the first week of June and continues until November 20th. Each Sunday has a different theme, like "Beet-Nic Bash" or "Old Fashioned Corn Roast."

In addition to local produce, there's baked goods, jams, crafts, pasta, free ice cream, and a whole host of food vendors. I've had Indian food from Wings Express and Mexican burritos from Agave Grill. What I like best, though, is that almost every vendor offers free samples!

My favorite sample came from Savor Cookies, which have the most...interesting flavors: lavender, coconut ginger, and cinnamon orange but also savory flavors like roasted leek and smoked red onion. If you don't think that a leek flavored cookie would be good, think again!

And, since this is a fair, make sure to try one of the many original kettle corn flavors from Keifer's Kettle Korn.

Random question of the week: How do you like your corn best? How do you pick the best one? Post your thoughts in the comments...