It's high summer, but here in Centre County the weather is feeling more fall-like by the day! Don't let that fool you, though- the fruits of summer are still available in a big way at your local farmers' markets. Now is a great time to stock up on mass quantities of tomatoes for preservation. If canning or drying them sounds intimidating, don't worry- tomatoes are an acidic food, meaning they're safe to can in a water bath rather than a pressure canner- add a little citric acid or lemon juice to be on the safe side, and always follow a tested recipe. Look for supplies at any grocery store. Intimidated by the task of peeling them? Couldn't be easier- just blanch them in boiling water until the skin starts to crack, then transfer them into an ice bath. The skins will slide right off. And if canning still sounds like too much fuss, you can still enjoy local tomatoes all through the winter by freezing them. Freeze them whole, and when they defrost, they'll slip right out of their skins!

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a farmer is like? James Eisenstein of Jade Family Farms tells it like it is on WPSU's Local Food Journey blog. Several local farmers contribute to this blog. If you enjoy their writing, support them by buying from them at the markets! Local food seems to be all over the news lately- the Centre Daily Times recently ran an article on Jay and Laura Young of Young American Growers about their meat goat-raising operation. This article on StateCollege.com tells the tale of how Kim Tait of Tait Farm Foods recently testified before Congress as they considered provisions of the Farm Bill.

Don't forget, the American Farmland Trust is currently running its annual contest for America's Favorite Farmers Markets. The Downtown State College Farmers' Market and the North Atherton Farmers Market are both participating this year, and you get to vote! Visit the Farmland Trust's website and search for State College to find our markets and cast your vote! The winning market will receive a shipment of tote bags, a frontpage article on Epicurious.com and other prizes. Have you voted yet? While you're there, you can make a donation to the Farmland Trust or request a free "No Farms, No Food" bumper sticker! You don't even have to choose- you can vote for as many markets as you like, once per market.

We've received a lot of good feedback on our newspaper and television ads. If you're new to the markets, let us know either by email or just by telling a vendor- how did you find out about the market? Do you have any suggestions for other publicity we could pursue? Any ideas on how the markets could be improved in general? Let us know! Email centralpafarmers@gmail.com.

What's in season now?

Berries: Raspberries (black and red), blueberries
Cut Flowers: Sunflowers
Fruit: Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Plum, Muskmelons, Watermelon
Greens: Chard
Herbs: Basil, Lavender
Vegetables: Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Corn (sweet), Cucumbers, Eggplant, Leeks, Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Zucchini

This Week's Featured Recipe: Grilled Pesto Chicken With Summer Vegetables