There are even more fresh vegetables and fruits to be found at the local farmer's markets and stands. Here are some that I have seen available now, green peppers, okra, figs, peaches, melons, blueberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, egg plants, strawberries, and green beans. The hot weather means shoppers should get out early to get the freshest produce and to get it home while it is still cool. It is important to either can or freeze vegetables and fruits quickly for the best flavor and crispness in the end products. Enzymes start to break down the sugars and nutrients in the produce right after they are picked. The blanching or freezing processes will stop the action of enzymes and act to preserve the vegetables or fruits. You can also make wonderful homemade jellies, jams, and preserves with the current crop of fruits or vegetables. I just put up some 12 pints of grape jelly and will be making fig preserves tomorrow. My loving mother put up just over 16 pints of blackberry jam and 10 pints of grape jam before her passing a few weeks ago.