It can seem like a long wait for the fresh tastes of summer and shoppers this year have to wait a little longer to buy local.

“Much of the produce is behind because of the wet, cold winter,” said Jennifer Daurora, a third generation McGinnis of the McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores.

She said some of the produce is behind as much as three weeks.

Pat McGinnis, one of two produce buyers for McGinnis Sisters, has been in the business all of his life.

He said local, home grown tomatoes should be available about the first week of August.

“Buy local, look for a tomato that is firm but not hard. It should have a good deep red color and not have blemishes or soft spots,” he said.

McGinnis prefers thin, long zucchini that are not wider than an inch and bright but dark green. This type is considered “fancy.” To get a good one, he said to look at the stem to see that it is freshly cut and not brown. Local zucchini may be ready within the next week. When large, wide zucchini are available, he said to use them for bread or muffins.

Other local vegetables that will be ready soon include green beans and snow peas. The season for snow peas is short.

McGinnis advised making the most of what is available.

“Don’t miss out on different varieties and sizes of local tomatoes,” he said. “People miss out on the handpicked white baby bliss potatoes. They are great for quick smashed potatoes.

“Folks forget that fruit is great grilled and it’s a great way to use up fruit that has gone a little soft.”

McGinnis recommended buying according to looks, freshness and quality. “Don’t buy on price,” he said.

Another mistake he said people make is buying too far in advance.

Big, delicious Chambersburg peaches will not be available until August. McGinnis cautioned shoppers to verify that the peaches sold as Chambersburg peaches are not from out of state.

“Peaches shouldn’t grow in Pennsylvania,” he said. “It’s too cold here but the hot air that comes up from the south gets trapped by the mountains and lays in the valley in Chambersburg. It creates the best peaches in the world.”