By Jody Chesko, President, Niagara County Produce, Inc.

Niagara County Produce, Inc. (Niagara Produce) is a family-owned business spanning three generations with locations in Elma, East Amherst, and Lockport. We offer competitive and affordable prices while directly supporting the local economy and farmers. In addition to produce, each market features deli meats, baked goods, a butcher shop, plants, dry goods, gifts, and more. All locations are great to visit, and both the Elma and Lockport stores have a greenhouse open year-round.

Our homegrown produce is especially abundant thanks to moderate temperatures, which extend our growing season, along with the nutrient-rich soil of the Niagara Escarpment. This is especially important because research shows that crops grown in healthy, well-managed soils contain higher levels of essential minerals, vitamins, and beneficial phytochemicals compared to those grown in depleted soils.

Niagara Produce provides a unique experience each season. In August, you can enjoy sweet, juicy stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums, along with melons such as cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. The season also brings blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The first apples and pears of the season give a glimpse of the upcoming autumn harvest. Grapes are great for warm-weather snacks or desserts, and figs are in season from now through August into November.

Peak August vegetables include corn, bell peppers (both sweet and hot), tomatoes, zucchini, and summer squash. Other options are eggplant, green beans, cucumbers, and sweet onions. Look for greens like spinach, kale, and arugula, along with root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets, as well as soft, leafy herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill.

For great produce, fruit baskets, party platters, gifts, weekly specials, new Molinaro’s on the Go, and more, visit https://www.niagaraproduce.com.