Maybe it’s the numerous sunny days or the effect crisp Colorado air has on our melons, peaches, corn, grapes, berries, squash and pumpkins. Whatever it is, the food grown in Colorado is ample, fresh and full of flavor. Take a tour of the state with us as we show off Colorado’s homegrown harvests.
Melons
Rocky Ford, in Southeast Colorado, is one of American’s premier melon-growing towns. Often, when people think about the best slice of cantaloupe they’ve ever had, it conjures up images and memories of outdoor barbecues and family gatherings. Relive these memories in Rocky Ford, where this fruit is sweeter than your fondest memory of it. And don’t forget to sample the watermelon while in town. Whether you pick your own from the vine, or stop at a roadside farm stand, Colorado melons are delicious.
Green Chilies
In the southeast town of Pueblo, taste buds stand on end when visitors take a bite of the town’s green chilies. Hot, medium or mild, Pueblo’s chilies lend a little kick and a hearty flavor when eaten plain, mixed into an entrée or atop a tortilla chip. And if you think there’s a limit to what chilies can do, consider Pueblo’s flavorful concoctions, such as green chili jams and jellies, breads, stews—even beer. You’ll soon discover that whether they're fire roasted, barbecued or baked, Pueblo green chilies kick anything up a notch or two.
Apples and Apple Cider
The Front Range region is brimming with orchards sprouting green, yellow and scarlet apples. In late summer, tree branches hang heavy with the shiny fruit. And when the season comes to a close in autumn, cider mills churn out delicious apple cider. And nothing goes with a glass of fresh, sweet cider like scenery showcasing the area’s fall colors.
Sunflowers
In the Northeast, sunflowers’ yellow-petal faces look directly into the sun and follow its arc across the sky throughout the day. Driving through the northern plains, you'll be greeted by thousands of these flowers brightening the landscape deep into the horizon. When fall approaches, their petals fade, and their seeds mature. Farmers roast and salt them for you to enjoy.
Sweet Corn
In the town of Olathe, situated near the western boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, some of the finest sweet corn in the nation is grown. Cobs grow heavy on the stalks in the area, and when tasted, the kernels seem to melt in your mouth. In fact, the corn here is so sweet and tender that using butter is only an afterthought.
Farmers’ Markets
At farmers’ markets, food vendors from around the state congregate. See heat radiate off the dull black finish of Pueblo chili roasters, hear the pop of their seeds, and smell the smoky aroma of charred pods. Palisade peaches sit near Rocky Ford watermelons, farm-fresh tomatoes lend their red hues to the booths, and sweet corn is roasted in the husk for you to enjoy right on the spot. This is your chance to taste the best of the state in one location. Find a farmer’s market in almost any of Denver’s neighborhoods during the spring and summer months.
See a schedule of farmers’ markets throughout the state.
For more information, visit Colorado Farmers Market Association or try the Colorado Department of Agriculture Farm Fresh Directory.
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