Here in Southeastern Mass you might say we live coast-to-coast. From Massachusetts and Plymouth Bays, along the canal, up Buzzards Bay, and then east back to Massachusetts Bay. That’s a lot of room for exploring along and between these shores. Miles and miles of aquaculture and agriculture in over 50 communities, each representing unique cultures and traditions. In our neck of the woods, fresh produce abounds during a pleasant summer season, replete with opportunities to explore this geographic area and enjoy its bounty on a road trip, in the kitchen, or on a picnic. From coastlines where beach plums wait to be discovered to inland farms where the ripest of produce is ready for picking, it’s time to let the exploration of all things summer begin.
Blueberries, mulberries, and beach plums share center stage during these summer months. Fresh for picking and ready for eating, these fruits will be the stars in your desserts and beverages, creating new summer memories for your family and friends.
Want to make your day hotter? Try our jambalaya recipes, with or without fresh okra, then cool down with some palate-soothing vinegar-based desserts.
In our Local Provisions column, here come the berries again… and mushrooms… and canned chilled cocktails—tastes of summer that will give you reason to celebrate, holiday or not.
And please join us in recognizing and celebrating Gaspar’s 100th anniversary—our local and the nation’s largest Portuguese sausage producer! Congratulations! We are introduced to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation family members now all working at the company (an astonishing feat for any family-run business) and learn how Gaspar’s stays current while maintaining its century-old traditions and recipes.
In summer eSEMA, we also introduce a new column, The BUZZ, that will catch you up on locavore news and positive developments in SEMA-land.
So bask in the sun, sip in the shade, and nosh on the porch. You have plenty of options to keep the summer lasting way past Labor Day—astronomical summer does go to September 21! It is all waiting for you. The forecast for the summer is berry good!
Eat thoughtfully,
Terry Vandewater, Assistant Editor
Laurie Hepworth & Michael Hart, Publishers
