Farm fresh produce, both spring produce like all those healthy greens, and tasty summer produce like heirloom tomatoes, as well as meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts and more, can all be found at the Union County Farmers Market.
The market is in full swing at the Heritage Park pavilion and is a busy place on Saturday mornings. Once again, UT Extension is offering the Farmers Market Fresh program at our market. The program is designed to encourage everyone to make healthy meal choices with more fresh fruits and vegetables, 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 began on June 24 and featured beets in a Fresh Beet Dip—something I never would have thought of. Beets have become popular in recent times as they very nutrient rich. With the flavor of cumin, this delicious dip has made beet lovers out of many people!
Zucchini is already abundant at the market and on July 1, there will be tasty samples of Lemon Herb Zucchini rounds. If you attend all eight weeks of the program, you’ll have eight new recipes for your enjoyment. If you miss a week, don’t worry, the recipes will be available all summer. You can even add them to your 2022 ring of eight recipes!
UT Extension also provides an incentive each week to help in the preparation of the healthy produce. Totes were distributed at the first market, come see what awaits you each week.
To make the most out of your farmers market shopping experience, you may want to consider the following:
Market is open from 10-1. Sometimes the vendors do sell out of items, so if you are shopping for a particular item, you may want to be early.
Bring your own tote. Vendors do have plastic bags, but your own reusable bag is so much nicer. A cooler or an insulated tote is the best way to protect your perishable items while you shop. The market does have several meat vendors, egg vendors and dairy products, and the produce will be better when it stays cool.
Check out the information booth to learn more about the market, including other programs like Nourish Kids and Nourish Moves. Use your SNAP card and take advantage of the Double Up program where you can receive an additional $20 each week when you spend $20 on your SNAP card.
Have fun! Farmers markets are social events. Talk to your fellow shoppers, talk to the vendors, bring your family and friends, enjoy special occasions like local musicians or the Youth and Corn Fest on August 5.
Extension agents are there to help you learn to select, safely store and prepare fresh produce. Educational aids, including nutrient charts, produce seasons and more are always available.
For more information, feel free to contact the UT Extension Union County office at 865-992-8038 or stop by our new office at the corner of Maynardville Hwy. and Hickory Star Rd.
Everyone at the Union County Farmers Market is looking forward to seeing you “where our community meets” and a fun shopping experience awaits.