5 Essential Farmers' Market Products for Grilling Season

Fresh herbs

Follow your nose and choose any aromatic fresh herbs. Most herbs are interchangeable in recipes, especially if they are similar in type: leafy (such as basil, cilantro, or dill) or with firmer, woodier stems (thyme, oregano, rosemary). Blend a handful of fresh herbs with olive oil and other aromatics like lemon juice and garlic—this quick sauce pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. Or add a fresh note to marinades by adding chopped herbs. Firm rosemary stems can be used as skewers, and the remaining herbs make a garnish on serving plates.

Peaches

Enjoy the unofficial fruit of summer by grilling it: for a simple dessert, top grilled peach halves with a scoop of ice cream. But that's not all! Use sliced ​​grilled peaches in salads and salsas. Grilling imparts a deep flavor to peaches, making them a great complement to grilled chicken and onions.

Corn

Grilling corn on the cob can be done with or without the husks—it's a matter of taste. And thanks to the natural sweetness of summer corn, cooking time can also vary. All this makes grilled corn the easiest side dish for a crowd (though burnt cobs with the husks on are probably not the best option!). When grilling unhusked corn, the husks and silks may become blackened, but they're easy to remove; 10 minutes per side is all it takes for a hot cob. For husked corn, about 5 minutes per side is sufficient. Seasoning the cob—if using any at all—is optional. But try brushing the grilled cob with a simple mixture of mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and lime juice for a Mexican-inspired treat.

Local meat, poultry and seafood

Every farmers' market is different, but pay attention to the local produce on offer. Certain items, such as summer trout, fresh sausages, or bison steaks, are often unique to certain regions and are sure to be perfect for grilling. Ask your vendors for advice: you might just need to choose the right fresh summer sausages to prevent them from bursting on the grill!

Summer squash

There's no other vegetable on the market with such a wide variety of varieties and such a short season. Some varieties of summer squash are short and plump, others are thin and oblong, but all have a mild, buttery flavor that makes them easy to grill. Grill strips of any thickness and skewer rounds or cubes of squash.