The COVID-19 virus has taken a toll on area farmers. With mandated closures coming right at the beginning of spring, the fresh fruits and vegetables that we all love were out of reach for a time. We have good news, though. Many farms are open once again with online ordering, curbside service, no-contact purchasing stations, and other programs to ensure that you can easily and safely get your five-a-day of fresh fruits and veggies. Here is a quick round-up of just a few of Concord’s gems where you can find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables this summer.*
Barrett’s Mill Farm grows more than 50 types of Certified Organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers and the Farm Store is open. You can order your produce online and pick it up curbside or you are welcome to stop by and browse the fresh, healthy options and beautiful hand-picked bouquets. www.barrettsmillfarm.com
©Barrett’s Mill FarmCucurbit Farm is a fifth-generation family farm where you can choose from a selection of fresh vegetables, fresh fish (on Fridays), and even their very own popcorn. They also carry a wide array of garden plants, including annuals, perennials, and herbs. www.cucurbitfarm.com
Hutchins Farm is committed to growing organically and preserving the land for future generations. The Farm Stand is open or check out their Farmer’s Choice Bag o’ Veggies, which can be ordered online and picked up curbside at the Farm Stand. www.hutchinsfarm.com
©Marshall FarmMarshall Farm is a third-generation family farm that provides fruit, vegetables, milk, organic eggs, and more to the Concord area. Pick up a jar of their honey to top your waffles or a chicken pie for dinner, along with fresh vegetables and some flowers for the table. marshall-farms.com
Millbrook Farm has suffered from a double crisis – in addition to the challenges of COVID-19, ongoing construction near the Concord Museum discourages lots of customers from visiting this lovely farm stand. Take a trip to 215 Cambridge Turnpike and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers and more!
©J. SchunemannSaltbox Farm is the place for organically grown produce, eggs, lamb, and flowers. The Farm Stand is open or, if you prefer, order the Farmer’s Choice Produce Bag and pick it up curbside at Saltbox Kitchen’s restaurant in West Concord. Either way, the fresh produce, herbs, and even lamb are sure to make dinner at home a night to remember. saltboxfarmconcord.com
©J. SchunemannScimone’s Farm, established in 1923, is a family run farm that produces great corn and a variety of produce, including berries, beans, corn, and zucchinis. The trendy vegetables that locavores love – such as Swiss chard, ramps, and kales — can also be found at their charming stand on Old Bedford Road.
Verrill Farm has been growing beautiful produce in Concord since 1918 - and not even a pandemic slows them down. While pick-your-own strawberry season may be over (and we hope you were able to enjoy a day in the strawberry fields last month), the mid-summer bounty of vegetables is just beginning. From arugula to Swiss chard you’re sure to find something tasty at the Farm Stand. Not sure what to do with all those fresh veggies? Pick up a copy of their book, Verrill Farm Cookbook: A Farm Grows in Concord for great recipes. verrillfarm.com
*All information current as of press time. Please check websites for the most current information, including requirements concerning masks, social distancing, etc.
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