Am I too late for good corn?

I realize it's really late in the season for the 'best' corn, at least in typical years, but I'm hoping that this year's cool summer might have created an exception. Does anyone know if the farmers' markets or other venues might still offer sweet, fresh, local corn? TIA!

Paul's will probably be your best bet.

Paul's will probably be your best bet.

Thanks, Michelle. I was going to check them out today, but was hoping that some local farmers still had some good crops coming in. But I'll head there tomorrow. This produce stand in my home town said they expected to have corn coming in through the first week of Oct., so I was hoping we might have the same bounty. I might just go to see my Mom next week!

There are a number of local producers at the Beargrass market in St Matthews on Saturday mornings. We picked some up from the Jacksons that was really sweet. There should still be good LOCAL corn around for awhile. I dont shop at Pauls, but I was under the impression that they get their produce from the terminal,so I would guess not local...or not as local and fresh picked as you find at the farmers market.

Everything was so late this year due to cool wet weather, I think you'll still find some. We still haven't harvested our huge crop of eight stalks!

There are a number of local producers at the Beargrass market in St Matthews on Saturday mornings. We picked some up from the Jacksons that was really sweet. There should still be good LOCAL corn around for awhile. I dont shop at Pauls, but I was under the impression that they get their produce from the terminal,so I would guess not local...or not as local and fresh picked as you find at the farmers market.

John,

Regarding the Beargrass, we had an interesting experience recently that I've been biting my tongue trying not to mention...but what the heck maybe you can help convince me that this was an aberration, so here goes.

We recently purchased a dozen ears of (NON organic) bi-color sweet corn at the Beargrass for 50 cents an ear...That same day we happened to be in Mejier and noticed that they had "locally grown" bi-color sweet corn for just 20 cents an ear. Curious as to how grocery store corn might stack up to something we purchased directly from the farmers market we picked up another dozen ears. That evening we cooked the corn from both locations and were very surprised to find that the grocery store corn was far and away more flavorful and tender...We also had an similar experience with Beargrass tomatoes we had purchased for salsa...blemished "seconds" for $1.75 a pound ("firsts" were going for $2.50-$2.75) vs some very nice looking "vine on" tomatoes from Meijer (each one bearing a little "Kentucky Proud" sticker) for only $1.20 a pound...again the flavor wasn't even close and not only that but the farmers market tomatoes were damn near rotten after less than 36 hours in a paper bag on the basement floor.

Please note that it is not my intention to bash this or any other farmers markets. I'll support the local guy just like the rest of you and do in fact seek out local providers (of any kind) anytime I can. That being said it has always been my experience that farmers markets were the place to go for reasonable value and superior flavor. In this particular instance I found neither. Please note that this was our first experience at any farmers market in the area...so I have nothing else to base a comparison on. While this experience certainly doesn't make me want to swear off this or any other farmers market it does make me scratch my head a bit.

So talk to me Goose...

No need to bite your tongue regarding the market. As far as the corn goes,you gotta know what to buy. The market cant really enforce quality control over the vendors. As a good market shopper you have to know what you are looking for or shop often enough that you feel comfortable with certain vendors. Anne picked up some corn a couple of weeks ago that went straight out to the chickens,it was terrible. A good vendor will allow you to peel back the husk and test the corn. As soon as the corn is picked the sugars start turning into starch. Taste a couple of the kernels and see how sweet they are. You can get good corn from Mr. Jackson.
As far as the tomatoes goes,probably better not to refer them as "Beargrass" tomatoes, that casts a light on all the vendors at that market as well as the church that sponsors the market. One problem might have been that you failed to buy your tomatoes from us,but thats a different story. Anne is usually sold out by 10 am. If you buy seconds thats what your going to get. Again just ask the vendor to try what their selling. I have never minded cutting a tomato for somebody. Thats one of the better things about a farmers market is the interaction between producer and customer.
I dont think your likely to find a better price at market than you would at Kroger or Meijer. A guy thats sells tomatoes by the semi truck load is most often going to be able to sell them cheaper than the guy who sells a pick up full. Its my guess you just got burned this trip.Some folks just cant handle that level of risk and are better off shopping under the warm glow of florescent light at the neighborhood mega box mall wart store. Is there a chance youll get burned again,yes but I wouldnt worry about it . Just shake it off and get back out there. Stop by and see Anne and she will point you in the right direction to the exceptional vendors.
Roger that Maverick?

Steve,

I echo John's comments on knowing your vendors and choosing wisely. I shop at the Farmer's Market (usually Beargrass) almost every week, and while I've had a few less than awe-inspiring items, the overwhelming majority are stellar! and far better tasting that what's available at the grocery store. Ask for a taste and particularly with tomatoes, ask about the varieties. Everyone likes something different: a rich red beefsteak, a less acid pink or a deep juicy purple ( which I'm hooked on right now). The farmer should be able to tell you about them and help you select which are best for what you are looking for. If they can't, then just wander to another stand.

Regarding pricing- I find that most of the produce I get at market is competitive with cheaper than the produce at a grocery store. This week I stocked uor p on Red peppers for $.75 each - substantially less than the price at Kroger or Meijer. Just make sure to shop around for prices at the market, just like you would at grocery stores- some vendors/items are more expensive.
Deb

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John and Deb,

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I'm not about to give up on the farmers markets but will take both your advice and try to be a little more picky. John, it was our intention to buy our 'maters from Annie but alas she was almost out by the time we got there.

John and Deb,

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I'm not about to give up on the farmers markets but will take both your advice and try to be a little more picky. John, it was our intention to buy our 'maters from Annie but alas she was almost out by the time we got there.

Steve,

My advice: get there earlier- those maters are REALLY good!

Deb

Garden Gate has sweet, peaches and cream and something else that escapes me. I picked some up last night and grilled it with Jessica Flores "Corn Star" Sweet and Smokey and it was delish!