Taste of Yates Local Food Guide: 2024-2025 Edition
the Taste of Yates
LOCAL FOOD GUIDE
by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce
presented
Welcome to the Taste of Yates Local Food Guide! Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce are pleased to share this publication with you as it illustrates the diversity and bounty of food Yates County farms offer. There are numerous reasons to buy local food all year round:
• By working with your local farmer, you can fill your refrigerator and freezer with the freshest products Yates County has to offer!
• There is less impact on the environment! Local foods travel fewer miles than foods shipped all over the nation or even the world. By eating local, your food has traveled fewer miles for a smaller carbon footprint.
• Buying local food means your dollar stays in the local community, supporting our farmers and businesses.
Yates County is blessed to have an amazing diversity of agricultural products. It is just a matter of walking out your front door to find everything from produce, meat, dairy, grains, dry beans, wine, cider, and so much more!
Please note: Each producer in the guide handles on-farm sales differently. For best results, please get in touch with farms before stopping by. HAPPY EATING!
The following periods are approximate. Harvest periods may begin a week to ten days earlier during a warmer than usual year or new season extension strategies. A cool spring will delay crop maturity. Please call farms for exact dates of harvest.
SPRING
MARCH - MAY
EARLY
SUMMER
JUNE - MID JULY
Apples
A cooperative of small family farms, growers, and producers that are dedicated to raising food in ways that will nourish our land and families for the generations to come.
For more information visit fingerlakesfarmfresh.com
HIGH SUMMER
MID JULY - EARLY
SEPTEMBER
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A regional agritourism program that combines agriculture and tourism to promote the abundance of agricultural resources in the southern Finger Lakes.
For more information visit fingerlakesfarmcountry.com
Developed to keep drivers, farmers and others using the public roads safe.
For more information visit cals.cornell.edu/nysltap-local-roads
Yates County is home to abundant homegrown fruit and vegetable stands, and we are happy to share this healthy food with you! Many farm stands are self-serve, which requires courtesy and honesty on the customers' part. Remember that the farms where you buy your produce are the family's home, so please respect their privacy and refrain from taking pictures. Farms are workplaces that include hazards such as large animals, electric fences, and heavy machinery. Resist the temptation to wander about unless invited by the farmer. Most farm stands in the county are operated by Old Order Mennonite families that do not conduct business on Sundays to preserve a day of rest. For suggestions on farm stands that are open on Sunday, call Cornell Cooperative Extension!
Apple Barrel Orchards
2673 Sand Hill Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-2744
apple products, fruits, maple syrup, honey, hard cider and more
Back Country Produce
6195 Pre-Emption Rd, Rock Stream, NY 14878
607-243-9762
homegrown / local fruits & vegetables, local maple syrup, honey, jams, etc.
Benton Valley Orchard
2349 Simonsen Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-2473
seasonal fruits and vegetables
Black Squirrel Farms
590 State Route 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527
832-493-3419
black walnuts and nutshell products
Crystal Valley Produce
1719 Rt. 230, Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-8875
farm market, garden center, barn gifts, fresh produce, all-season plants
Ever Green Farm CSA
5942 Old Lake Rd, Rock Stream, NY 14878
607-243-3613
organic vegetables, community supported agriculture, membership required
Bountiful Meadows Organic Farm
2664 Rt. 364, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-4502
year-round organic produce and stored winter vegetables
Finger Lakes Produce Auction
3691 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-531-8446
auctions for produce, farm equipment, quilts and crafts
Fresh Fruit & Flower Farm
677 Pre-Emption Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-7704
cut flowers and fruit
G&F Produce
4114 Bath Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-535-0017
cut flowers, bouquets, vegetable plants
Glenora Farms
340 Dundee-Glenora Rd, Dundee, NY 14837
607-368-0616
apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and other fresh fruit
Jim Bedient's Blueberries
3955 Stever Hill Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
315-595-6676
u-pick blueberries
Henderson's Produce
2655 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-4958
family-run vegetable stand
Hillside Produce
4418 Himrod-Lakemont Rd, Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-8097
April-June: flower and vegetable plants, bedding plants, hanging baskets.
fresh local fruits (apples), cheese, honey, hard cider, fresh cider, and cider donuts
Windy Acre's Farm
4172 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
607-243-5899
farm-fresh produce, flowers, and nursery stock
Yesterday's Roots
5888 State Rt 14, Rock Stream, NY 14878
607-243-5151
produce, cheese, jams, jellies, syrup, canned items, locally made gifts, and baked goods on the weekend
Buying Local Meat
CAROLINE BOUTARD-HUNT, CCE-YATES COUNTY
With the increased interest in buying local, there has been a strong focus on purchasing local fruits, vegetables, and grains. There are many reasons people choose to switch over to buying local meat. Getting the opportunity to discuss growing practices with your local meat producer will educate you on individual practices as well as give farmers feedback on what you, as a consumer, want. I know many local beef producers, and they all raise their meat differently- some feed grain, some feed only grass, some are organic, and some are not. They all have a strong respect for the animals they raise, a love of farming, and a commitment to producing high-quality products. Contact CCE-Yates County for tips on buying local meat in bulk.
