New: Taste Farmstand Fresh program

Genuine Skagit Valley has launched “Taste Farmstand Fresh” to support Skagit Valley farm stands and farm stores. Shop participating farm stands and sign up for virtual “kitchen inspiration” – free 15-minute Zoom presentations offered by local chefs through the end of August. The sessions allow farm stand patrons to “get a fresh take on fresh foods” by gleaning professional tips and tricks on how to prepare, cook and preserve what is in their shopping basket.

Taste Farmstand Fresh’s goal is to keep momentum strong for Skagit farms stores. Shopping in an open-air produce stand, where foods and flowers are safely grown, stocked and sold, is appealing to the public. As an increasing number of people turn to their local farmers for fresh and high-quality foods, many are recognizing an unanticipated benefit – the relationship they build with them. Linda Versage, co-owner of Blanchard Mountain Farm said, “It’s the relationships. Customers say all the time, ‘We are so glad you are here, we are grateful for what you do.’“

Showcasing the Skagit Valley’s culinary talent also drives Taste Farmstand Fresh. Suzanne Butler of Mount Vernon has taught in Skagit Valley College’s culinary program for 10 years. She has run Graham Kerr’s test kitchen, written recipes and edited cookbooks. As a “long time cook, eater, cooking teacher and supporter of local food from family farms,” notes Butler, “I love the anticipation of favorite foods as they come in season. I would like to help others cook seasonal produce with joy and confidence.” The six local restaurant chefs in the program bring a combined 115 years of experience.

Eleven Skagit farm stands have joined with local chefs, and five culinary professionals. The farm stands stretch from Anacortes to Sedro Woolley, Big Lake to Bow and across the Skagit Valley.

Customers qualify to win a $25 gift certificate from the chef’s restaurants located in Mount Vernon, Burlington, Edison, La Conner and Fairhaven. For a complete list of farm stores and culinary professionals: genuineskagitvalley.com/farmstand/fresh/.

Source: Genuine Skagit Valley