Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy pumpkin season! Now is the perfect time to have a friendly pumpkin carving competition with friends and family or decorating the house with mini pumpkins and gourds. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to source all our pumpkins from local farms in our region each season. We get our pumpkins from many of the same farms who supply us with favorites like sweet corn and tomatoes in the summertime. Additionally, we also source our hard squashes, gourds, and ornamentals from local farms here in the Northeast during the fall. Find out below which farmers we are highlighting this pumpkin picking season!
Reeves Farms, Baldwinsville NY
Reeves Farms has been a partner for over 30 years, growing everything from organic zucchini to pie pumpkins. By using sustainable farming methods, Reeves Farms is proud to offer fresh berries and vegetables as well. Be sure to grab some fresh produce after heading to the pumpkin patch!
AJ Farms, Melrose NY
The Wertman Family Farm began in Colonie, NY four generations ago. As the business started to prosper, the family decided to move to Melrose, NY where much more farmland is present. Not only do they have fresh produce and stunning flowers, but they are also experts in growing pumpkins and hard squashes.
Hoover’s Produce, Port Trevorton PA
We are proud to have been a partner with Hoover’s Produce for over 25 years! They have an array of pumpkins for carving and decoration that are perfect for this pumpkin season.
Plainville Farm, Hadley MA
A third-generation farm in Hadley, Massachusetts, Plainville Farm specializes in pumpkins, asparagus, hard squash, and their famous butternut squash. We are proud to be partners for the past seven years!
Interested in learning more about these four partners? Visit their websites below!
Next time you buy a pumpkin from your local Price Chopper and Market 32, you know that it was grown locally. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a pumpkin carving kit while you are here!
If you’re loving our weekly meal plan ideas, you’re in for a treat! This week, we’re not just offering two or three recipes, but a fantastic selection of five meals for you to savor. Even better, many of these ingredients are on sale this week, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Dive in and discover new favorites to add to your meal planning repertoire!
Fried Egg & Avocado Burgers:
2 lbs. ground beef or pre-made burger patties
4 eggs
1 ripe Avocado
4 PICS Hamburger Buns
4 Russet Potatoes for make-your-own French Fries
Optional: Cheese, lettuce, tomato
Shop the ingredients here!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Beans & Potatoes:
4 Market 32 Bone-in Pork Chops
1 can Bush’s Baked Beans
4 Russet Potatoes
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 tbsps PICS Butter
1 tbsp PICS Olive Oil
Shop the ingredients here!
Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches:
4 Market 32 Sausages (any flavor)
4 PICS Hot Dog Rolls
2 Bell Peppers, sliced (any color)
1 large Onion
2 tbsp PICS Olive Oil
Shop the ingredients here!
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Roasted Potatoes & Carrots:
1 Market 32 Whole Chicken
4 Russet Potatoes, diced
2 cups Market 32 Baby Carrots
PICS Lemon Pepper Marinade
1 cup PICS Chicken Broth or Water
Optional: Minced garlic, onion, lemon, salt, & pepper
Shop the ingredients here!
Ground Turkey Tacos with Street Corn
1 lb. Butterball Ground Turkey (Buy One Get One FREE this week!)
8-10 Small Tortillas
1 cup PICS Shredded Cheese of choice
1 container PICS Street Corn Seasoning
4 ears Sweet Corn
1/2 cup Water
Optional: Cilantro, PICS Salsa, PICS Hot Sauce, PICS Sour Cream, Avocado, Lime
Shop ingredients here!
Looking for additional meals that use some of these ingredients? Check out these videos from our YouTube channel!
Meet Our Friends at Turek Farms!
Turek Farms has been a family tradition for over 85 years in King Ferry, NY in the Finger Lakes region. And today they are a home.grown. producer of corn and broccoli in our stores. With a long-standing history and a commitment to food safety, Turek Farms has become a local success that we are proud to work with!
It all started when great-grandfather Turek lost his job in the automobile factories in Detroit during the Great Depression. He packed his family up, and headed south, unsure of where he was going or what was to come. While stopped in King Ferry, NY he saw a house and 20 acres of land for sale and decided to buy it. He began to raise grain, corn, and red kidney beans. Later on, he began raising green beans and eventually the area became the largest green bean producing region in the country.