Bedient Farms Natural Beef
750 West Swamp Rd. Middlesex, NY 14507
585-738-3114
all natural pasture-raised beef, poultry, lamb, and pork
custom processing and smoking of beef, pork, lamb, and venison. bulk purchase of beef and pork
Morgan's Grocery
100 Hamilton Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-6612
full service grocery store & deli, specializing in quality meats, including certified Angus beef
Morning Mist Farms
2359 Guyanoga Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0539
grass-fed and finished Angus beef, eggs, and home-crafted soap
My Little Farm
142 North Flat St. Penn Yan, NY 14527
585-737-5208
eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, and pork (also featuring a petting zoo)
Sweet Grass Meats
6114 Italy Valley Rd. Naples, NY 14512
585-374-9913
100% grassfed beef and lamb, pasture raised pork and chicken, raw honey, and maple syrup.
The Farm Store at Big Mamou
1985 Keech Rd. Branchport, NY 14418 315-436-3135
local organic, grassfed and grass-finished, pasture based meats
Timberline Meats LLC 4342 John Green Rd. Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-5581
local beef, pork, and lamb (USDA certified retail/wholesale steaks, bacon, sausage)
The Evolution and Importance of Whole Grains
FLOUR, BEANS, AND WHOLE GRAINS
Incorporating dried beans and whole grains is a delicious way to improve your health and expand your palate. Both whole grains and dried beans are essential sources of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day. Home to The Birkett Mills, one of the largest buckwheat manufacturers in the world. Whether it's buckwheat pancakes for breakfast, an einkorn salad for lunch, or black bean soup for supper, it's easy to find an enjoyable way to incorporate them into your day!
whole grains, bulk herbs and teas, baking products, local produce, bread, milk, and eggs
The Birkett Mills
163 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-3311
retail and wholesale wheat, buckwheat, flour, kasha cereal, cream of buckwheat, and grain seed
Oak Hill Bulk Foods
3173 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0836
grocery, produce, deli, bakery, and café
Blue Heron Bakery
136 Water Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-924-3545
retail and wholesale bakery
Buying Dairy Products Locally
ANIKA ZUBER GIANFORTE, DAIRY PROCESSING AND MARKETING SPECIALIST FOR CORNELL UNIVERSITY
New York is home to 353 dairy plants. This is great for local economies because, for each job created at a dairy plant, 4.27 additional jobs are generated throughout the economy. In addition, the rise in farmstead dairy plants allows consumers to directly interact with the farmer or person involved in making the product. By purchasing milk from a farmstead or artisan creamery, you provide that farmer with more value per pound of milk produced than they may typically receive and help their farm remain sustainable.
the original farm-to-cone duck egg frozen custard, using local ingredients
The Zimmerman Family Farm
736 Platman Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-6745
raw, certified organic grassfed cow's milk
Nature’s Sweetness
MAGGIE MAHR, CCE-YATES COUNTY
As you've made your way through The Taste of Yates, you've most likely thought about places you want to visit and what to make with your purchases. When finalizing a menu, you may sometimes ask yourself, "What else should we have with this?" This question goes beyond deciding what vegetables to cut up for a salad or wine you want to serve. I'm speaking, of course, of condiments, the unsung heroes of the culinary world. These include jams, jellies, preserves, spices, dressings, honey, and maple syrup. While you can purchase such goods at many establishments listed in the guide, this section is dedicated to those specializing in small-batch production, creating the perfect topping for your meal.
Freshly made coffee from well-roasted beans is another one of life’s pleasures. In Yates County, we are proud to say that we have three local businesses that perfected the roasting process and feature locally sourced foods and gifts for purchase.
Amity Coffee Co.
