Mid-May to Mid-September is Peak Season for Crops
At Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, our peak season for harvesting crops is mid-May through mid-September. Throughout that time, we have mini-seasons for different types of crops.
Some crops prefer cooler weather and so they tend to be ready early and late in the season
Some crops prefer warmer weather and so they tend to be available in the middle months
Some crops can tolerate the weather throughout the whole peak time and have short growing cycles so you see them through the peak season
Some crops have longer growing cycles so they only appear at the end of the season
We like variety at our farm so you will see a rolling selection of fruits, herbs, and vegetables appearing at our on-farm market and featured in our classes. We grow a variety because it is better for the soil and because it is more fun for cooking (and since Farmer Mark is also Chef Mark, that is important around here).
Examples of Some Vegetables and Herbs Grown at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm
Savor Field-Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables
Field-fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables are a summer delight. They really do taste different shortly after leaving the soil.
We can't grow everything you might love to eat here in Middletown, MD, and we can't grow all our summer fare year-round (some fruits and veg need warmer weather and longer sunlight hours than our season allows).
We have learned that vegetables we thought we didn't like as kids or earlier in our adult lives before we had tasted farm-fresh are actually delicious!
Take a Class to Celebrate and Savor Seasonal Produce
We understand it can be hard to give veggies a chance once your brain has a memory that you don't like it. Or, you might be reluctant to spend money on something you are worried you won't like or don't know how to make.
This is why we originally created the cooking classes! Let's have fun together tasting and making! Think of it as art you can eat!
In our experience, you will discover at least one new flavor that you like. Plus, you will make new memories, potentially find some new friends, and may learn new skills that you can use in creating dishes with the produce and recipes you already love!
We have started adding our Seasonal Savor classes for summer 2025. More will come soon. Click on links to learn more and register!
NEW for 2025: Seasonal Market Basket Surprise
In both versions of this class, you will learn about up to 6 fruits, herbs, and vegetables that we are harvesting at the farm when the class is held. Each month, we will have a different variety of produce in the market basket. The classes will give tips to help you "think like a chef" to create your own recipes in the future.
Hands-On Class: May 26, June 26, July 13, and August 14
In the hands-on class, you learn while doing. Throughout class expect to be on your feet chopping, stirring, rolling, and using other cooking techniques. You taste along the way, and may eat your creations on-site or take them home.
Demonstration and Tasting Class: June 15, July 17, August 17
In the demonstration and tasting classes, you are watching a demonstration and learning from your seat, and tasting what is made.
Come celebrate the berries of the season! We grow strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Some customers say they are the best they have ever had and others say they remind them of sweet summer memories picking wild berries when they were young! These are all hands-on classes.
Fresh Berries -- Curds, Custards, and Creams: June 12, July 21
NEW for 2025: Making Brunch Breads & Seasonal Berries: June 29, August 4
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm Classic Classes that are customer favorites and feature farm-fresh veggies while in season (but are offered throughout the year):
Classes Sweet and Savory Featuring Other Flavors
Even when you love farm-fresh flavors, it is still fun to have some variety! We are thinking of some new ideas and will be adding to this list, but we don't have as many classes in the summer because harvesting veggies and running a farm stand take up a chunk of time.
See previous blog for classes available in April and May (all March classes are sold out): https://www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com/post/2025-february-thru-mid-may-fun-and-tasty-activities-at-chocolates-and-tomatoes-farm
Private Classes Available Too!
Any of our public classes are available as private classes too.
We do not teach classes on Saturdays during mid-May to mid-September because we have our on-farm market that day.
Pricing tends to be the same as public classes, ranging about $35-$50 per person. We don't require a minimum number of people, but we do require a minimum price which varies by class length and topic; usually you can reach the minimum price with 6 people.
We can sometimes have bigger classes for private groups, but most classes are capped between 8-12 people.
Most classes are 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours long.
Reach out to us here to check in on your dates of interest first
We can hold a tentative date for 1-2 weeks while we work out details with you
Classes are designed primarily for adults, although teens and tweens are welcome with supportive adults, and private parties can have family members of all ages. Our equipment, materials, tables, and chairs are all adult-sized.
We will ask you questions about what you are interested in learning, if you want more socializing or more learning, more hands on or more watching, sweet or savory, and whether you have any non-adults you want to have attend. That will help us give you recommendations about the best classes for your group!
We can customize a class for your group too that combines across classes or is something not on the list already. Ask, and we will let you know what we can do.
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