A co-op was formed in King Ferry to help sell all of the crop, but it ended up going bankrupt and a fire destroyed the facility. However, grandpa Turek later bought the property at an auction and rebuilt the packing house. It became known as Cayuga Produce, the sales company for Turek Farms.
Today, the farm is a longtime family tradition of over 85 years, with a group of core employees whom, mostly, have worked for the farm for over 25 years. Preparing the farm for the future as it continues to be passed down through the generations.
Commitment to Food Safety
The team at Turek is dedicated to food safety and sustainability with a variety of meticulous routines they accomplish. For example, planting cover crops and buffer strips to prevent soil erosion, and rotating crops so the fields are not stripped of nutrients and kept safe from disease and pest infestations. Plus, they’ve implemented Integrated Pest Management technologies so crop protectants are only used as needed.
Thanks to our hard-working friends at Turek Farms we can put high quality, home.grown. local produce on our shelves and bring it to your table!
Hatch Chiles Are Here Through August!
So, what is a Hatch chile? A Hatch chile is a meaty green chile pepper, with a grassy, herbal flavor. Some varieties are smoke out of your ears spicy, but most pack just enough heat to make them enjoyable in a meal, without overpowering your tastebuds. Depending on your own level of spice tolerance, of course. When roasted, hatch chiles take on a buttery flavor with a sweet heat.
Hatch chiles are grown in the Hatch Valley in New Mexico, they must be grown in this region along the fertile Rio Grande to be called Hatch chiles. They come in a number of varieties, from Numex Big Jim, featured in the “Guiness Book of World Records” as the largest green chile, to the Sandia variety, which is a bit smaller with a medium heat offering.
Hatch chiles come in a range of heat levels. Hotter varieties can reach up to 8,000 Scoville Units, which is around that of a spicier jalapeño. Milder varieties reach up to 2,500 Scoville Units, which is similar to a spicier Anaheim pepper.
Try these out the next time you’re making salsa, enchiladas, and more, you can even add them to your next cheeseburger! Check out more recipes below!
- 2 cup whole milk
- 1 envelope (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 2 Hatch or poblano chile peppers, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 2 Hatch or poblano chile peppers, stemmed
- 4 slices grains & seeds bread
- Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
- 2 avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper plus additional for serving
- 1 package (3 ounces) thinly sliced smoked salmon
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced Hatch or poblano chile peppers
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 boneless top sirloin steaks (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoon salt free garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
More info: https://www.holajalapeno.com/hatch-chiles/
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we’ve been partnering with local corn farmers in the Northeast since 1932. Corn is one of our region’s top agricultural products. Our farmers love to eat this local treat fresh-off-the-stalk, and so do we!
Leading up to the month of July each year, our corn takes quite a journey. During the month of May when local farmers are tending to their fields, we will tap into Florida’s sweet corn season and supply those delicous ears. Fast forward to June and we start to move up the coast into the state of Georgia. While we are getting corn from here, our local corn has started to sprout. Exciting things await!
Finally, the month of July comes and we are popping with excitement (pun intended)! The first half of the month, we move even further up the coast to North Carolina and Delaware, since their corn season is in full swing. However, by mid to late July, our local sweet corn season is finally underway! This lasts only until mid September, but we enjoy every minute of our corn season.
We love corn season so much, we have an incredible deal happening for two weeks only starting on August 4th, 2024. Amaize Corn, grown locally by Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville, New York will be shipped to all Price Chopper and Market 32 locations. This item will be sold in a pack of three at $3.99.
We recently had the opportunity to visti our friends at Reeves Farms. Check out some photos below!
What makes Amaize Corn so special?
This type of corn is sweeter than most corn, and is noted for its delicious taste and unique texture. Learn more about Amaize Corn here, and be sure to grab a pack of this life-changing corn while it’s available!
Check out some of our recipes below that you could make with your Amaize Corn!
home.grown. Farm Feature: Paul Mazza's Fresh Produce
Jack Marquette
Marketing Intern
The Operation
Paul Mazza owns over 250 acres of farmland in Essex, Jerico, Williston, and Colchester. After visiting only the Essex and Colchester locations, we could tell each acre was used with purpose of growing some of the freshest produce in Vermont. An operation like this takes a group of employees who love to work for Mazza’s Fresh Produce and provide for their families in the snow seasons. Using busses, they can easily transport them around the farms. This operation leaves Paul working long days and is a reason why his Fruit and Vegetable Farmstand in Essex is so trusted.
