Learn About Specialty Crops:
Are tomatoes fruits or vegetables?
Is sweet corn a warm or cool season vegetable crop?
Click on the picture above to answer these questions and learn more!
When inspecting fruits and vegetables, use your senses. Ask yourself how the item smells, how it feels, and whether it looks appealing. Keep in mind when fruits and vegetables are in season in your area. Produce will be at peak freshness and flavor when in season and may be cheaper than other times of year due to availability. Click here for more information.
Meet a McHenry County Produce Farmer - Piscasaw Gardens
Located in Harvard, Jenny Kinney is passionate about bringing produce to her community. Piscasaw Gardens grows a variety of produce, flowers, and popcorn! They take their products to area markets, including the Woodstock Farmer's Market and Farmers Market+ At The Dole. To learn more about their farm, watch the video above, or visit their website.
Simple Pico de Gallo:
It only takes minutes to assemble this simple Pico de Gallo! Full of fresh flavors like tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime and garlic, it’s sure to become a staple for any Tex Mex inspired meal!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
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1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, diced
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½ medium red onion, finely diced
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2 T. fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
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1 large lime, juiced
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1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and finely diced
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2 tsp minced garlic
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sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Stir to combine.
- Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes so flavors can meld.
Notes
I don't usually have fresh jalapeno peppers on hand. If you're in the same boat, you can substitute 2-3 tablespoons of jarred, pickled jalapenos.
To explore more recipes that you can make using produce and specialty crops, click here.
Photo and recipe are courtesy of Deanne Frieders/This Farm Girl Cooks (thisfarmgirlcooks.com).
Find Fresh Produce Near You:
Are you looking to purchase fresh, local produce? Or, are you looking to sell your produce to people in your community? You may want to check out our Shop Local page! Shop Local provides simple yet powerful search tools to connect growers, buyers, sellers, and consumers. Our directory currently has 20+ businesses that offer a variety of food products. Click here to check out our map and directory!