June is Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in North Carolina. It’s the perfect time to visit local farmers markets near you to find a great combination of spring berries and early summer fruits and vegetables. North Carolina farmers grows more than 128,000 acres of fruits and vegetables each year.
At the four state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh, you can find an array of fruits and vegetables ranging from blueberries and tomatoes to asparagus and squash. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available at the four farmers markets this weekend.
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – There’s a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with jams, jellies, honey, homemade candy and crafts, local cheese and wine available every day. This week, there’s an abundant supply of melons and tomatoes, as well as some local squash and cucumbers. Sadly, strawberry season is coming to a close.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – Farmers still have strawberries available and expect to have some early-season peaches. There is also asparagus, carrots, cabbage, eggplant, garlic, leafy greens, squash, various meats, eggs, seafood, nursery plants, baked goods and handmade crafts.
Special Events: Cooperative Extension master gardeners will be at the market Saturday to assist anyone with a gardening question.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – Triad farmers are just starting to get field-grown tomatoes, blackberries and peaches. In addition, you can find lima beans, beets, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce and strawberries.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – Farmers will have squash, blueberries, peaches, green beans, some small field tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, radishes, potatoes, greens, lettuces, pointy-head cabbage and lots of good deals on plants and flowers.
Special Events: Crawfish Day is Saturday starting at 10 a.m. until sellout. Fresh N.C. crawfish will be available for $6/pound live and $7/pound cooked. More details are available here.
And, if you’re looking to compare prices before you shop, the department’s Market News has recently started compiling local food marketing information. You can download pricing information for state-operated farmers markets, as well as locally produced beef, pork and lamb prices. Please note that prices may vary at your local farmers market.
No matter where you shop, be sure to look for North Carolina fruits and vegetables.