Community Connection
We visited the Essex Farmstand location on a Wednesday afternoon and still there were cars consistently pulling in and purchasing the fresh produce from the stand. The community relies on trusts and respects Mazza’s stand and his work for delivering great produce. Their website, paulmazzas.com, displays that their mission statement has not changed. For 38 years they still want to “connect our community with fresh local foods.” Their website provides information on most services covered in this blog, but with much more detail. We encourage you to check out their website to learn more.
Pick-Your-Own
Even with the massive success of the stand, Mazza still says the people’s favorite is the “Pick-Your-Own”. You have the availability of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and apples. They encourage everyone to make memories along with collecting fresh produce at a great price. More information can be found on their website.
Overview
Paul Mazza offers many options to his loyal local customers. Whether it is his Fruit and Vegetable Farmstand in Essex, the popular Pick-Your-Own, or the hard work that goes in behind the scenes, there is a reason the community trusts the farm. Building through a community is something Paul Mazza and Price Chopper both take pride in and is one of the many reasons why he still provides fresh produce in our stores today.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
The month of July has so much to offer. The weather is beautiful, school is out, and everywhere we look there are barbecues and picnics. It only makes sense that National Grilling Month is celebrated for the entirety of this month! When we think of firing up the grill, hot dogs and hamburgers are most likely the first thing to come to mind. However, there are actually an array of items that can be grilled. Some may even surprise you. Let’s take a look below!
Watermelon: Grilling watermelon is actually quite simple. If you are new to the whole “grilling fruit” idea, then you are in for a treat. Picture the juicy sweetness of watermelon with a smoky flavor. It is quite the combination. The watermelon should be cut into wedges and placed on a heated grill for two to three minutes. Some people may add sugar or spices, or just eat it plain.
Pineapple: Grilled pineapple is a must-try this summer. They can be cut in rings, wedges, or cubes. Many people brush the pineapple in butter and/or brown sugar, but that is optional. Lightly oil the grate and cook pineapple for two to three minutes.
Bananas: If you are a banana-lover, then you are in for a serious treat! To grill bananas, slice them down the middle with the peel intact. Place the cut-side of the banana on the grill and wait to see grill marks (should only be about two minutes). An option here is to sprinkle on sugar or honey. Using tongs, flip the bananas over for five more minutes, or until the peel starts to pull away. This is best served with vanilla ice cream. Speaking of, Price Chopper and Market 32 have a new line of PICS Pint Ice Cream! Check them out here.
Tofu: Looking to change up the way you eat tofu? Look no further! Grilled, seasoned tofu is a delicious summertime meal. You will want to buy firm or extra firm tofu, not soft. Press the excess liquid from the tofu prior to placing it on the grill, and make sure you oil the grill so the tofu does not stick. Cut tofu, paint with your marinade of choice, and then throw on the grill for two to three minutes each side. There you have it – Quick, easy, and anything but boring!
Pizza: If you have never grilled pizza before, then stop what you are doing and read this! Place the plain, formed dough on a cookie sheet and gently slide it onto the heated grill. The key here is to grill the dough on both sides, and then remove from the grill. Once you notice it starts to brown on one side, use tongs to flip. Once both sides are browned, let the crust cool on a rack for a few minutes to two hours. When you are ready, add your toppings and place back on the grill for two to three minutes.
Be sure to browse all-things grilling below for more traditional barbecue food!
home.grown. Farm Feature: Gade Farm
Jack Gelok
Marketing Intern
Gade Farm: A Family Tradition Rooted in the Heart of New York
This beloved farm is in Guilderland, New York. Gade Farm stands on pillars of tradition, community, and sustainable agriculture. This family-owned farm has been cultivating the land and nourishing its community for over a century, offering a rich blend of history, innovation, and down-to-earth charm.
A Century of Heritage
This story beginning date all the way to 1876, when Danish immigrants Hans and Sophie Gade purchased a simple piece of land. Over the decades, their dedication and hard work transformed this small farmstead into a thriving enterprise, passing down a legacy of agricultural excellence through the generations. Today, Gade Farm remains family-operated, with each generation adding their own chapter to its storied history.
Looking Out for the Capital Region
What sets Gade Farm apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices. The Gade family has long understood the importance of nurturing the land, implementing techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact. Their organic gardening center offers a wide range of eco-friendly products.
