Summer is peak produce time in Ohio, from strawberries in June to tomatoes in July. But nothing has quite the hold on Akron (and really, the rest of the state), like local sweet corn does.
Lisa Graf, co-owner of Graf’s Garden Shop, Landscape and Farm Market, said the widespread availability of good corn plays a large part in its popularity. It also doesn’t hurt that corn on the cob slathered in melted butter is a quintessential food of the season.
“This time of the year, corn, tomatoes and peaches, it’s like those three are just the dynamic trio,” Graf said. “It’s just the flavors of summer.”
Graf’s stopped growing their own corn several years ago due to a number of major floods in their fields. These days, the 45-year-old family business gets its corn from farms in Portage and Wayne counties.
“We always grew bi-color sweet corn. That’s what our signature was. And we contract with them to grow the same,” Graf said. “They have similar growing methods. It’s picked early in the morning, and we pick it up. It’s chilled, just like we chilled our corn.”
Another popular local stop for sweet corn is Szalay’s Farm Market in Peninsula. Nestled in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the family-owned business has been growing corn for 93 years. Owner Paula Szalay said the farm’s natural surroundings are what make their corn so good.
“We have great river bottom soil and a lot of years of trialing corn continuously to make sure we always have the very best,” she said.
Szalay said they began harvesting the farm’s 200 acres of corn July 12.
“It is absolutely delicious and wonderful,” Szalay said of this year’s crop. “We had the rain, and then we had all the heat, and corn loves that. It loves being hot. … It actually makes it sweeter.”
Those who stop by Szalay’s during the weekend can enjoy roasted corn on the cob from one of the outdoor food stands — but be sure to bring cash as the farm market does not accept credit cards.
Both Graf and Szalay said they will likely have corn available until the end of September.
Ohio sweet corn can also be found at local grocery stores such as Acme and Giant Eagle as well as area farmers markets.
Where to find sweet corn in Summit County
Graf’s Farm Market
1015 White Pond Drive, Akron
330-836-2727
grafgrowers.com
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Krieger’s Health Foods Market
615 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls
330-929-2929
kriegersmarket.com
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Luther’s Farm Market
5150 Alger Road, Richfield
330-659-2526
lutherfarms.com
Hours:
Monday through Friday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Seiberling Farm
4117 Greenwich Road, Norton
330-328-7004
facebook.com/SeiberlingFarm
Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Scooter’s Farm Market
1572 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath Township
instagram.com/scootersfarmmarket
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Szalay’s Farm Market
4563 Riverview Road, Peninsula
330-657-2727
szalaysfarm.com
Hours:
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Walnut Drive Gardens
2129 Randolph Road, Mogadore
330-628-3213
walnutdrivegardens.com
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Corn should be available in August. Call ahead to confirm.
