By Katherine Jones
For the Salisbury Post
It is midsummer already but there is still plenty of fresh locally grown produce at the Salisbury Farmers Market despite the recent extremely warm weather. Not only are the fruits and vegetables the freshest possible but the colors are brilliant. Baskets full of colorful peppers seem to invite you to find your favorite relish recipe. Red, green and yellow tomatoes are just waiting to make their way to your table.
This week expect corn, tomatoes and okra to be plentiful, as well as assorted peppers and squash. Bostian Farm has October beans and cabbage. Most vendors have great looking watermelons and cantaloupes. The blackberries are declining but the blueberries will be around for a little longer. Peaches are at their peak and growers have experienced a bumper crop this year. Of course, potatoes and onions are always on hand. Eagle Farms has purple hull peas and spaghetti squash.
How Sweet It Is, Bread Basket and Carla Anne’s Homestyle Bakery have been turning out some outstanding homemade baked goods. The assortment of cakes, pies, cookies, bread, muffins and pastries is amazing. What got my attention last week was chocolate pound cake, peach bread and oatmeal cranberry cookies.
Look for a variety of fresh meat and meat products this week as well as farm fresh eggs. Steaks, chops, chicken, sausage or ground beef will be available plus many other selections. All meat is from locally raised, pasture fed livestock.
This Saturday there will be a tomato tasting contest at the market. The vendors will provide locally grown tomatoes and Extension Master Gardeners will assist by preparing five or six varieties for testing and tallying the results which will be announced next week.
Remember that debit and credit cards can be used as well as food stamps(EBT cards) are also accepted as well as WIC and Senior vouchers.
Learn more about all the vendors and their products by visiting www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com. You can also register to receive the weekly newsletter online.
The market is located at the corner of South Main and Bank Streets and is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7a.m. until noon.
Katherine Jones is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.