Do you remember those Saturday mornings when you attended the market and were able to taste some of that farm fresh produce? That’s the Farmers’ Market Fresh program and … we’re back! The market is in full swing at the Heritage Park pavilion with lots of farm fresh produce; spring produce, like all those healthy greens are still available, and tasty summer produce like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and blueberries have already turned up at the market. Of course, meat, eggs, crafts and more (there are even dog treats!) can also be found at the Union County Farmers Market. UT Extension offers the Farmers’ Market Fresh program to encourage everyone to make healthy meal choices eating 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 kicks off on Saturday, June 29 with a recipe that uses both spring greens and those first of the summer tomatoes and cucumbers. Staff is always available to discuss recipes, cooking, safely handling and storing all the fresh produce you’ll be enjoying and more. If you attend all 8 weeks of the program, you’ll have 8 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 2023 ring of 8 recipes!

On Saturday, July 6, Abby Thomas, Family and Consumer Science Agent with UT Extension Union County, will be at the Farmers’ Market Fresh booth with a delicious Kale Caesar Pasta Salad and available to talk to everyone about canning their produce. She will even be testing your pressure canner gauge! Just bring in the lid with the gauge and she will make sure it is operating properly, reaching the proper pressure for safe canning.

To make the most out of your farmers market shopping experience, you may want to consider the following:
1. 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 not want to wait until 1pm to begin shopping.
2. Bring your own tote or, our Union County Farmers Market Manager, Deerenda Cooke, always has some available to purchase. 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 besides all the produce that may benefit by staying cool.
3. 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.
4. Have fun! Farmers markets are social events. Talk to your fellow shoppers, talk to the vendors, bring your family and friends, enjoy local musicians or special events like the Youth and Corn Fest on August 3 – stay awhile!
5. Kids – did I mention kids? They are always welcome at the UT Extension booth and Farmers Market Fresh will have tastes and an activity for them too!

Of course, Extension is there to provide education and help you learn to select, safely store and prepare fresh produce. Educational aides, 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 office at the corner of Maynardville Hwy and the 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.