Lawrenceville Farmers Market

Jersey corn

It was a nervous June for New Jerseyans. Farmers planted their corn and tomatoes a week or two late this year, slowed by a cool, wet spring. Thus, it looked until practically the last minute as if Jersey corn and Jersey tomatoes wouldn't be quite ready in time for the 4th of July.  The state Department of Agriculture officially put fears of a celebration without those staples to rest with a July 3 press release. A lack of early frost exposure and favorable growing conditions had enabled the corn and tomatoes to catch up and produce "an excellent looking crop," the statement said. Harvesting of minor quantities of tomatoes began the week before the 4th, and "fair" quantities were expected by the holiday. The corn harvest was also underway, the statement added, much to the relief of holiday barbecuers from the Jersey Shore to the Hudson Highlands.

New Jerseyans take great pride in their eponymous tomatoes and corn. Most locals are certain that they are the best corn and tomatoes, bar none. The state's farmers produce lots of each. Last year, New Jersey ranked 9th in the nation in tomato production and 8^th in sweet corn output, giving credence to New Jersey's Garden State nickname.

New Jersey farmers have raised peaches since the early 1600s, when the crop was first introduced into North America (from China and Persia by way of Europe). The crop's heyday in the state was the late 1800s, according to this history of the Jersey peach. The state still produces a peach crop that averages 2 million bushels a year. Price: $1/three ears of corn $1/lb. tomatoes $1.29/lb. for peaches $5 for 4 squash

Jersey tomatoes and Jersey peaches Recipes: * Fritters, chowder and three other ways to use corn fresh off the cob * Three corn salads, two relishes and a fresh corn salsa  *Tips on choosing and using tomatoes * Tomato, peach and red onion salsa * Salsa cruda with tomatoes and avocados * Heirloom tomato salad with grilled red torpedo onions and pesto vinaigrette

The Delaware & Raritan Canal, built in 1830, was one of the main commercial conduits between New York City and Philadelphia in the mid 19th Century. Barges towed through the waterway were the most efficient way to move heavy freight, such as coal, in those days. The canal and its towpaths today form a sprawling, green park  that stretches for miles across central New Jersey these days.

purple onions and Tuscan kale

Recipes: * Seven kale recipes from around the world

Price: $2/bunch

cucumber, bell pepper, green beans, Japanese eggplants

Recipes: * Nine green bean  recipes
* Seven eggplant recipes from around the world
* Tips on choosing and using eggplants

dried red clover blossoms and echinacea

These items are meant to be steeped into tea. Echincea is said to be an immune system the booster. The farmer couldn't say what the clover might do for you. It's a new crop for him. Others vouch for red clover's nutritional and medicinal properties, and make red clover tea with the blossoms, fresh or dried.

Price: $3

Lettuce