The fireworks may be over, but business is still booming at your regional farmers markets. The four state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh have a large variety of fresh produce from local farms. Check out the list below to see what’s available at your regional market:
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The freestone peaches are now arriving at the WNC Farmers Market with varieties like Red Globe available. The volume of tomatoes is picking up and a few heirlooms are coming in. There is still a good selection of watermelons and cantaloupes. Local squash, many varieties of peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, early apples and a few beans are on the market now as well. The retail buildings are full of fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, local cheeses, crafts, homemade fudge, and even seafood.
Upcoming Event: The WNC Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free watermelon slices will be available, as well as drawings for free watermelons. There also will be a watermelon-eating contest for the kids, with prizes to be given away. The reigning N.C. Watermelon Queen will be at the market to greet everyone.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – The Charlotte market has a great selection of blackberries, blueberries, peaches, plums, cantaloupe, asparagus, beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes, leafy greens, radish, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, white potatoes, zucchini, honey, fish, various meats, cut flowers, nursery plants, herbs, baked goods, culinary delights, unique crafts.
Special Event: This Friday, July 10, come to the market to celebrate A Picnic with a Purpose from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Turnaround Toys will be on site collecting donations of teddy bears for kids in need in honor of National Teddy Bear Picnic Day. Guests are welcome to bring a blanket and enjoy lunch at the market. Produce growers, baked-goods chefs and concession vendors will be set up to sell items for those who want to have a picnic on the grounds. The N.C. Watermelon Association and N.C. Watermelon Queen will be passing out free watermelon slices, stickers, recipes and more.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – The Triad market now has Winblo peaches, blueberries and blackberries. Shoppers also can enjoy other fresh produce such as watermelon, cantaloupe, corn, tomatoes, leafy greens and more.
Special Event: Blueberry Day is this Friday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy free ice cream, sample N.C. blueberries and purchase blueberries to take home during the event.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – The State Farmers Market has an abundant supply of farm-fresh, summer produce such as sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, peaches, squash, field peas, cucumbers, blueberries, blackberries, peppers, eggplants and butterbeans. There are many varieties to choose from of each. We also have some of the heirloom varieties of tomatoes coming in such as Cherokee Purple and German Johnson. Canning tomatoes are also available by the box. If you are looking to make your own salsa or relish, you can find all you need with a large selection of peppers from the very mild to the burning hot, and you can even find tomatillos. The market is starting to see a few early varieties of apples in addition to all of the delicious peaches. In addition, there’s also a great selection of plants and flowers available to help spruce up the summer landscape, including perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, succulents, shrubbery, and many other potted plants.