Local Produce and Summer Inspiration Found at Stop & Shop

QUINCY, Mass., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Any cook worth their barbecue apron and spatula knows a great steak from the grill looks and tastes even better with flavorful grilled veggies. With all the variety and freshness summer brings, Stop & Shop knows how important quality, local produce is to a successful summer meal. In partnership with more than 70 local farmers, an array of farm fresh products including sweet corn, peppers and tomatoes can be found at your community Stop & Shop store.

"Stop & Shop knows local farms are essential to our communities," said Suzi Robinson, Manager of Public and Community Relations for Stop & Shop's New England Division. "We're proud of our 60 year history with local farmers and our ability to provide customers with the freshest, top-quality, locally grown fruits and vegetables available."

Here are some popular local produce items that are currently in season in the Northeast and tips on how to select and maximize freshness.

Corn

Look for husks with a good green color and pale colored silk. Gently pull the top of the husk away. If the kernels are discolored or dented, that means the corn is not fresh. To store, simply keep un-husked corn in the refrigerator. If you husk the corn, place in storage bags before refrigerating. Eat as soon as possible for maximum taste and freshness.

• Fun Fact: The average ear of corn has 800 kernels, packed with vitamins B1, B5 and C, folate, dietary fiber, phosphorous and manganese.

Peppers

Choose peppers that are firm with smooth skin and a fairly even shape. The coloring should be uniform, with no blemishes, soft spots or wrinkles. Store green peppers in the produce drawer of your refrigerator for 5–7 days. Peppers can be stored in the freezer (whole or sliced) for up to a month if frozen properly.

• Fun Fact: Green bell peppers have twice the vitamin C of an orange, while red and yellow peppers have 4 times as much!

Tomatoes

When buying tomatoes, look for those with a deep, rich red color. They should be without wrinkles, cracks or bruises. If a tomato yields to light pressure, it's ripe. Tomatoes are sensitive to cold and should be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Tomatoes will keep up to a week, depending on ripeness at the time of purchase. To speed up ripening, place tomatoes in a paper bag.

• Fun Fact: There are more than 7,500 different varieties of tomatoes, all a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, an antioxidant.

Get the most out of your local produce with some sizzling summer recipes. Visit www.stopandshop.com for more than 600 fresh recipes and a list of your local farms.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs nearly 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promotes general health and wellness – with an emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.

SOURCE Stop & Shop

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