Did you know that New York State is home to one of the world’s coolest geological wonders? Located in southern Orange County, New York, the Black Dirt Region is home to some of the most fertile soil in the world. Most of the region is found in Warwick, NY and centered on the hamlet of Pine Island. We’re fortunate to have this region in our own backyard, allowing us to bring you the tastiest, highest quality home.grown. produce to your table.
The name of the region is rather self-explanatory and appropriate given the dark, impressively fertile soil. History says the soil is the result of an ancient glacial lake bottom augmented by decades of flooding of the Wallkill River. The Black Dirt stretches 26,000 acres making it the largest concentration of such soil in the United States outside of the Florida Everglades. The area was avoided in the early years due to flooding and poor drainage, it wasn’t until General George D. Wickham built a drainage canal through his property in 1835 that the land was farmable.
The crown jewel of the Black Dirt Region has always been onions. In the early days they used the convenience of relatively nearby New York City as a market to sell the highly-prized commodities. Today, we have hard-working farmers like the folks at A. Gurda Produce. Located in Pine Island, A. Gurda is in the heart of the Black Dirt Region, and they are just one of the fantastic farmers we partner with in the Black Dirt Region. Thanks to farms like A. Gurda we’ve been sourcing produce, most importantly onions, from the region for over 25 years.
A. Gurda is located on the historical Mission Land. Mission Land was the first black dirt tract reclaimed from the Burrell Swamp, which was owned by a New York City Mission in 1878. In 1905 the land was purchased and cleared by Polish Immigrants for farming. In the words of Andy Gurda, “This region is one of the best in the world for growing vegetables.” That’s why we’ve been sourcing onions and other produce, like our Market 32 brand red potatoes, from the area for so long.
Diggin’ the Black Dirt? Try a recipe from the region! We recommend this Squash and Onion Quiche recipe from our pals at A. Gurda.
Stop by your local Price Chopper or Market 32 today to pick up some home.grown. Black Dirt region produce: Look for the A. Gurda Produce label!
Our September home.grown. Brewer of the Month: Magic Hat Brewing Company!
We love all things local, and one of our favorite sectors of local food is local beer. There are so many different brews, flavors, and styles, and so many stories to tell! That’s why we’re embarking on a new home.grown. adventure: to bring you fresh craft beer stories each month from our Northeast region; the best region in the United States if you ask us!
Up next: Magic Hat Brewing Company!
Stirring up some mysterious concoctions in the heart of South Burlington, Vermont, Magic Hat is a well-known local brewer. They refer to their brews as elixirs, and their most popular potion is #9. It’s not quite a pale ale, but it runs across your tongue with notes of fruit and floral hop bitterness, bringing an unusual and curious palate. As they say at Magic Hat, #9 asks more questions than it answers. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
Another mischievous feature in the Magic Hat lineup is Circus Boy. A unique and refreshing American-style Hefeweizen. Due to his nocturnal behavior, only appearing under the darkness of a cloudy night sky, Circus Boy is something of an anomaly. Curious for more? Perhaps a closer encounter with this suspicious brew is necessary.
If you’re not sure which Magic Hat brew to choose you can always go with a variety pack, like the special edition IPA Playlist Variety Pak. A 12-beer variety featuring some of the companies best creations, led by TFG (Taken for Granite) Rock Solid IPA. TFG is a crisp IPA with a smooth malt backing, balanced with orange and grapefruit notes guaranteed to rock your taste buds.
Interested in trying some Magic Hat brews?
Check out our in-store tasting schedule below to sample Magic Hat craft beef, take home some brewery swag and more.
Saturday 9/7, 11am – 2pm at our Shelburne Rd Market 32
Saturday 9/14, 11am – 2pm at our Clifton Shoppers World Market 32
Saturday 9/21, 11am – 2pm at our Bethlehem Price Chopper
Saturday 9/28, 11am – 2pm at our Wilton Market 32
Interested in visiting the brewery?
Make the most of everything Magic Hat Brewing Company has to offer! Visit https://www.magichat.net/ for taproom hours and menu, get info on brewery tours and more.
