This week is National Farmers Market Week, so it’s a great time to visit a regional farmers market near you. Whether you’re in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax or Raleigh, take time to visit a market and discover all the seasonal products now available that are grown, raised, caught or made in North Carolina. Seasons vary slightly by market, so read on to see what’s available this weekend in your area:
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The peaches are in plentiful supply, with Monroe and Alberta among some of the varieties that are available. There is a good volume of tomatoes arriving daily, with the supply expected to increase in weeks to come. Also, corn has picked up in volume. Other local fruits and vegetables coming in are apples, squash, cucumbers, okra, peppers, eggplants and potatoes. There has been a limited supply of beans, watermelon and cantaloupe available. Local sourwood honey is now available, and there is always a great selection of local cheeses, eggs, wines, homemade fudge, jams and jellies.
SPECIAL EVENT: The WNC Farmers Market will host its annual Tomato Tasting Friday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to sample a large variety of locally grown tomatoes.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – Charlotte-area farmers are offering a good selection of blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, plums, watermelon, beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, peppers, garlic, leafy greens, okra, onions, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, white potatoes and zucchini. You’ll also find locally made honey, a variety of fresh meats and seafood, eggs, cheeses, baked goods and handmade crafts.
UPCOMING EVENT: The market will celebrate National Honey Bee Day on Saturday, Aug. 15, by hosting the Mecklenburg County Beekeepers Association for a honey of an educational experience. The association will have its observation hive on site, educational materials and more. There also will be an educational scavenger hunt covering all areas of the market. Come learn more about the importance of North Carolina’s official state insect, the honey bee.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – The market has a full line of fruits and vegetables that include heirloom tomatoes, red canning tomatoes available in large quantities, grape tomatoes, freestone peaches, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, onions, colorful peppers of all kinds, grapes, organic blueberries, watermelons, cantaloupe, string beans, lettuce, kale, eggplants, herbs, purple hull peas, several kinds of squash and blackberries. Market vendors also have N.C. wine, goat milk soaps and lotions, goat milk cheese, chicken, beef, and other meats, fresh eggs, home baked goods, bedding plants, shrubberies and trees.
UPCOMING EVENT: Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 12. The market will host the Taste Carolina Wine Festival. The annual event features tastings from more than a dozen local wineries, as well as live music and other entertainment.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – Be on the lookout for watermelons, cantaloupes and other melons, as well as peaches, corn and tomatoes. The market continues to get apples, and has a good selection of beans, blueberries, 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: On August 22, the market will host Honeybee Day with information on one of nature’s most interesting pollinators.