One of summer's greatest delights is picking up a dozen ears of sweet, locally grown corn. Gnawing steamed, grilled or boiled cobs is as much a part of the season as juicy, red tomatoes.
"Knee-high by the Fourth of July” is an old farmer's saw about corn that no longer rings true given modern-day farming practices. Customers can often purchase fresh corn from area grocery stores, markets, local farm stands and farmers markets well before the July holiday.
So where are the best places to get fresh local corn to enjoy at a Fourth of July picnic, upcoming summer meal or gathering?
Individual farm stands featuring in-season fruits and vegetables can be found by meandering along the state's rural roads from about May through the end of October. The Delaware Grown website at delawaregrown.com gives information such as what and when fruits and vegetables are in season and they provide examples of roadways to travel to find a variety of farms, markets and stands to visit.
Some people have longtime favorite spots including Highland Orchards Farm Market, Filasky's Produce and Marini's Produce, all in New Castle County; Fifer's Farm Store in Camden-Wyoming or Ficner's Farm in Dover; and T.S. Smith & Sons in Bridgeville and Parsons Farms Produce in Dagsboro.
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A great guide also is one compiled by the Delaware Department ofAgriculture. This farm stand guide, found at agriculture.delaware.gov/communications-marketing/farmstands-guide, lists small roadside stands to large retail stores in all three of the state's counties.
The department additionally lists all of Delaware’s community-run farmers markets in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Go to the website agriculture.delaware.gov/communications-marketing/farmers-markets-guide.
Here are a few more suggestions, including two tried and true Pennsylvania farm stands just over the Delaware state line:
Every summer for the past few years, the I Love Lewes Facebook page has frequently featured posts from members asking where and when the legendary "corn man" is selling produce.
The "corn man," apparently several different merchants over the years (and not always a man), sells fresh corn in various locations in and near Lewes. In recent years, a local grower has parked a truck and set up a stand at Robinsonville Road near Plantation Road. Join the Facebook page and keep an eye out for "corn man" posts.
Lloyds Market at 611 Savannah Road in Lewes is a small, top-notch, family-owned market that sells locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The first corn of the season arrived at the market on June 20 from Calloway Farms in Bethel, according to the market's Facebook page.
Try SIW Vegetables at 4311 S. Creek Road in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Farmer H.G. Haskell grows more than 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables at his historic, nearby Hill Girt Farm and then sells them at the SIW (Stepped In What?) farm stand. It's been in operation since 1986. Haskell's corn is easily some of the best-tasting in the area. Bring your own bag. SIW Vegetables banned plastic bags at the farm in 2019. Visit siwvegetables.com/farmstand
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Glen Willow Orchards at 1657 Glen Willow Road in Avondale, Pennsylvania. The fruit and vegetable store owned by Steve and Ronnie Rosazza offers a diverse selection, including seasonal, sweet corn. Visit glenwilloworchards.com
Patricia Talorico writes about food and restaurants. You can find her on Instagram,X and Facebook. Email ptalorico@delawareonline.com. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter.
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