Brewery House Address: 5 Bartlett Bay Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Hot sauce junkies, heat connoisseurs and spiciness fanatics: We’re comin’ in hot with our next monthly feature!
Each month we’re bringing you fresh stories on a different sauce brand, sharing some flavor insights, stories behind the brands and more. Travel with us on an adventure consisting of varying degrees of heat each month!
September’s Feature: PICS Hot Sauce!
Sometimes it’s nice to celebrate yourself. That’s why this month’s feature is our very own PICS Hot Sauce. Made with red cayenne peppers, it packs just the right punch and compliments a wide variety of foods. Try it folded into your scrambled eggs, spice up your pulled pork, or add a kick to any of your personal favorite hot sauce incorporated meals.
Our PICS brand was created to meet the highest standards in quality and value. We know quality matters to you and your family, especially when it comes to food, and these various handpicked options are guaranteed to meet those standards. We appreciate our loyal customers, and it’s very rewarding to provide them with an affordable line they can trust. Plus, we are happy knowing we are putting delicious and nutritious options on your table.
Turn up the heat with PICS this month, and tune in next month for our October Hot Sauce of the Month!
Homegrown sweet corn is one of our specialties and just one example of how we celebrate the flavors of the Northeast. We team up with a variety of Northeast farms to choose seed varieties that produce the most tender, flavorful corn you’ll find anywhere. Here are some great ways to make the most of one of our region’s best agricultural products!
- Make Fritters
In addition to eating corn right off the cob, try spicing it up with a recipe from our friends at Reeves Farm in Baldwinsville, NY – Reeves Family Corn Fritters
- Spice it Up
Try this Spicy Maple Mayo from our friends at Butternut Mountain Farm in Morristown, VT. Simply mix 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup pre maple syrup, ½ juice from a fresh lime, and 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder together for a tangy twist. Spicy Maple Mayo is one of our favorite additions to corn on the cob. Check out Butternut Mountain Farm’s website for more info – Spicy Maple Mayo.
- Eat it Fresh off the Cob
Sweet corn is even sweeter when eaten fresh off the cob. Many of our local farmer friends, like the Eckhardt Family in Stephentown, NY, enjoy sweet corn raw as much as they enjoy it cooked. It’s a simple yet very tasty option to try this season!
4. Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
Looking for a fun twist on your corn this summer? Add this recipe for Grilled Mexican Corn Street Salad – Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad to your repertoire. A refreshing combination of flavors sure to satisfy your summer palate!
5. Kick it up with Parmesan Spread
Fire up the grill for this one! This recipe for Grilled Corn with Parmesan Spread & Basil – Grilled Corn with Parmesan Spread & Basil makes a perfect side dish for any summertime barbeque. Be prepared as your guests will be calling for more!
Here in the Northeast sweet corn is a summertime staple. Nothing says summer like that first bite into fresh, crisp corn on the cob. The classics are great, but we love to mix it up, and these are five great ways to do just that. Maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite! Whichever way you choose to enjoy your local corn this growing season, make sure to stop by your local Price Chopper or Market 32 for all of your summertime goods!
Our August home.grown. Brewer of the Month: Northway Brewing Company!
We love all things local, and one of our favorite sectors of local food is local beer. There are so many different brews, flavors, and styles, and so many stories to tell! That’s why we’re embarking on a new home.grown. adventure: to bring you fresh craft beer stories each month from our Northeast region; the best region in the United States if you ask us!
Up next: Northway Brewing Company!
In 2016, Northway Brewing Company bought an old movie theatre and turned it into a brewery. Launched in 2018, Northway was created to celebrate the people and the landscapes that inhabit the Adirondacks. Located right on the edge of Adirondack Park in Queensbury, NY, Northway’s facility features a 50-barrel brew system, 3.5-barrel pilot system, a bottling and canning line, and a 3,000 square-foot taproom.
