Northeastern United States
Local Sweet Corn
Sweet corn just doesn't get any better and dining outdoors wouldn't be the same without it. Instead of boiling, try it roasted on the grill. Pare the husk down to the last layer. Peel the husk back and remove the silk. Replace the layer of husk and twist the top to secure. Soak the corn overnight, completely submerged in a bucket of water. Drain well and place directly on a medium hot grill.

Cook covered, turning often, until slightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with chile butter. Enjoy as is or cut from the cob and added to salads, salsas, cornbread and many other creations.

Storage and Handling:
Leave corn in the husk until ready to cook. Store it in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper.

Nutritional Information Link

New Zealand
Golden Kiwi
Gold kiwis possess the same great flavor as their green cousins, however, the flesh is milder and less acidic. Add gold kiwi slices to fruit plates or salads or simply halve and eat with a spoon. Be sure to cook kiwis briefly before adding to fresh fruit tarts, this neutralizes the powerful enzyme that can otherwise dissolves gelatin.

Storage and Handling:
Store ripe kiwi in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Nutritional Information Link

Northwest United States
Dark Sweet Cherries
Most people go bananas over fresh cherries! Nothing beats fresh cherry pie enjoyed at a summer picnic or brandy soaked cherries at the end of a meal. Try making warm cherry vinaigrette for duck and you will not be disappointed.

Storage and Handling:
Store cherries in the refrigerator uncovered for up to five days.

Nutritional Information Link

Blueberries
New Jersey Blueberries
Blueberries will add color, flavor and textural contrast to any fresh fruit applications. Add to smoothies for a very healthy, very tasty, purple creation. Roll in flour to help prevent bleeding, and fold into pancake batter every chance you get.

Storage and Handling:
Store blueberries in a covered container in the vegetable drawer of the regrigerator for up to five days.

Nutritional Information Link

California
Nectarines
People love nectarines for their smooth, thin skins and sweet,low acid flesh. Their firm, more neutral flavor makes them a shoe-in substitute for any other stone fruit. Caramelize and serve warm as compote, slice thinly and use in fresh fruit tarts. Freeze and puree for instant sorbet.

Storage and Handling:
Store ripe nectarines in the refrigerator uncovered for up to five days.

Nutritional Information Link