Yakama/Wapato Produce

[racfish]

Ive been eating all week the best juiciest and still meaty red and yellow tomatoes that are outstanding.To me there is nothing like a Wapato Tomatoe.They are inexpensive not including gas.But besides tomatoes most all local crops are up.Corn is another fantastic Wa. product.The ears have been solid and full of kernels.They are approx 4/1.00- 6/1.00.Tomatoes were 16.00 for a 20 lb box.
Ifin you never eaten a Wapato tomatoe now is the time.Its truly a tomatoey experience.

[VHMLLC]

so Ralph if your in seattle are you driving out there to get the goods or do you have a source in the sound area. what sucks being down it the south end of the state is we dont have the time to get out there to get this stuff. again your killing me with these posts. i love to eat and cook even more. the sound is full of great stuff. we got portland](*,) . thats it im moving to the sound.

:viking:

[Rosann G]

Racfish, can you give me the location of the produce stand that you are visiting over on the other side in case I get to make a trip over there. I love good tasting tomatoes and they are so hard to find now days. Thanks in advance.
Rosann

[SPARKY101]

Olympia farmers market is also a good place,closer than yakima

[Anonymous]

I go to alot of Farmers Markets all in and around Pierce,King,Snohomish,Skagit counties and so on.Is driving East worth the gas or the hours spent driving?To me yes.I go to Yakama around 3:30 -4:30 in the morning.Its barely getting light.I fill my two large ice chest with ice and drinks.I take my fishing gear my easy lounging chair,sometimes my truck inner tube.I make it a day off of buying and having fun in the 90-105 degree sun in the Yakama Valley.
Back to topic.The stands I go to are all along Lateral A in Wapato.Depending on what you want I go to about 3-5 different farm stands.First stop is usually Boucheys Potatoe farm.I get a case of Yukon Golds and some Red Pontiacs.They sell the Fingerling Potatoes also.Bouchey is on Evans and North Harrah st.Well worth it ifin you enjoy potatoes.Next stop is Dagdagan farms on Lateral A.They have a local Honey that is great.The carrot blossom honey or the mint are my favs.Then I stop at Benedictos on Lateral A.I like their corn and melons best.Then its Imperial Gardens right down the same road.They have alot of the more unusual crops like White Eggplant,Lemon Cukes,lots of Squashes,Melons and so on.From there its to E.W Brandts Fruit stand on Jones Road and Lateral A.Youll see their road sign with arrows.There I buy Peaches ,Nectarines,Apricots,Plums.Now last but not the least I stop at the Yakama Nation stand .They have some local berries there.
I go there for a mini vacation,great weather,sometimes swimming or tubing,fishing and just a gorgeous drive.I buy fruits and veggies for a few families that give me a lil something to bring em back some fresh wholesome foods from Wa State.
Is it worth it.No not really with gas prices as they are.I get 2 days off a week Sat and Sun.I do not go on vacations anywhere out of state.So for me this is my lil piece of relaxation.
Dont forget if you go thru Cle Elum to stop at Owens or the Cle Elum Bakery.Two must haves on my trips.Ifin you have any questions about anything on this feel free to ask.I have maps I can fax out but I cant or dont know how to scan stuff.
I love the farms in the Oly area.I go to Spooners Berry farm quite a bit.One other thing is I take the Canyon Road into Yakima through Naches.Very nice drive.Fly fish the Yakima River and or tube it for a while.Good luck to all.

[crappiemaster]

racfish... I am going to let you in on a little secret. Go the extra 10 or so miles to Zillah and go to Jones Farms produce. My daughter's boyfriend's family owns that, and they have the best tasting seedless watermelons I have ever had. They are meaty, crisp and juicy..unbelievably good. I have lived here all my life and I have never had watermelons like they have. Give it a try..

[racfish]

I should have included all this but I gave a brief idea on where I go.I go as far as Sunnyside really depending on specific types of produce.For Asparagus I go to Grainger.How can a person go to Grainger without stopping in Sunnyside for an ice cream at Darigold and a Tamale at the bus chuck wagon.Zillah is awesome .I have been to the Jones farm in the past.I do love my melons.Food has been a big part of my life since going to farms and picking fresh produce with my Grandfather.Back then it was the Kent Valley.That whole area between Renton and Tacoma were all great farms.Every jam jelly and pickled product I make are from Wa .State.Thanks for that reminder about Jones CM.I'll check them out Saturday.Time to pickle beets and beans.
Canning pickling and jamming are becomming a lost art in America.Our parents ,grandparents all did it back when.I recommend that everyone try it at least once.Nothing taste as good as a product made with love and your own hands.Its a great way to teach children.

[crappiemaster]

Great point. I have been talking to my wife about trying our luck on canning some pickles. I had some homemade ones at Rimrock lake. My son's godmother made some really good ones and she said it was real easy. We can our own salsa (with the local peppers and tomatos of course!) and one of the ladies I work with says she freezes her corn and says she goes through a little process, but it tastes just as sweet and fresh in the winter!! I'll share that if she tells me how!!

[VHMLLC]

Hey racfish can i be your adpoted son. the viddles at your house must be smokin. and the trips sound awsome. i think im going to talk my wife into planing a roundabout (camping trip) swing through the whole aera you listed. i will ask for the maps when she conceds.

:viking:

[racfish]

When I finally get a camera I'll take a picture of my root cellar in the basement where I keep all the jarred goods.I do this cuz it reminds me of my grandparents whom I cherished so much.I remember going into their cellar seeing all these goodies.I said when I get older I'll do the same and I do.When I give holiday gifts I go buy wicker baskets fill them with all my goodies.It sure saves on doing the mall shopping thing.

I'll adopt anyone or anything who makes more income then I do.Thats not too hard to beat.Hehehehe