By Sue Davis
For the Salisbury Post
Local strawberries are plentiful and beautiful. As I made my way past Miller Farms and Eagle Farms booths last Saturday, I could smell the strawberries. Besides stopping at the vendors offering strawberries, take time to enjoy what the other vendors are offering this week. One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s market is that fresh cut flowers were in abundance on opening day. During the early market season, the vendors have produce from areas outside Rowan County. The origin of the non-local produce is noted with the price.
Correll Farms continues to recover from the loss of many of their cole crops in the hail storm a month ago. They do have asparagus, Swiss chard, lettuce, radishes and a variety of patio bowls for growing vegetables at home. One unusual item available is Japanese turnips. They are small and spicy and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Bostian Farms, Eagle Farms and Miller Farms have cole crops, spring onions and vegetable and strawberry plants for sale. Lee Ly has leaf lettuce and an assortment of Asian vegetables. An assortment of vegetables from warmer regions is available at most of the vendors.
Bluebird Acres Farm has a large variety of plants available, including flowering annuals and perennials. Country Garden has the largest variety of vegetables and herbs at the market. They have many varieties of hot and sweet peppers, okra and squash.
Carla’s Cookies, How Sweet It is and The Bread Basket continue to surprise buyers with loaf breads, pastries and pies and tarts. It is nice to have Carla back as a regular market vendor. The Bread Basket also has fresh eggs.
The Funky Pepper has salsa, spaghetti sauce and lots of gifts for the food lover. There are also quilts, hand knitted and crocheted items available. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind bird homes catch everyone’s eye as they pass by. They add a special decorative feature in your yard.
Wild Turkey Farms and T&D Charolais Beef have locally raised meats, eggs and sausages. It’s grilling season and the hormone-free, antibiotic-free meats grill with a rich, meaty flavor. The packs of four pressed hamburger patties are great for grilling. Be sure to ask about cooking the various meats if you are not sure.
Many of the vendors accept WIC and Senior Vouchers. Be sure to ask the vendor if they can accept the vouchers for the products you want. These vouchers are good for locally grown fruits and vegetables. Tokens which can be spent like cash are also available with a credit card or debit card. Not every vendor will accept the tokens, so ask before you purchase tokens. Remember, the tokens you have left each week can be spent all season long at the market for most items. The Salisbury Farmers Market is open Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon at the corner of Bank Street and South Main Street in downtown Salisbury.
Sue Davis is a Master Gardener volunteer.