Mid-May through Mid-September is our peak season at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm. That is when: most of our fruits, herbs, and veggies are harvested; we have our on-farm market; and, we have lots of classes focused on learning recipes and cooking techniques to get more enjoyment from what we grow here on the farm.
Mother's Day Chocolates
The on-farm market won't be open in time for Mother's Day this year, but we will have three Chocolate Shop days (7957 Hollow Road, Middletown, MD 21769 at the purple door) dates and on-line ordering available as follows:
Saturday, May 4: Chocolate Shop, 10am-Noon
Tuesday, May 7: Chocolate Shop, 5:30-7:30pm
Saturday, May 11: Chocolate Shop, 10am-Noon
What to expect from the On-Farm Market
The On-Farm Market is on Saturday's 9am-1pm. Opening Day in 2024 will be May 18; online orders will begin May 13 (we always aim for Mother's Day weekend, but the heavy rains and fluctuating temps this Spring made planting and growing more difficult so we have pushed back a week).
Most of what we sell, we grow at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm using sustainable methods with no chemicals.
We sell some things that we create here too (like chocolates and bread).
We source some other local farm products too - these are labeled as coming from elsewhere.
It is outside, under the red and white tents.
In sunny and rainy weather (except when lightening or high winds).
We accept cash, debit, and credit.
You can order ahead online and pickup, or come for a leisurely browse through.
Lots of routes lead to Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm
On Opening Day, we expect to have the following items that are currently growing on our fields:
Various greens including: arugula, baby romaine heads, salad mix, collard and mustard greens
Onions: yellow candy onions and green onions
Root veggies: beets, radishes (french breakfast and red globe), salad turnips
Fruits: rhubarb, strawberries (at the link, see this cool video that Mark made with the USDA in the off season)
Herbs: oregano, thyme, tarragon, various mints
Other: cucumbers
We will also have fresh treats from other local farms:
farm-fresh eggs
various types of mushrooms
And, other yummy treats such as:
local honey from Western Maryland Apiaries (some gathered from hives at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm)
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm chocolates
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm sourdough bread
sometimes other baked goods
Adult Cooking Class Adventures for Summer Fun
Many summer fun cooking classes are now on the calendar. Our classes are geared towards adults having culinary adventures together. Our aim is to make learning fun and low pressure, and create an environment to enjoy with old and new friends. Join us at the purple door! You DO NOT need any cooking experience for any of our classes. Teens and tweens may participate with their parents for Learning Kitchen at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm classes.
Get new ideas for how enjoy your farm-fresh, Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, seasonal veggies (these classes feature whatever is growing fresh on the farm so the featured ingredients are a bit different depending on the time of year you take the class). Click on the links to learn more about the classes or to register:
Seasonal Slaws and Salads: April 28, July 23, October 5
Pickling and Quickaling Fruits and Veggies: June 2, July 16, September 22
NEW this year: Seasonal Pasta Pairings: June 23, August 20
NEW this year: Root Veggie Variations: July 21, September 10
Berry-specific classes featuring what we grow at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm:
Fresh Berries - Curds, Custards, and Creams: June 16 and July 9
Tomato Tastings - Learn about the different tastes of the tomato rainbow!
Tasting the Tomato Rainbow: August 4, 13, and 27
Get some tips on cooking with less salt in our Sauces for Life classes: June 4 and July 14
NEW this year --Learn how to make :
Pasta from Scratch: June 18, August 11
Pizza from Scratch: August 25
Salsa with the Pepper Rainbow: August 18
Learn how to make chocolates and other sweet treats like we do at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm (not as many chocolate classes in the summer to make room for all the veg):
Coloring and Filling Chocolate Truffles: April 24, June 30
Making Chocolate Snap and Shine: August 6