3 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-279-4440
multi-roaster shop and homemade baked goods
Canopy Coffee Roasters
3173 Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0836
roasting a large selection of varietals from different countries and unique flavors
The Corner Coop
2475 NY Route 54-A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-694-7740
Seneca Farms merchandise and products, custom Keuka Lake apparel
Java-Gourmet Company Store & Black Cat Bistro
2808 Rt. 54A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-7843
Keuka Lake Coffee Roasters freshly roasted coffees, JAVA-GOURMET coffee-based seasonings, artisanal foods and gifts
Keuka Candy Emporium
131 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-531-4700
nostalgic, retro candy store, soda shop, coffee bar and ice cream shop
Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast
1491 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0686
custom coffee, apple cider, syrup, and homemade jams
Martin's Kitchen
4898 John Green Rd. Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-8197
jams, jellies, pickled products, pie fillings, apple butter, for retail and wholesale
Milly's Market & Cafe
19 Main St. Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-694-7350
handmade gifts by local Finger Lakes
artisans, crafts people, and food vendors
Nolts Apiary
2051 Porters Corners Rd. Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-5975
honey, woodenware hive tools
Sacheli's Franjo Farms & Sacheli's Farm Foods, Inc.
998 W. Swamp Rd. Middlesex, NY 14507
585-554-3238
onion, onion products, and sauces
Schiek's Maple Products
873 Ridge Rd. Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-730-0926
maple syrup, maple cream, maple mustard, maple BBQ sauce, maple roasted nuts, and maple seasonings
Tabora Farm & Winery
4978 Lakemont Himrod Rd Dundee, NY 14837
607-678-4342
winery, from-scratch bakery, deli, and cafe
Wixson Honey, Inc.
4937 Lakemont-Himrod Rd. Dundee, NY 14837
607-243-7301
honey containers and bee keeping supplies, local honey (clover, buckwheat and fall flower)
Food Preservation
Whether you're preserving your harvest or purchasing locally grown fruits or vegetables, canning, freezing, and drying can be effective ways to serve foods that taste harvest-fresh later. Following tested guidelines for safely preserving foods by these methods is essential. We recommend the Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia’s book, “So Easy To Preserve," or visiting the National Center for Home Food Preservation website, nchfp.uga.edu for more information.
Branchport Hardware
1 West Lake Road, Branchport, NY 14418
315-595-6622
canning supplies: jars, lids, funnels, lifters, and cold pack canners, etc.
hardware store, farm supplies, and canning supplies
Knapp & Schlappi Lumber Co.
273 Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-3383
wide variety of canning and pickling supplies
Martins Equipment
900 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-7056
canning jars and lids, pressure cookers, canners and seasoning packets
Oak Hill Bulk Foods
3173 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0836
grocery, produce, deli, bakery, café, and canning supplies
Pinckney Hardware
24 Main St. Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-7033
canning supplies and storage containers
Sugar Creek Foods
2901 Route 364 , Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-0105
grocery, produce, natural health products & supplements, bulk foods, and canning needs
Grow Your Own
Local food is wonderful, and no food's more local than food picked fresh from your own garden! If you want to "grow your own," we have many farms ready to provide you with vigorous vegetable transplants and regionally adapted seeds. Whether you're looking for heirloom tomato transplants or blueberry plants, our local nurseries are a fantastic place to find your next favorite variety! If you don't have a green thumb, many of these locations offer u-pick options.
Country Side Nursery
6100 Rt. 14A, Rock Stream, NY 14878
607-243-3895
annuals, perennials, succulents, vegetable starts, herbs, tomatoes, fruit trees, hanging baskets, trees & shrubs, and house plants
Crystal Valley Produce & Greenhouse
1719 Route 230 , Dundee, NY 14537
607-243-8875
full-line fruit & vegetable stand, greenhouse with vegetable transplants, perennials, annuals, and hanging baskets
Dahlia-Delights
4601 Lakemont Himrod Rd, Dundee, NY 14837
607-244-8835
250 varieties of dahlias for u-pick
Grace Gardens
1064 Angus Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-694-0123
4 acre daylily display garden, featuring over 2000 daylily cultivars
Hoover's Greenhouse
2606 Baldwin Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-8426
perennials, annuals, vegetable transplants, and fall chrysanthemums
greenhouse, florist, landscaping supply store, plant nursery, and produce market
Windy Acres Farm
4172 Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
607-243-5899
fruits and vegetables, vegetable transplants, flowers, hanging baskets, perennials, local fruit, trees, shrubs, and supplies
Soft Spelt Molasses Cookies Sour Cream Spelt Poundcake
provided by Mary-Howell Martens, Lakeview Organic Grains
A big, soft, chewy molasses cookie packed with layers of flavor - assertive ginger, smooth molasses, warm cinnamon, spicy cloves, rich butter, earthy whole grain, and a clean finish with not a hint of preservatives or corn sweetener. It is one of life’s true delights. At least half of the pleasure is the aroma while these cookies are baking!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 ½ tbsp local freshly ground spelt or whole wheat flour
• 1 cup local white flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 4 ½ tsp ground ginger (don’t skimp on the ginger!)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup cooking oil
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 local eggs
• ½ cup molasses
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, stir together flours, spices, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugar, add eggs.
