Did you know more than 70 varieties of peaches grow in North Carolina? Find fresh peaches and more at your regional farmers market this weekend.
Whether you visit our market in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax or Raleigh, you’ll find a large selection of corn, peaches, tomatoes and watermelons available from N.C. farmers. The Charlotte market will be extra busy this weekend as it celebrates Peach Days, with fresh peaches and peach products available all weekend. See what else is available at your regional farmers market:
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The WNC Farmers Market has a great variety of fresh peaches coming in daily. A lot of local farm-fresh commodities such as tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, peppers, squash and eggplants are now available. The early variety of apples are arriving from local farms, along with cabbage and a few blackberries. Due to the heat, green beans have been very scarce at the market. The retail buildings are full of fresh produce, jams, jellies, honey, handmade crafts, local cheese, wines, homemade fudge, fresh eggs and more. The Garden Center has a good selection of beautiful flowering plants and hanging baskets. Homemade ice cream is also being served at the deli, and don’t forget to stop by the award-winning Moose Cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – The Charlotte market is really ramping up with an abundance of local produce including fresh blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, watermelon, beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, garlic, peppers, leafy greens, okra, onions, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, white potatoes and zucchini. You’ll also find local honey, fish, eggs, beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, buffalo, nursery plants, baked goods, salsa, sauces and homemade crafts.
Special Event: Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, are Peach Days at the market. On Friday, the N.C. Peach Growers Society and N.C. Dairy Producers will be at the market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free samples of peach ice cream. All day Friday and Saturday vendors will be highlighting fresh local peaches, peach baked goods, salsas, deserts, and other items. “Peachy Keen” is not only the correct phrase to describe this two day event, it’s also the name of the ice cream.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – The Triad market is full of beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peaches, peas, squash, tomatoes and watermelon. You’ll also find lots of fresh meats, cheeses, seafood, honey and other specialty products.
Upcoming Event: The market will host Watermelon Day, next Friday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the N.C. Watermelon Queen and other visitors as the market celebrates the season with free watermelon slices, recipes and more.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – Melons, peaches, corn and tomatoes are in big supplies this week, but the market is also seeing early varieties of apples. Visitors can also find beans, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, onions, a variety of peppers, honey, milk, eggs, meats and cheeses and local wines. The Market Shoppes is full of specialty products like baked goods, jams and jellies and salsas.
Upcoming Event: Join a crowd of spectators next Thursday, July 30, as the State Farmers Market tries to find the largest watermelon in North Carolina. The annual weigh-in starts at noon, but you can enjoy free slices of watermelon starting at 11 a.m. The N.C. Watermelon Queen also will be on hand sharing delicious watermelon recipes and posing for photos with visitors. Interested in entering your watermelon in the contest? Click here for contest rules and entry information.