Kristin Brown Explains Farm-Fresh Food Near Lexington

LEXINGTON, Mass. - Aug. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Summer is in full swing, and there is no season better to enjoy nature’s bounty on your dinner table. Residents of the Lexington area are in luck at this beautiful time of year. It’s a foodie paradise.

From roadside stands to farmer’s markets to local dairies and fresh eggs, area residents have plenty to choose from if they want to eat locally-sourced foods. The farm-to-table movement has never been more in the spotlight that in recent years, and local growers are responding to demand with a cornucopia of home-grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal meats and cheeses, pick-your-own orchard experiences, and small-batch specialty foods.

Lexington hosts a farmer’s market weekly on Tuesdays from 2:00 to 6:30 PM at the corner of Woburn Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The market features products from more than thirty local farmers and vendors. And it’s not just about fruits and vegetables. Shoppers can purchase everything from poultry, meat, and fish, to baked goods, prepared foods, wine and cider, and even dog treats. Once monthly, customers can even bring in their knives and tools for professional sharpening.

Nearby Wilson Farm features a farm stand, garden center and open-air nursery, and special events like farm tours for children and adults alike – best of all, tours are free of charge. The farm prides itself on its sustainable growing practices. The farm also hosts corn and tomato festivals in the summer and an ice cream weekend.

Wagon Wheel Nursery and Farmstand provides a florist service, traditional and themed fruit baskets, and a full deli and farmstand alongside its nursery and garden center. Customers can purchase everything from flowers to party deli platters to mulch and organic compost. The farm also offers professional landscaping services.

Next to the Arlington Reservoir on Lowell Street in Lexington is the Lexington Community Farm. Residents can purchase CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares, educate themselves about local agricultural practices, and volunteer at the farm. CSA shares – essentially a “subscription” to fresh crops – include pick-your-own produce as well as the fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits that residents can select in a market setting. The beauty of CSA is that produce varies with the season, and by buying a 20-week CSA share, subscribers can enjoy a range of fruits and vegetables as the growing season evolves.

All of the local food options located in and around Lexington are a great alternative to highly-processed supermarket fare. Customers will find more organic options and fewer GMO products than at a big box store where products are shipped in from afar. Plus it can give area residents a good feeling to be supporting smaller, local businesses.

If you want to feel close to the places your food is coming from, local farm stands, farmer’s markets, and CSAs can be a great option, and no time is better to explore the possibilities than during the summer months. Bon appetit!