The Union County Farmers Market is in full swing and celebrating the fruits of the summer. Fruit is seasonal and best eaten when it is freshly harvested, not shipped hundreds or thousands of miles. Join us at the market as we gather and bring people together to celebrate our harvests and our community.
Our market has been blessed this year as we saw strawberries and rhubarb earlier in the season, but now the fruits of the summer have arrived!
During July, we have seen the most delicious peaches, watermelons, cantaloupes and lots of berries—blackberries, blueberries, red and black raspberries, wine (or thimble) berries and even mulberries. We have been extremely fortunate as our area saw temperatures warming early in the spring, then multiple late frosts.
In 2021, the peach crop was totally lost. This year, the frosts seemed to have affected several of our blueberry growers. When you see a farmer with fruit, thank them. All farmers livelihoods are very dependent upon one element over which they have no control—the weather.
Fruits are a healthy snacking and dessert option. They can be enjoyed fresh with no additional preparation or included in many recipes. It’s so easy to use them in yogurt parfaits or as topping for an ice cream treat (yes, July is National Ice Cream Month). You may also enjoy watching some of the Union County Farmers Market cooking demonstrations or visiting the Farmers Market Fresh booth for additional ideas. Fruit is so versatile – peaches are even great on the grill!
Let’s learn a little about the benefits of the fruits that are in season right now.
Berries: For the most part, all berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, disease-fighting nutrients and fiber. Berries should be plump and dry with no mold. Store berries in the refrigerator, unwashed because excessive moisture can make them mold quickly. Wash berries just before eating. They can also be frozen to use later.
Cantaloupe: It is high in vitamins A and C and folate. Carotenoids that provide the orange color act as antioxidants in the body and may reduce inflammation. When selecting cantaloupe, choose a melon that is fragrant, heavy for its size and does not have visible bruising. Store uncut cantaloupe on the counter for up to one week. Refrigerate cut cantaloupe in an airtight container for up to five days. Always scrub the outside of melons before cutting. Harmful germs may be on the outside that could contaminate the inside when you cut through the melon.
Peaches: Like most of our fruits, peaches are chock full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps cholesterol levels in check, insoluble fiber aids in digestion. Eating the skin will maximize your fiber intake as well as your intake of antioxidants. To select a peach – follow your nose! Sweet smelling peaches tend to be the ripest and most flavorful. Hansard Family Orchard at the market has fantastic peaches. Be sure to take them out of the basket in which you purchase them. Some will need to be eaten immediately and others can be safely stored on the counter for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer storage. You can also slice and freeze fresh peaches to use later.
Watermelon: It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene. While these are great antioxidants, watermelon also contains lycopene—another powerful antioxidant. Watermelon is also rich in the B vitamins that are necessary for energy production and is made up of 92% water, making them a great way to stay hydrated on these hot summer days. Select watermelons with a smooth surface and a yellow underside where it has been in contact with the ground. Store whole watermelons at room temperature until fully ripened, then refrigerate up to a week. Cut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. As with all melons, don’t forget to wash the outside before cutting!
Remember: Fruit is nature’s perfect sweet treat—they’re also a great choice for fruit-infused water on these hot summer days! If you’d like more information about selecting, storing or preserving these fruits of summer, we encourage you to contact UT Extension by phone (865-992-8038) or email (aphil34@utk.edu) and visit the Extension booth at the market.
We’re looking forward to seeing you when you come to select your fresh locally grown fruit.