Northway offers a number of core brands brewed to encapsulate the essence of a relaxing day in the Adirondacks. Of these core brands, Sunrise Session IPA is a favorite! Sunrise is an unfiltered session IPA dry hopped with Mosaic and Mandarina Bavaria hops, creating the perfect combination of hazy and juicy. Perfect Day Pilsner is another tasty brew that has met rave reviews; a classic, German-styled Pilsner, Perfect Day brings Bavarian malts, Saphir, and Tettnang Hops into a beautiful blend. A satisfyingly crisp and refreshingly clean brew that will prove to be the perfect beverage to complement your perfect day.
Interested in trying some Northway brews?
Check out our in-store tasting schedule below to sample Northway craft beef, take home some brewery swag and more.
Saturday 8/3, 11am – 2pm at our Warrensburg Price Chopper
Saturday 8/10, 11am – 2pm at our Clifton Shoppers World Market 32
Saturday 8/17, 11am – 2pm at our Glen Street Price Chopper
Saturday 8/24, 11am – 2pm at our Route 50 Price Chopper
Saturday 8/31, 11am-2pm at our Wilton Market 32
Interested in visiting the brewery?
Make the most of everything Northway Brewing Company has to offer! Visit https://northwaybrewingco.com/ for taproom hours and menu, get info on brewery tours and more.
Brewery House Address: 1043 U.S. Rt 9 Queensbury, NY 12801
home.grown. Produce Is In The House!
Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist
Fresh news from our Produce Team – our home.grown. farming partners are delivering local, fresh, delicious produce and we are so Produce Proud to share it with you and your family.
Reeves Farms, in central New York, is offering many organic options, like local green and yellow squash. The Gurda family, from A. Gurda Produce, are growing premium greens in the unique Black Dirt Region of New York State. These farms are New York State Grown and Certified, meaning they have passed third party audits and are growing delicious, nutritious food with strong food safety and environmental standards in place. They are passionate about their family farms and helping you feed your family well.
In our stores, fresh greens include organic and conventional red and green leaf romaine, Swiss Chard, spinach, escarole, Boston lettuce and endive, collards and kale. Scallions, bunch radishes, and cucumbers are rolling out, ready to dress up your favorite salads and wrap recipes. Northeast-grown beets and bunch carrots are also in our stores – so many choices! Some fresh, fun ideas for enjoying the summer bounty include:
· Roll up Market 32 Rotisserie Chicken Salad from the Deli in fresh red and green Romaine leaves for lunch or a snack
· Sub Swiss Chard for romaine in a Caesar salad: https://bit.ly/2XZJDto
· Spinach and Swiss Chard are great additions to a salad, sandwich or wrap
· Make salads with several types of greens for flavor, nutrition and beautiful presentation. Add some Rotisserie chicken, fresh berries and PICS walnuts. Enjoy with your favorite PICS salad dressing!
· Find some new recipes like Grilled Lemon Spinach Pork Chops with Shaved Summer Squash and Tomato salad: https://bit.ly/2LP665W
Enjoy!
July Hot Sauce of the Month: High River Sauces Rattler BBQ Sauce
Hot sauce junkies, heat connoisseurs, and spiciness fanatics. We’re comin’ in hot with our next monthly feature. Warm weather is finally here to stay, but we’ve been staying hot all year with our served-fresh Hot Sauce of the Month features!
Each month we’re bringing you fresh stories on a different sauce brand, sharing some flavor insights, stories behind the brand and more. Travel with us on an adventure consisting of varying degrees of heat each month!
June’s Feature: High River Sauces Rattler BBQ Sauce
Rattler BBQ Sauce is a bite above your average hot sauce. This smoky sauce is infused with the flavors of coffee, rich molasses, the sweetness of honey, and mustard, creating a powerful blend of heat. If a dynamic jolt of flavor is what you’re seeking, your search will end with High River’s Rattler BBQ.
Much like its hot sauces, High River itself is a powerful blend. Steve Seabury started the brand to combine his love of music and good food. Before High River, Seabury wrote a cookbook titled “Mosh Potatoes” featuring recipes from his favorite heavy metal and hard rock superstars. Realizing he shared his appreciation for food with many of his musical icons, Seabury made it his mission to combine these passions and share them with the masses. Thus, High River Sauces was born.
