No matter how you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July, North Carolina farmers, food producers and fishermen can add fresh and fabulous taste to your holiday meal.
Summer is the peak season for many commodities.
Homemade peach ice cream or cobbler may be on many Fourth of July menus.
Whenever I think of my favorite summertime foods, I think peaches, corn, cucumbers and watermelon. But there are so many more in season that I am barely scratching the surface. And, North Carolina seafood is a treat in my book any time of the year, but right now shoppers can find hard and soft shell crabs, scallops, and a variety of fish including Spanish mackerel, grouper, mahi-mahi and mullet.
Locally caught N.C. seafood is the freshest around.
North Carolina is the fourth most agriculturally diverse state in the country, simply meaning there isn’t much our farmers don’t grow, raise, catch or make, to paraphrase the department’s newest marketing slogan.
North Carolina meats, seafood, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads and sauces — sounds like the makings of a good cookout. To help shoppers find North Carolina products in their favorite grocery stores, look for the Go to Be NC logo. Farmers markets are another great source for local items. You can find local products where you live by searching at the Got to Be NC General Store website.
Leave us a comment and tell us what North Carolina foods you are planning to serve this Fourth of July.
And have a safe holiday!