Sweet Summer Corn Is Back In Season

Cici Babinski, who runs Lisa and Bill's Quality Produce at the corner of Beach Lane and Wainscott Main Street, says this summer' corn is in and it's sweeter than ever.

"It was a rough start the season with the cold wet weather," Babinski said. "We opened May 23, and if we had three dry days in a row that was great."

Despite the climate challenges, the summer has gone well with both asparagus and strawberries selling out, she said. The entire selection of produce, with the exception of peaches from the South Carolina, are grown on the Babinski family farm, just behind the stand. The farm itself, which has been maintained by the same family for about 350 years, is farmed by Babinski's son Billy Babinski.

His mother said he began farming at the age of 3 and she expect his now17-month-old son, also named Billy, will carry on the family legacy.

Corn has been available since July 1, starting with a crop brought over from Riverhead. The Babinski's own corn was finally available on July 8.

"The cool ocean breeze keeps us back by about a week," Cici Babinski said. "The corn has had enough time. The first harvest wasn't as good because of the weather, but now people are thrilled with it. I've always said corn gets better and better as it gets into July and August."

The farm stand's top sellers at the moment are fresh vegetables, including zucchini, squash, broccoli, radishes, shallots and onions, as well as the new corn and sunflowers.