July in Texas is full of “fresh picks” because fruits and vegetables are in abundance. This is the season to visit your local farmers market, farm stand or u-pick orchard. Experience what it’s like to taste fresh produce that has been picked in less than 24 hours because there is a difference. Most produce in the grocery store is a week old and has been handled by at least six people. Local produce lasts longer simply because it’s fresher. Farmers that sell their produce locally can grow heirloom varieties that are not hybridized for shipping. These varieties, which are 100 years old or more, have more flavor and are unique to the eye. One example is a green zebra-striped tomato which literally has green stripes coming down from the calyx. Not to mention the flavor is sharp but distinctively sweet.

U-pick orchards can be a rewarding outing for the day. To be in a peach orchard surrounded by an abundance of ripe fruit is heaven. Eating vine-ripened fruit does taste much different than store-bought fruit because it hasn’t been refrigerated or picked for shipping. Blackberries are also fun to pick, but watch out for the thorns on the bushes. Take your children too, to educate them about where fruits and vegetables really come from, not just the local grocery store.

Buying locally is buying sustainably. Produce that is not shipped across the country saves oil and creates less pollution. It also supports local agriculture which in turn puts more money into our local economy. The small family farmer is slowly disappearing from our country due to high real estate prices and large corporate farmers. Get to know your local farmer. It’s important to know who grows your food and the methods they use to farm. Most of all, the produce justs tastes better.

The produce that is in season right now includes tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, garlic, onions, okra, black-eyed peas, fresh herbs, peaches, blackberries, figs, plums and more. Here is a listing of places to visit if you’d like to support your local farmers.

U-Pick:
Sweetberry Farm (blackberries, tomatoes, potatoes)
(830) 798-1462
Barsana Dam (peaches)
288-7180
Marberger Orchards (peaches)
(830) 997-9433

Farmers Markets:
Westlake Farmers Market
280-1976
South Austin Farmers Market
281-4712
Austin Farmers Market
458-2008
Georgetown Farmers Market
863-8706

Farm Stands:
Boggy Creek Farm
926-4650
Angel Valley Organics
267-2785
McCall Creek Farm
(830) 833-0442

Pamela Boyar has been working with organic farmers for 23 years. She started a fresh-pressed juice company in 1980 and in 1986 began distributing organically grown produce directly from the farmers to the restaurants in California. Committed to support and promote the small family farm, she’s currently the director of Westlake Farmers Market, which she established in 1997. It’s the highest grossing farmers’ market in Texas. To find out more, visit www.westlakefarmersmarket.com.