3. Mix in dry ingredients. Refrigerate until fairly stiff.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls, roll each ball in sugar, and place on well-greased pans.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes until lightly browned – do not over bake.
provided by Mary-Howell Martens, Lakeview Organic Grains
The sour cream spelt poundcake is the very essence of what the perfect poundcake should be—impossibly rich, dense, eggy, with a deep buttery flavor and no artificial preservative overtones. The grainy flavor adds wonderful flavor complexity and depth. This is something to be truly savored in small slices, topped with sliced ripe local peaches or strawberries and a cup of strong coffee.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup butter
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 local eggs
• 1 ½ cup local freshly ground spelt or whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cup local white flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ salt
• 8 oz sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cream butter and sugar well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour with salt and baking soda.
3. Add to wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Mix thoroughly to blend in flavorings.
4. Bake in a greased and floured bundt or tube pan for 1 hour & 15 minutes at 325 degrees.
5. Chill, slice, and serve with lightly sugared sliced peaches or other fresh fruit.
Sunshine Cornbread “Better with Bacon” Java Yaki Wrap
provided by Mary-Howell Martens, Lakeview Organic Grains
Freshly ground corn meal is nothing like the store kind - it has a bright, sunshiney rich flavor and contains all the oils, color, and nutrients that are usually separated out. The cornbread is fragrant, tender, and rich. Serve hot with butter, molasses, or honey.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup fresh ground local cornmeal
• 1 cup local whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk
• ¼ cup thick plain Greek yogurt like Fage
• 3 Tsp oil or melted butter, lard, or bacon drippings
1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornmeal.
2. Add eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and oil.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Spoon into well-greased 12 muffin tins or one 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until lightly brown.
6. Serve with butter and molasses, honey, or jam.
provided by Susan Friguliette, Java-Gourmet Company Store & Black Cat Bistro
Freshly ground corn meal is nothing like the store kind - it has a bright, sunshiney rich flavor and contains all the oils, color, and nutrients that are usually separated out. The cornbread is fragrant, tender, and rich. Serve hot with butter, molasses, or honey.
INGREDIENTS
• 12 strips of bacon
• 1/3 cup JAVA YAKI
• 24 asparagus spears* (raw)
* Try substituting raw green onions, green beans, or scallops for the asparagus. They are all delicious!
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut bacon strips in half and put them into a Ziploc bag with the JAVA YAKI
2. Let bacon marinate for at least 4 hours (overnight is preferable).
3. Wash and trim asparagus to 4-5 inches in length.
4. Take one slice of bacon, wrap it around asparagus, and secure it with a toothpick. Place on a cookie sheet and continue until all JAVA WRAPS are completed.
5. Place in a preheated 400-degree oven and bake until bacon is cooked through (10-15 minutes). Turn once during the cooking process.
6. Prior to serving, we suggest turning on the broiler to crisp the bacon.
You can also cook these appetizers on the grill... our favorite way to enjoy a summer evening!
Maple Glazed Black Walnuts Sausage-Apple Oven Bake
provided by Sarah Tyler, Black Squirrel Farms
A simple and elegant treat that can be made with 100% local ingredients!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups Yates County Black Walnuts (available from Black Squirrel Farms)
• 1/8 cup Yates County Maple Syrup (available from a number of local producers).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornmeal.
2. Add eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and oil.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Spoon into well-greased 12 muffin tins or one 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until lightly brown.
6. Serve with butter and molasses, honey, or jam.
provided by Crosswinds Farm & Creamery
Breakfasts aren't usually fancy in our house, but when they are, they still need to be easy! This dish takes only a few minutes to prepare (you can even cook the sausage ahead), and it's a hit with everyone, even for dinner! Enjoy!
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees, and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
2. Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat, turning until evenly cooked throughout.
3. Mix baking mix, milk, cinnamon, and eggs until blended.
4. Stir in apple and pour into pan.
5. Arrange sausage links on top.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve with maple syrup & a tall glass of ice-cold milk!
* Note: These proportions work in a 9x13 pan, but you can easily cut the recipe in half for an 8x8 pan.
Local Fun. Local Flare. Local Flavor.
Explore Yates County - home to sparkling waterfronts, breathtaking scenery & world-class wineries. All the best that Upstate New York has to offer is right here. visit fingerlakescountrysides.com or yates.cce.cornell.edu for more information
