Unique varieties pop up during summer

Virginia’s true colors are exposed in the summer, as farmers harvest fresh produce that intrigues consumers perusing farm stands and grocery shelves.

John Cromwell of Cromwell’s Produce grows both heirloom and hybrid tomatoes that showcase the summer’s color spectrum.

In addition to traditional Roma and cherry tomatoes, he grows roadsters, a hybrid variety ideal for slicing. Dusky rose-colored Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes boast rich, smoky flavors, while multicolor Berkley tie-dye heirlooms blend spice and sweetness with acidic balance.

German Pink is another popular, meaty heirloom tomato offered among the farm’s seasonal inventory. Cromwell also grows pineapple tomatoes, an heirloom beefsteak variety with the low acidity of a yellow tomato and the tangy taste of red ones.

Snap peas, curly and Tuscan kale, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower add more pops of color and texture to the summertime lineup.

While there is no official difference in sweetness among yellow, bicolor and white corn varieties, the choice is based on preference.

Now is prime time to preserve this season’s flavors.

In the fall, customers can appreciate a different array of seasonal items when the farm harvests red and gold beets and sells pickled cucumbers by the jar or bushel.

Meanwhile, over on the Eastern Shore, David Hickman’s grandkids recently bagged and sold red, white and yellow potatoes to customers at Dublin Farms, a large-scale potato operation that has been in business for 50 years.

Though consumers can buy freshly harvested potatoes on site, Dublin Farms’ tubers are distributed to Walmart and Food Lion stores across Virginia. Potatoes harvested today are typically washed, sorted, packaged and shipped within a day or two.

“About half that acreage on the shore goes to potato chips, which are contracted pre-season at a set price, and loaded loose into trucks,” explained Hickman, who represents farmers on Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s state board. “Our potatoes are more for the daily market.”

Find local seasonal produce on the Virginia Grown website, administered through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, at vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown.

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