Although the baskets of raspberries and blueberries next to the checkout register may resemble rubies and sapphires, the most appreciated gems of Long Island are not precious stones. They are delicious, natural foods instead, and the colors and textures can be as rich and diverse as those seen in any jewelry store display. The deep verdure of leafy kale and baskets brimming with gold and crimson orbs of tiny tomatoes beckon approaching shoppers to take pause and peruse the entire cornucopia of local produce that one neighborhood farm stand has to offer. Pat and Don's Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand indeed satisfies home cooks, healthy appetites and local food cravings alike with one of the most extensive and enticing inventories of any farm stand in the vicinity.
The owners have plenty to celebrate. This year, Pat and Don’s marriage hits the milestone golden anniversary of 50 years. Their tremendously successful farm stand, founded in 1974, turns 40 this season. The stand began as a humble wheel that served as a vending table for Mother’s Day flowers, and they soon hosted fall pumpkin picking events for the local school district. Don, a third generation Long Islander, spent much of his childhood on his grandfather’s Yaphank farm. Don’s exposure to the Long Island farming culture took root, and he made it his mission to continue the tradition. Responding to the community’s demand for local produce and plants, a permanent, open-air structure was built where the Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand remains today. Pat and Don’s grown daughters take part in the day-to-day operation of the stand, and you will often spy at least one of their several granddaughters lending an enthusiastic helping hand. Every individual at the stand is helpful, outgoing and courteous, and as you shop there regularly, they begin to feel like dear friends.
The pristine farm stand exudes the charms of a country market with its whimsical décor and friendly staff. It is truly astounding how much variety that modest-sized building has to offer, and tables that are set up outside display a bountiful array of additional goods. Also outside, you will find hanging baskets and potted blooms throughout the season, and gardeners revel in the rows of herb and vegetable plants as well as colorful flora for their landscaping projects every spring. Garden décor, from cute statuary and cheery butterfly wall hangings to amusing signs and unique plant containers, is also featured to add a touch of welcome to your deck, front porch or garden.
During the summer months, the outdoor displays present a still life image of neatly arranged celery, leeks, oyster mushrooms, kale, tomatoes, radishes, beets, rutabagas, parsnips, cauliflower and broccoli. You will find carrots and kohlrabi for your summer slaws and thick Portobello mushrooms to toss on the grill right next to your sizzling, marinated steaks. As the season progresses into fall, a rainbow of autumnal hues takes over as Brussels sprouts, various winter squashes, colorful potted mums and piles of pumpkins await your selection.
Indoors, you will find plenty of additional seasonal edibles to indulge in, starting with the all too brief harvest of strawberries and asparagus. Throughout the summer, bins carry onions, garlic, shallots, potatoes, lemons, colorful peppers, zucchini, patty pan squashes, eggplants, lettuces, cucumbers, plum tomatoes, fresh herbs, juicy peaches, luscious berries and plump, fresh figs. In the fall, the stand carries a variety of apples, including some harder-to-find specimens, such as Arkansas black, ginger gold and mutsu. Shelves are lined throughout the season with jars and bottles containing a wide selection of salad dressings, grilling sauces, jellies, jams, preserves, salsas and, of course, local honey.
In addition to produce, the Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand stocks some local artisan goods, including Italian bread, fresh mozzarella cheese, baked goods, fruit pies, eggs, and goat cheeses from the Catapano Dairy Farm. The freezer offers so many flavors of creamy cheesecakes from Holy Moses that choosing one will prove a challenge for many. Treat yourself and your kids to some old-fashioned candy sticks, cookies and fudge. Perhaps the most local item comes from Don’s very own chili roaster, from which he produces the freshest fire roasted red peppers. They make a flavorful contribution to salads, pasta dishes, pizzas and antipasta platters, and they pair perfectly with the goat cheese or mozzarella on bruschetta or crostini. No other local farm stand makes it easier to gather the ingredients for an entire meal that is conjured almost exclusively from locally grown and produced goods.
Now is the ideal time to take advantage of some of the quintessential delights of summer. The corn is at its peak of sweetness, the peaches are juicy and delicious, the tomatoes are packed with flavor and the watermelons are refreshing and rich in color. From the first mouthful, they all reward the palate with the defining flavors of the season.
The Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand opens in the mid-spring and remains open until November. From August through mid-September, the inventory is at its peak and shoppers can revel in indulging in the summer’s final harvests and in the first of the early autumn bounty. Late September ushers in families on their quests for pumpkins and fall décor. Shoppers can now indulge in a bite on site at the Billie Jean’s Grill food truck, which is parked on the premises. Just follow the savory aromas that waft throughout the parking lot, and Jonathan or Ralph will serve up premium quality gourmet burgers and hot dogs with tantalizing topping combinations, popcorn shrimp, milkshakes and other tasty options to satisfy cravings and keep you energized. A burger later, you just might feel inspired to duck right back into the Pumpkin Patch for some ingredients to create some unique burger toppings for the next evening's dinner.
Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand is located at 142 Long Island Avenue in Yaphank, just north of exit 66 off of the Long Island Expressway. You can visit www.pumpkinpatchfarmstand.com for directions, hours of operation and a listing of their current products, but it won’t be as engaging or rewarding as a visit to the friendly and bountiful farm stand itself.
The owners have plenty to celebrate. This year, Pat and Don’s marriage hits the milestone golden anniversary of 50 years. Their tremendously successful farm stand, founded in 1974, turns 40 this season. The stand began as a humble wheel that served as a vending table for Mother’s Day flowers, and they soon hosted fall pumpkin picking events for the local school district. Don, a third generation Long Islander, spent much of his childhood on his grandfather’s Yaphank farm. Don’s exposure to the Long Island farming culture took root, and he made it his mission to continue the tradition. Responding to the community’s demand for local produce and plants, a permanent, open-air structure was built where the Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand remains today. Pat and Don’s grown daughters take part in the day-to-day operation of the stand, and you will often spy at least one of their several granddaughters lending an enthusiastic helping hand. Every individual at the stand is helpful, outgoing and courteous, and as you shop there regularly, they begin to feel like dear friends.
The pristine farm stand exudes the charms of a country market with its whimsical décor and friendly staff. It is truly astounding how much variety that modest-sized building has to offer, and tables that are set up outside display a bountiful array of additional goods. Also outside, you will find hanging baskets and potted blooms throughout the season, and gardeners revel in the rows of herb and vegetable plants as well as colorful flora for their landscaping projects every spring. Garden décor, from cute statuary and cheery butterfly wall hangings to amusing signs and unique plant containers, is also featured to add a touch of welcome to your deck, front porch or garden.
During the summer months, the outdoor displays present a still life image of neatly arranged celery, leeks, oyster mushrooms, kale, tomatoes, radishes, beets, rutabagas, parsnips, cauliflower and broccoli. You will find carrots and kohlrabi for your summer slaws and thick Portobello mushrooms to toss on the grill right next to your sizzling, marinated steaks. As the season progresses into fall, a rainbow of autumnal hues takes over as Brussels sprouts, various winter squashes, colorful potted mums and piles of pumpkins await your selection.
Indoors, you will find plenty of additional seasonal edibles to indulge in, starting with the all too brief harvest of strawberries and asparagus. Throughout the summer, bins carry onions, garlic, shallots, potatoes, lemons, colorful peppers, zucchini, patty pan squashes, eggplants, lettuces, cucumbers, plum tomatoes, fresh herbs, juicy peaches, luscious berries and plump, fresh figs. In the fall, the stand carries a variety of apples, including some harder-to-find specimens, such as Arkansas black, ginger gold and mutsu. Shelves are lined throughout the season with jars and bottles containing a wide selection of salad dressings, grilling sauces, jellies, jams, preserves, salsas and, of course, local honey.
In addition to produce, the Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand stocks some local artisan goods, including Italian bread, fresh mozzarella cheese, baked goods, fruit pies, eggs, and goat cheeses from the Catapano Dairy Farm. The freezer offers so many flavors of creamy cheesecakes from Holy Moses that choosing one will prove a challenge for many. Treat yourself and your kids to some old-fashioned candy sticks, cookies and fudge. Perhaps the most local item comes from Don’s very own chili roaster, from which he produces the freshest fire roasted red peppers. They make a flavorful contribution to salads, pasta dishes, pizzas and antipasta platters, and they pair perfectly with the goat cheese or mozzarella on bruschetta or crostini. No other local farm stand makes it easier to gather the ingredients for an entire meal that is conjured almost exclusively from locally grown and produced goods.
Now is the ideal time to take advantage of some of the quintessential delights of summer. The corn is at its peak of sweetness, the peaches are juicy and delicious, the tomatoes are packed with flavor and the watermelons are refreshing and rich in color. From the first mouthful, they all reward the palate with the defining flavors of the season.
The Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand opens in the mid-spring and remains open until November. From August through mid-September, the inventory is at its peak and shoppers can revel in indulging in the summer’s final harvests and in the first of the early autumn bounty. Late September ushers in families on their quests for pumpkins and fall décor. Shoppers can now indulge in a bite on site at the Billie Jean’s Grill food truck, which is parked on the premises. Just follow the savory aromas that waft throughout the parking lot, and Jonathan or Ralph will serve up premium quality gourmet burgers and hot dogs with tantalizing topping combinations, popcorn shrimp, milkshakes and other tasty options to satisfy cravings and keep you energized. A burger later, you just might feel inspired to duck right back into the Pumpkin Patch for some ingredients to create some unique burger toppings for the next evening's dinner.
Pumpkin Patch Farm Stand is located at 142 Long Island Avenue in Yaphank, just north of exit 66 off of the Long Island Expressway. You can visit www.pumpkinpatchfarmstand.com for directions, hours of operation and a listing of their current products, but it won’t be as engaging or rewarding as a visit to the friendly and bountiful farm stand itself.