Martha Mincey
Master Gardener Volunteer
Farmers were set up under the shade of a huge tree which was delightful for both the farmers and customers with the temperature in the 95+ degree heat. It was amazing to see how relaxed everyone was in the shade.
Tables loaded with fresh vegetables and fruit just waiting to be purchased for canning, freezing or eating.
One only needs a little imagination and creativity to prepare a delicious meal either inside or outside on the grill. Corn, green beans, tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, Vidalia onions, cucumbers, peppers and potatoes were available.
Not all vegetables need to be cooked for a wonderful meal or snack. Imagine a cucumber or Vidalia onion sandwich. A salad with tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, onions and peppers is delicious. Sliced cucumbers and onions in a mixture of vinegar and water to taste is a great addition to a meal and will last several days in the fridge.
Peaches were just right for eating or making homemade peach ice cream. Peeling, slicing and putting peaches into the freezer make a delightful cool treat when partially thawed and added to a scope of vanilla ice cream. How about a spoon of Renn Honey on top of those peaches and ice cream?
Sweet Pickle Bakery and Deli offered pimento cheese, chicken salad, potato salad, a variety of loaf breads, creme horns and creme filled oatmeal cookies. Imagine how delicious a Vidalia onion whole wheat sandwich would be.
Come to the China Grove Farmer’s Market at the China Grove Roller Mill Museum each Friday from 4-7 p.m. Put your imagination to work for wonderful easy summer meals and nutritional snacks.
Martha Mincey is a Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer with Rowan County Cooperative Extension.