Summer Special: Washington State Locavore
Washington state is a true food and wine heaven! Especially in the summer months of June, July and August, the local food scene is abundant! Since I am visiting this summer, I thought I would share a few of my very favorites of the season.
First in rank would be local cherries. We are currently in the peak of cherry season here in western Washington. Just the other day I bought a large bag of Rainier cherries from a road side stand, which you see all over the suburbs, especially as you drive in from the eastern side of the state. It is not uncommon to see several cars and customers lined up under the makeshift tents shelling out upwards of $15 to $25 for a bag of local cherries. Yes, they are expensive, but if you have tried them and you know the season, you don't even bat an eye. Instead, you eagerly fork over the cash...often!
As for what to do with the cherries, my advice...eat them. Don't make any special recipes with them, don't freeze them. Just put them in a bowl in your kitchen and eat them. My two favorite varieties include Rainier's, a yellow/pink color and Bings, a very dark purple. I suggest buying them from either a roadside stand or a farmers market. Most cherries come from eastern Washington, specifically the Wenatchee valley area. If you're not in Washington state and you see them in your local grocery during the months of June or early July, you will most likely be satisfied, but remember that the true beauty of eating local is getting what's in season right near where you live.
If you truly want the Washington cherry experience, take a trip to the state, pick up a bag at Pike Place Market, set yourself down at a park on the waterfront, take a sweet bite and savor not only the cherries, but the beauty of the natural place where they were grown.
First in rank would be local cherries. We are currently in the peak of cherry season here in western Washington. Just the other day I bought a large bag of Rainier cherries from a road side stand, which you see all over the suburbs, especially as you drive in from the eastern side of the state. It is not uncommon to see several cars and customers lined up under the makeshift tents shelling out upwards of $15 to $25 for a bag of local cherries. Yes, they are expensive, but if you have tried them and you know the season, you don't even bat an eye. Instead, you eagerly fork over the cash...often!
As for what to do with the cherries, my advice...eat them. Don't make any special recipes with them, don't freeze them. Just put them in a bowl in your kitchen and eat them. My two favorite varieties include Rainier's, a yellow/pink color and Bings, a very dark purple. I suggest buying them from either a roadside stand or a farmers market. Most cherries come from eastern Washington, specifically the Wenatchee valley area. If you're not in Washington state and you see them in your local grocery during the months of June or early July, you will most likely be satisfied, but remember that the true beauty of eating local is getting what's in season right near where you live.
If you truly want the Washington cherry experience, take a trip to the state, pick up a bag at Pike Place Market, set yourself down at a park on the waterfront, take a sweet bite and savor not only the cherries, but the beauty of the natural place where they were grown.
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