Specialty Berry Madness Continues at Farmers' Markets, Courtesy of Pinnacle Farms

By Julie Peterson Fri., May 28 2010 at 10:32 AM

Categories: Farmers' Markets

Julie Peterson

Ever been helped at a market stall by someone who isn't sweet and adorable? Me neither.

Now, as in tomorrow, is the time to snag a bunch of certified organic California raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries at two packs for $5 ($3 each, but who needs just one?) from Janna Anderson's Pinnacle Farms. They have stalls at Roadrunner Park and Old Town Scottsdale Farmers' Markets.

BTW, tomorrow, May 29, is the last Old Town Scottsdale FM until decent weather returns; last summer's "Let's go into the underground garage with misters" experiment was not a big hit, according to Anderson. October will also bring Pinnacle back to Momma's Organic Market on Saturdays in Peoria.

Whether you need to serve something red, white, and blue this weekend or you just want to nom a decadent-but-natural touch of healthful Northwestern bounty as your shoes start to sink into the Valley's asphalt, grab these amazing fruits while they last.

Each berry pack contains 6 to 7 ounces by weight, depending on variety, and although they look very compact to the eye, each measures about a dry pint in volume (the usual old-fashioned berry standard).

Julie Peterson

Going fast

These snaps are from a trip to Wednesday's Town and Country Farmers' Market, where Pinnacle was also featuring some rockin' sweet corn and several varieties of Arizona heirloom tomatoes -- that makes a meal, for me, this time of year. My lunch and marketing date got all excited about the duck eggs Anderson had already run out of. Those (well, fresh ones) will be back Saturday, too. Go early, dude.

You don't need to do much to these berries. Top some good vanilla ice cream with 'em and prepare to swoon, or serve with a mild white cheese and some sparkling wine, and you'll be both patriotic and popular. Me, I plan to throw the rest of mine into a simple muffin recipe and freeze the results for Father's Day.