Learn more about the brand and discover some other fiery flavors here.
Turn up the BBQ heat with High River Sauces this month, and tune in next month for our August Hot Sauce of the Month!
We love all things local, and one of our favorite sectors of local food is local beer. There are so many different brews, flavors, and styles, and so many stories to tell! That’s why we’re embarking on a new home.grown. adventure: to bring you fresh craft beer stories each month from our Northeast region; the best region in the United States if you ask us!
Up next: Saranac Brewery!
In 1985, Saranac 1888, named after the iconic Saranac Railroad, was the first concoction to don the brewery name. The Saranac Railroad line connected Utica to the Adirondacks. Similarly, Saranac’s Utica location connects with the Adirondacks through the tastes and experiences provided by their brews.
In fact, back in 1991, Saranac’s Adirondack Lager was awarded the top premium lager at the Great American Beer Festival, chalking the Lager up as Saranac’s first brewing home run. Naturally, the brewery focused in on making this beer their main priority for the time being.
Today, Saranac Brewery has a plethora of beverages showcasing their name. Tropical Storm, an unfiltered, hazy IPA with wheat, oats, and fruity notes is a fan favorite. Their new IPA 100 is an easy-drinking brew with half the calories, yet full-flavor and smooth taste of a standard American IPA. Finally, Strawberry Tart is a wheat ale with the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The drinks hazy-gold flow comes from the use of real strawberries, creating an inviting, fruity aroma.
Interested in trying some Saranac brews?
Check out our in-store tasting schedule below to sample Genesee craft beef, take home some brewery swag and more.
Saturday 7/6, 11am – 2pm at our North Utica Price Chopper
Saturday 7/13, 11am – 2pm at our Clifton Shoppers World Market 32
Saturday 7/20, 11am – 2pm at our Glenville Market 32
Saturday 7/27, 11am – 2pm at our Wilton Market 32
Interested in visiting the brewery?
Make the most of everything Saranac Brewery has to offer! Visit https://www.saranac.com/ for taproom hours and menu, get info on brewery tours and more.
Brewery House Address: 830 Varick St, Utica, NY 13502
How are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Discover Cayman Jack Margaritas and Cuban Mojitos! Make it simple with these handcrafted drinks, made with real cane sugar and lime juice. You can try these premium malt beverages this weekend at one of our locations below!
| Store Number | Location | State | Event Date | Event Time |
| 39 | Wilton Market 32 | NY | 5-May | 2PM-4PM |
| 1 | Eastern Parkway | NY | 5-May | 2:15-4:15PM |
| 112 | Clifton Shoppers World Market 32 | NY | 4-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 12 | Johnstown | NY | 4-May | 4:15PM-6:45PM |
| 140 | Pittsfield Market 32 | MA | 4-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 157 | Granville | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 168 | Plattsburgh Market 32 | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 181 | Hudson Valley Plz Market 32 | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 184 | Malta | NY | 5-May | 11AM-1PM |
| 191 | Niskayuna | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 23 | Madison Ave Market 32 | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 245 | Watervliet | NY | 5-May | 12PM-2PM |
| 40 | Glen St | NY | 5-May | 5PM-7PM |
| 250 | Clifton Park Plaza Market 32 | NY | 4-May | 3PM-5PM |
Enjoying Cayman Jack Margaritas at your Cinco De Mayo party?
We also love Cayman Jack Cuban Mojitos! An all-natural concoction inspired by bartenders all the way in Havana. If this refreshing beverage is part of your Cinco De Mayo, we recommend enjoying some fajitas, chips n’ salsa, or pollo asado to go along with it. Check out these Sizzling Fajitas with your choice of seasoned steak or chicken. Along with that, you will find some big fans of this Southwest-style recipe for Black Bean and Corn Salsa paired with your favorite tortilla chip.
Turn your Cinco De Mayo into the ultimate fiesta with these handcrafted drinks from Cayman Jack, perfectly paired with the most cheerful meals. Stop by your local Price Chopper of Market 32 to find everything you need to make the most of the festivities.
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
