Fresh from the farm produce this week at Ballston Farmers Market

Fresh from the farms this week will be apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, gooseberries, baby artichokes, beets, cabbage, carrots, sweet corn, eggplants, garlic, green beans, salad mix, watermelons, cantaloupe, French melons, vine ripened heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, , okra, onions, radishes and more! While you are at the market, pick up a bouquet of lilies from LynnVale Studios. In addition to their beauty and spirit-lifting fragrance, these freshly cut lilies can last for a good two weeks – a great value for cut flowers.

Cherry season ends in July

Cherry lovers should hurry up to the market for the last chance of getting some sweet juicy cherries, as cherry season ends in July. Also fresh from the farms this week will be green beans, new potatoes, eggplant, beets, and vine ripened heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, lettuce mix, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, peaches, nectarines, plums, berries and raspberries, cherries, seedless watermelons, cantaloupe, apples and more!

Eat Local Recipe Contest

Got a recipe? Submit to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) the original recipes you used to prepare your favorite locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, and dairy products, along with a photo of you and/or your completed dish for a chance to win one of two Virginia Grown/Virginia’s Finest prize packages, one for adults and one for kids up to age 12. Eligible recipes and photos will be posted on the Virginia Grown Website.

The winners will be chosen by random drawing from all eligible recipe/photo entries received by VDACS no later than August 15, 2009. No purchase necessary to win.

Two prize packages of Virginia Grown produce and Virginia’s Finest products, each valued at $100, will be given away.

E-mail your recipes and photos to EatLocalVa@vdacs.virginia.gov or mail them to Eat Local Recipe Contest, VDACS, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond VA 23218. The drawings will be held no later than Friday, August 28, 2009. Read complete details in the accompanying rules here.

Red Apron Butcher Shop Considered "Best of Washington" by The Washingtonian's

First appeared in The Washingtonian's July 2009 Best of Washington issue, Red Apron Butcher Shop was recognized again in the July 6 Best Bites Blog of Washingtonian.com. Chef Nathan Anda's authentic hand cut and house cured meats are considered by the magazine one of the best Farmers Market Finds. Try their famous hot dogs, pastrami and bacon at the Ballston Farmers Market. Read more here.

Market is Open This Friday (July 3rd)

Tyson's Farms and Great Harvest Bread will bring farm fresh fruits and vegetables and artisan baked goods this Friday (July 3) to Ballston Farmers Market. Happy July 4th!