THE COUNTY | AGRICULTURE
I BIKING
© Paul Cyr Photography , Potato Fields in Fort Fair�eld , Maine
FROM FARM TO TABLE it ’ s what we do in The County
Our working landscape is raising premier foods for local menus , as well as plates across the country . We celebrate our farms and our signature crop : the potato . The annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival in July celebrates the cornerstone of our agricultural communities .
Maine grows 4 % of the nation ' s potato crop , and Aroostook grows 96 % of Maine ' s crop . In 2020 , national retail sales for potatoes increased by 16 % compared to the previous year .
The Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum collection in Littleton showcases advancements in our farming methods . We celebrate this way of life in grand style at the Houlton Agricultural Fair and Northern Maine Agricultural Fair , where we award the very best with blue ribbons and much fanfare .
Potatoes are our # 1 crop , but the thousands of acres of local cropland are a patchwork of broccoli , cauli�ower , canola , grains , hops , malt barley , and sun�owers in a dazzling parade of blooms . A variety of plants plays a crucial role in the crop rotation needed to maintain healthy soils and ensure the sustainability of agriculture in The County .
Be sure to take home fresh products from The County . As you explore Aroostook ' s major routes and backroads , you will see numerous farm stands selling vegetables , maple syrup , honey , new potatoes , and other local products . Many are on the honor system where you make your choices and drop payment in a box .
FLAVOR OF THE COUNTY food to take home with you
Many places sell our prize crop of potatoes , but a drive north during the summer will take you past roadside stands advertising new potatoes . These small , tender and tasty spuds are commonly sold in 5-pound bags and are typically served boiled and buttered . The delicate �avor is a delectable side to Maine lobster .
Vendors set up year-round , but spring is famed for fresh-picked �ddleheads . These delicious greens were likely foraged in someone ' s secret �ddlehead location and always make an appearance on the menu at local restaurants and diners as a featured side . Fiddleheads are served in a variety of ways , including boiled , in soup or quiche , and even deep-fried .
Farmers ' markets bustle in the downtown areas and are a " must stop and browse ." At least one vendor will be selling Aroostook broccoli and cauli�ower . The �elds of broccoli and cauli�ower are always harvested by hand and are grayish-blue in color .
The central Aroostook area offers Lebanese foods like stuffed cabbage rolls and tabbouleh ( salad ), brought to the region by Lebanese families who settled in Caribou .
The town hall and churches of New Sweden celebrate their Scandinavian culture with suppers and holiday events featuring famed family dishes typically served in a smorgasbord style .
The St . John Valley is known for community suppers that feature signature Acadian dishes such as ployes , chicken stew , poutine , and fricasseed potatoes . Homemade molasses cookies and potato doughnuts are simply delightful , so be sure to pick up a cookbook .
A county grower reminds us , " Being a grower is not just a job ; it ' s a way of life . We ' re lucky ."
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