The Union County Farmers Market pavilion at the new Heritage Park is a busy place on Saturday mornings. The market is in full swing as the farmers are bringing in loads of produce. Once again, UT Extension is offering the Farmers’ Market Fresh program at our market. The primary objective of Farmers’ Market Fresh is to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption. The program is designed to encourage everyone to make healthy meal choices and provides simple, easy to follow healthy recipes each week.
When you stop at the UT Extension/Union County booth, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the recipe of the week. You’ll also receive a copy of the recipe to take home with you. The program resumed on July 2 and started off with Garbanzo Bonanza Salad. On week 2, participants snacked on Fruit Pizza. Week 3 occurs on July 23 and we will continue our focus on the fresh fruits available at market while they are in season. If you attend all 8 weeks of the program, you’ll have 8 new recipes on a ring for your enjoyment. If you miss a week, don’t worry, the recipes will be available all summer. You may also feel free to add them to your 2021 ring of 8 recipes!
UT Extension also provides an incentive each week to help in the preparation of this healthy produce. Insulated bags were distributed at the first market and are an asset for getting meat, dairy and other refrigerated or frozen items home safely from the market. Cutting boards were passed out during week 2 as they are another necessity for the preparation of fresh produce. Come see what awaits you this next week!
Of course, Extension is there to provide education and help you learn to select, safely store and prepare fresh produce. Educational tools, including nutrient charts, produce seasons and more are always available. Alyshia Victoria, UT Extension/Union County Family and Consumer Science Agent has been conducting canning classes for the public. Registration for the August 20 “Chow Chow and Sauces” canning class is open, registration for the “Meats and Soups” canning class will open soon and she is considering offering a fermenting class this fall. Let her know what interests you! Alyshia will also be offering a 4H canning class for kids and, prior to their biscuit baking days at the Tennessee Valley Fair, she will conduct an apple butter (canning too) and biscuit baking workshop. For more information on health, nutrition and upcoming programs offered, please contact the Extension office at 865-992-8038 or aphil34@utk.edu.