Brentwood Corn is Coming! And Other Farmers Market Finds This Weekend

In case your husband or dad wants to desperately gnaw on some hot-off-the grill sweet Brentwood corn on Father's Day: the market manager at the Saturday morning market in the Shadelands office park received confirmation that one of their vendors would be trucking some in.

Jan Taylor, a regional market manager for the California Farmer Market's Association, said she received word that G&S Farms will be bringing in corn from their Brentwood spread. "Just in time for Father's Day," she said.

Officially, the high point of corn season doesn't hit until July, but market managers said they often see corn earlier and always hope to have it available for Father's Day. This season's unusually cool spring and late rains mean that many crops--including tomatoes--could come later than usual.

UPDATE: Keith Farley, the manager for the Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market held Sunday morning along Locust Street in Walnut Creek,  received word Friday evening that his market would have Brentwood corn available as well. 

If corn is not your thing, you'll still find plenty else to satisfy your appetite for fresh-off-the-farm produce, notably sweet juicy stone fruit of all kinds--peaches, nectarines, plums. Also: 

• Cherries are still around
• Alas, asparagus is nearing the end of its season
• Blueberries have arrived, and strawberries are abundant and juicy
• Zucchini and other vegetables are available. "It's a smorgasbord of veggies," said one vendor at Sunday's market. 
• But peppers have a few weeks to arrive. 
• Get ready for the great tomato bonanza. Currently most varieties being sold at the stalls are hot house. The sun-ripened varieties, including Heirlooms, should become available in a few weeks. 

Saturdays, Shadelands Office Park: The Diablo Valley Market, with more than 40 certified growers, is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mitchell Drive and North Wiget Lane.

Sundays, downtown Walnut Creek: The Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market is year round open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through November and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. December through April at the north end of Locust Street.