THE PLACE FOR BY THE CASE
Hello Chimacum Corner Community!
Full-tilt fruity blitzkrieg has crashed upon the Produce Porch at long last. Whether you are a lover of that most savory of fruits, the Heirloom Tomato from Spring Rain Farm, or blueberries so exquisite they “taste of the color purple” (actual utterance overheard with regard to Stellar J Blueberries by Sensei Aaron of the Produce Dept), there is an all-out fructose assault descending upon our retail shores. Fruit abounds in the Nursery out front as well, whether on vigorous vines or bodacious bushes. Refreshing beverages (including C2O by the case) awash in summer flavors are resplendent and there for the taking. To borrow from one of our favorite fearless artistic leaders, David Byrne, the sheer grandeur of all on offer in the Produce Department has “stopped making sense.” Step up to the spectacle and treat yourself, family, and friends to great deals on cases of the finest fruits in the land. You guessed it - by and large, that means one word: Tonnemaker. Okay, Walchli too. :)
Casing The Joint
This might be that iconic moment of summer when you can have literally anything you want on the Produce Porch. In the span of seven days, we’ve had Spring Rain Heirlooms, Stellar J Blueberries, and Tonnemaker Hill Yellow Peaches all land at the store. That’s in addition to many stellar pieces of fruit that have entered the fray prior. All reports from the fields across the northwest are adding up to an insanely epic harvest season. Time to put it up in jars! We have arranged the fruit side of the produce porch so that all cases on offer are conveniently located and stocked. If it’s out on the porch it’s what we got. Right now, there are still opportunities for 5# cases of cherries, 6# and 13# cases of apricots, 35# cases of Hermiston cantaloupes, and we will be adding in 10# cases of one-touch tree-ripened Tonnemaker Hill yellow peaches (cultivars rotating, still in the “clingstone” varieties which are a fresh eating peach and not technically a savvy canner). We also have 5# cases of pickling cucumbers complete with flowering dill from Midori Farm, and some folks have been known to come in and by 6 cases at a time of those little guys! After the abysmal fruit season of 2024 due to the infamous “January Freeze”, it is a total boomerang to see all the high quality natural “tree sugar” piling up in every corner of the Porch. Come “make hay” while the sun is steady.
Fat of the Land
Some may call it the land of milk and honey, for us, it is the land of burrata and bubbly. Chief among our bubblies is the Austrian sparkling wine, or “sekt,” from Stift Klosterneuburg, made from Gruner Veltliner grapes. Notes of pear and peach adorn this delicate sparkling wine, which is amazing to pair with fried oysters (try some from Bearded Oyster Company (@beardedoysterco) at their next event!). Another outstanding summer sapper in the bubble category is the Croatian label Pomalo Wine Co.’s Pet Nat, which retains the funk but is zesty and crisp.
In the burrata lane, nothing says summer like a Peach & Heirloom Tomato Caprese with fresh local basil, prosciutto, and a nice big dollop of burrata with salt and pepper. We have many options for either petite mozzarella balls marinated in oil/peppers/garlic, or single orbs of burrata, as well as larger blocks of cheese. Truly a bonafide “Momma Mia” scenario.
Vertical Vitality
Vines are the watch word out in the Nursery these days. Jude, our edible plant buyer, has reported that grapes, kiwi, figs, blueberries, and thornless blackberries are in stock and vibrant. Secure your future canning operation now by putting in an edible paradise. Interlaken grapes from Van Klaveren’s Nursery are a tried and true green table grape that is resilient to the Salish Sea growing climate. Also, the “Issai” self-fertile Hardy Kiwi is a fun addition to any trellis, especially when you boost fruit production by planting a male Hardy nearby. While vines feature heavily, we also have some epic highbush blueberries, including the coveted varietals “Toro” and “Chandler,” which can yield nickel-in-diameter berries if well tended!
Also in the Nursery world, folks are already putting their chips down for 2026 orders to secure the best on offer. Here’s a progress report from Jude: “Hey fruit lovers - save a little space! In addition to the above, we just submitted our 2026 wish lists for fruit trees and shrubs in early spring (Feb/March). Along with the locally-adapted and heirloom apples, plums, peaches, cherries and pears from Heartwood (PT) and Biringer (Mt Vernon) you've come to expect, we'll be bringing you lots of "unusual fruit so fresh it's hard to find in stores" like mulberry, quince and paw paw trees, multiple elderberries to choose from, and a rainbow of currants from white to pink to red to (Turnip's favorite) - black currant. Nut lovers - we hear you! The early spring line-up will be filled with nuts - hazels, walnuts and chestnuts.” Something to get excited about, even as we are awash in a bounteous year!
Sou’wester Salad
There is a new salad sheriff in town, and his name is BLACKENED CHICKEN SALAD. The latest recipe from the Corner Kitchen team is a classic black bean and corn number with tender chicken breast atop, a cilantro ranch dressing, and Chimalow mixed greens playing the bass line. And just like a sou’wester hat, it will protect you from the elements via healthy protein and hydrating greens and veggies! Look out for it on the higher shelves in the Deli Case, above the Corner Kitchen sandwiches, along with our rotating cast of salad characters.
On Eagles Wings (Airport Day)
Get yourself on down to the tarmac August 2nd for the latest offering from the Production Alliance, Airport Day! From 10 - 3 at the JeffCo Airport, celebrate the thrill of flight with helicopter and historic aircraft rides, classic cars, live music and food! An all-american romp of good ol’ fashioned fun. Get out there and support local small businesses and musicians! The experience is sure to be levitating.
