Our Backyard Summer Bounty
Fresh local flavors from Barrel Brook Farms
Meaningful Meals with Chef Mark Segovia
W ith summer finally here, I am reminded of just how lucky we are to live so close to such incredible produce. Terra Amico Farms, Full Circle Farm, Frantoio Grove Olive Oil, Cutrignelli Fattoria Apiaries, the San Martin Milk Company, and so many other small farms are all within a few short miles— literally right in our backyard.
One of my absolute favorite local spots is Barrel Brook Farms in San Martin. My friends and the owners, Jon and Aly— with the support of their family and their adorable threeyear-old daughter, Madelyn— have built a true paradise right here in South County. The energy there is magical, their produce is nextlevel, and their love for family and food can be felt, seen, and tasted in everything they grow.
Driving in, the first thing you see is a rustic fruit cart overflowing with seasonal treasures: strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, beets, radishes, and countless citrus and apple trees. Jon and Aly manage over 150 fruit trees, including their famous " Frankenstein tree "— a single tree with 21 grafts that produces different varieties of fruit all year long! They also raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats, babydoll sheep, ducks, colorful chickens, and, of course, Gilbert the Goose. While you ' re there, you can visit the pond teeming with koi, goldfish, and bluegill, and don ' t forget to grab some of their homemade preserves and honey. Jon and Aly have created something truly special at Barrel Brook. They are phenomenal hosts who will make you feel completely welcome and relaxed the moment you arrive.
As a chef, I feel incredibly fortunate to build relationships with people who love food just as much as I do. Today, I’ m sharing a recipe we’ ll be making using some of this local bounty: a zesty Summer Peach Citrus Salad with a Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette( yummmmmy!). It’ s fresh, fast, and incredibly easy. You can pick upi your citrus at your favorite local farms, or use any fresh citrus you have on hand.
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