Summer is the perfect time of the year to find an abundance of locally grown, find fresh produce from neighboring farms. This summer MARTIN’S Food Markets will bring back their signature Local Route program in all stores. Each week, cialis MARTIN’S produce departments will highlight what local items are fresh in-store that week and what farm those items came from.

MARTIN’S has been a leader in buying local produce for many years, supporting local farmers and manufacturers in the states where stores are located. When consumers and retailers purchase products from within their own communities, not only do local companies benefit, but so does the local economy, as money and resources circulate throughout that community. MARTIN’S has been a participant in Pennsylvania’s buy local program, PA Preferred. Additionally, MARTIN’S also participates in Maryland’s Best and Virginia Grown.

Customers can find local products in MARTIN’S stores throughout the year, but during the summer months many “in season” produce items have come right from the grounds of nearby towns and counties. “Add local fruits and vegetables to your meals this summer,” said Valerie Waters, MARTIN’S nutritionist. “They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized, plus they taste great when added to the grill with your lean meats!” Here are some popular local produce items that are currently in season and tips on how to select and maximize freshness.

• Green beans – They should be a bright green color with velvet-like texture and no discoloration. You can tell they are fresh when they easily snap in half. Don’t wash them until you are ready to use them and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• Corn – Look for husks with a good green color and pale colored silk. Gently pull the top of the husk away. If the kernels are discolored, dented or missing from several rows, that means the corn is not fresh. To store, simply keep un-husked corn in the refrigerator. If you husk the corn, place in storage bags before refrigerating. Eat as soon as possible for maximum taste and freshness.
• Tomatoes – When buying tomatoes, look for those with a deep, rich red color. They should be without wrinkles, cracks or bruises. If a tomato yields to light pressure, it’s ripe. Tomatoes are sensitive to cold and should be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Tomatoes will keep up to a week, depending on ripeness at the time of purchase.
• Cucumbers – Cucumbers should be firm with a bright even color throughout. Be sure to avoid those that have soft spots or blemishes. If not using right away, store in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
• Peppers – Choose peppers that are firm with smooth skin and a fairly even shape. The coloring should be uniform, with no blemishes, soft spots or wrinkles. Store green peppers in the produce drawer of your refrigerator for 5–7 days.