Strawberries to Pumpkins
Gade Farm is known for having a wide variety and diverse array of fresh produce, available throughout the growing season. From the first strawberries of spring to the hearty pumpkins and squash of autumn, the farm’s bounty reflects the rhythms of nature. Visitors can enjoy picking their own fruits and vegetables, a delightful experience that connects people with the source of their food.
More Than Just a Farm
Beyond its phenomenal produce Gade Farm looks out for the community. The farm market is stocked with a variety of locally sourced goods, including artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and homemade preserves. They also offer whatever your seasonal need are looking for thus can be anywhere in between hayrides or holiday markets.
home.grown. Farm Feature: Reeves Farms
Jack Gelok
Marketing Intern
A Berry Sweet Legacy: The Story of Reeves Farms
It all started with a young 18-year-old coming from Draycott, England to Jacksonville, New York. His name was Arthur Thomas Reeves the founder of Reeves Farm. Arthur started out working on his aunt and uncle’s farm, but by 1898, he and his wife Mary had saved enough to buy their own patch of paradise on what is now known as Reeves Road. With eight kids running around, the Reeves family was starting a farming legacy.
The Fast-Paced World of Farming
In the mid-1920s, Arthur’s son Edward, along with his wife Flossie, took the reins and moved the farm a bit further down Reeves Road. They focused on crops and milking cows. Their son Cecil, after a stint in the Navy during WWII, decided he’d had enough of cows and set his sights on crop farming. Cecil and his wife Dorothy juggled raising nine kids and growing vegetables and grain, proving that farming really is a family affair.
60’s Expansion
By the 1960s, the farm was expanding faster than you can say “strawberry shortcake.” Cecil and Dorothy bought more land, growing fresh market vegetables and berries. Their hard work laid the groundwork for the farm’s next big leap.
The Reeves Farm Today
In 1990, Cecil and Dorothy handed the keys over to their sons Bruce, Mark, and Brian. After Bruce left the partnership in 1992, their brother Andy joined the team. Today, two of Mark’s children, Nolan and Karin, are also part of the farm’s management, making Reeves Farms a true multi-generational operation.
The Reeves Family Looking into the Future
What makes Reeves Farms extra special is their commitment to sustainability. They use Integrated Pest Management, reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, and organic production to keep the soil and water healthy. It’s all about farming smart to ensure this land can keep producing mouthwatering berries and veggies for generations to come.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Eye health is an often-overlooked issue (no pun intended) until something happens to impact or change vision. Loss of vision is a substantial health challenge with significant impacts on quality of life, and the most common diseases have a long, slow development timeline, leaving many not realizing they are headed for vision issues. Nutrition has been a target for research and consumer interest in this field. Research shows some important nutrient roles in maximizing vision functions, but connecting specific nutrients to specific roles in prevention and management of vision issues has been more challenging than expected.
The good news is that we can connect recommendations for eating more produce, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and enjoying foods that are part of a Mediterranean style of eating to reduced likelihood of chronic vision challenges such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. There is a significant linkage between ensuring heart and artery health is maintained, because all nutrients that have a relationship with protecting vision also need to reach those tissues via a strong cardiovascular system.
Orange flags produce that offers significant amounts of Vitamin A, essential to ensuring eyes can see light and color – carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and apricots are on the menu for this critical nutrient. Vitamin A also protects against dry eye and has a role in the quality of tears. Antioxidant Vitamin C, found in red peppers, oranges, strawberries, and more, has been correlated with prevention or delay of macular degeneration.
Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids also have roles in eye health, along with bioactive compounds lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in leafy greens, tomatoes and eggs, and are critical to the health of the macula, which is the center of vision function in the eyes. Most of these vitamins and compounds are fat-soluble, meaning they need some healthy fats in food to be absorbed well, which opens the door for delicious foods like avocado, nuts, seafood and olive oil – hopefully, they were all on your grocery list already!
Supplements also have some supportive data and are most beneficial for those with macular degeneration or at risk for it. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 found supplements with specific amounts of the vitamins highlighted have positive benefits when used in conjunction with recommendations from your health care provider. Learn more about that here Vitamins for AMD – American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org).
Bottom line – plant-forward, nutrient-rich foods are important to eye and overall health throughout your life. Enjoy them as part of your vision of a healthy future!