Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Ripe Berries Are Ready Across the State

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says that as the strawberry season ends, Tennessee has plenty of blueberries and blackberries available for picking during the summer months.

“Our berry plants are loaded with fruit this season,” Connie Massey of Circle S Farms in Lebanon said. “Our blueberries are in full swing with lots of ripe berries for picking. We expect blackberries to ripen around the first week of July.”

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Summer Heat Jumpstarts Tennessee’s Growing Season

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s wet and muddy spring quickly gave way to a hot and sunny summer. For the state’s farmers and for the customers who wait anxiously for seasonal you-pick farms and farmers markets to open, the race is on to fill buckets, market booths, pantries and home freezers with local produce.

Fruits in particular have relatively brief growing seasons, and the recent turn in the weather caused blueberry and blackberry crops to ripen rapidly. Early peaches are available at some Tennessee orchards.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Late, Great Blackberry Season Worth the Wait

Nashville, TN – If “blackberry winter” is a chilly spell in April, then the blackberry winter of 2013 lasted all April long. Tennessee’s wet, cool spring certainly gave blackberries plenty of water and time to grow.

Fortunately, summer’s sun and heat showed up just in time to bring out the sweetness in this year’s crop, and the state’s blackberry growers anticipate a banner year. Some Tennessee berry growers will just have to wait a little longer than others, though, depending on where they live.

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ShopSmart Uncovers Fabulous Freebies

A guide to enjoying summer treats, activities and more for free; Plus, three ways to avoid freebie traps that can cost money

Yonkers, NY – There’s only one thing better than a bargain, and that’s a freebie! The July 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, uncovers ways consumers can score a variety of stuff without shelling out a dime including many food and activity options for adults and kids this summer season. [Read more]

ShopSmart Names the Best Price Comparison Apps

Five free tools for savings on the go

Yonkers, NY – Apps have made it nearly impossible for the savviest of shoppers to miss a deal anytime, anywhere.

The May 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, highlights five price-comparison apps that make saving easier and more accessible than ever, and they’re free. [Read more]

ShopSmart lists must have Free Apps that Save Money

November issue highlights sites and apps that can help shoppers score great deals

Yonkers, NY – Hunting down deals and finding the best stuff to buy use to be a lot of work. But these days, mobile technology can easily help shoppers find what they are looking for at a great price.

The November 2012 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, features ten must-have, free apps that can help shoppers score some of the best deals. [Read more]

ShopSmart’s Favorite Tools to Help You Get Fit for Less

Free Weight-Loss Apps and Websites for Workout Buys

Yonkers, NY – Losing weight is can be challenge─but there are tools that can make it easier. The October 2012 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, highlights free apps that can help those on a weight-loss journey and best sites for deals on workout clothes and gear that can get in you the mood to move. [Read more]

ShopSmart Finds New Ways to Reduce Grocery Bills

How to spend less and get more-plus new in-store programs that can help you save

Yonkers, NY – Grocery stores are offering a slew of time and money-saving incentives including free shipping offers for online orders and an ever-expanding catalog of mobile apps and deals.

The September 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, features a simple guide to the new world of grocery shopping including tips for stretching your grocery dollars to the max. [Read more]