Wild Caught Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish
The Chesapeake blue catfish was introduced into the Chesapeake Bay decades ago and has drastically increased in numbers. Tasting similar to rockfish, blue catfish are not your typical “catfish.” The fish is a tasty, white flaky fish that is excellent in a variety of recipes, such as our Maryland’s Best recipes.
Eating the wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish is not only good for you, it’s helping the Chesapeake Bay. Blue catfish is consuming other species in the Bay, such as crabs, oysters, rockfish, and anything else in its path, which is causing ecological damage.
Consumers can find the fish in select grocery stores and restaurants. Maryland’s Best has compiled a list of both retail and restaurants that serve the wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish.
Learn More8 April 2024
For Moms, By Moms
The temperatures are warming, the sun is shining (mostly), and bees are starting to wake – it’s about to be full on springtime, which means it’s also time to gear up for Mother’s Day! As we reflect on the awesomeness of Moms, we couldn’t help but think about another amazing group – the Maryland Cut Flowers Association. Filled with moms who are growing beautiful flowers, it only seemed right that we would feature these hard-working mamas – and offer a great way to get local flowers for the mom in your life! Below is a sample of some of the Maryland cut flower farms including the inspiring women behind them. We encourage you to take your mom or other moms you know out to the farms and enjoy a day of building bouquets. Many of them also have arrangements ready to go so that you can swing by and pick one up on your way to celebrate the mom or mom figure in your life! Mother’s Day is May 12 and Maryland cut flowers are available year-round but especially in April-November. Chesapeake Gold Farms Location: North East (Cecil County) www.chesapeakegoldfarms.com How to Purchase: Consumers can buy straight from our farm […]
21 April 2023
U Pick Tips & Tricks For Summer
What’s better than warm weather? Warm weather and fresh fruit! U-pick is a popular spring, summer and fall activity for friends and family. Enjoy some fresh air, spend time on Maryland farms, and enjoy the fruits of your labor (pun soooo intended). So pull out your calendars because we have the rundown on what months you can find your favorite u-pick fruits this spring and summer along with some helpful tips and farms you can visit! May-June Strawberries – When selecting strawberries, be sure to look for a full, red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so be sure to choose fully ripe berries. The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached. Late June-August Blueberries – Berries will be ripening in various stages: white, green, red, blue, and purple. Berries that are white, green, and just a hint of red are not ripe and will not ripen after picking. Look for berries that are plump, and full. Berries that have turned completely red, blue, or purple will continue to ripen at room temperature. Blackberries – There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the […]
15 February 2023
Got Oysters? A Maryland Oyster Guide
As of 2023, there are 474 aquaculture operations and growing! With so many operations, there are plenty of varieties to try from salty delights like the Salty Buoys from Fallen Pine Oyster Company in Havre de Grace or more mild oysters like the Eastern oyster from the 38 North Oysters in Southern Maryland. Contrary to popular belief, Maryland oysters are available year-round and you no longer have to wait for an “r” month. Whether you shuck at home or are looking for a place to enjoy, make sure you ask for Maryland oysters. Supporting the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay contributes to the health of the overall Bay and supports the local economy – in fact, the estimated economic impact in 2022 was $13,335,525.63! Oysters are also nature’s “filters” and play a vital role in the ecosystem. Check out this video supplied by the Oyster Recovery Partnership on the effectiveness of oysters in the water! Speaking of the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), did you know they recycle oyster shells and use them to plant new water-filtering oysters back into Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay?? You can help by dining at one of the 200+ restaurants that recycle shells in […]
Maryland's Best Featured Product
Meet Brittany Rawlings of Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm in Calvert County, MD. Brittany is one of our featured FarmHERs in our For Moms By Moms campaign to increase public awareness and demand for Maryland Cut Flowers this Mothers Day.
Brittany has been farming since 2016 and is a mother of two.
There are 182 Maryland Cut Flower Growers across the state according to the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census, which generate over 4 million dollars in sales.