SANFORD, N.C. — When we think about produce in the Sandhills of North Carolina, certain crops come to mind with the increasing temperatures and humidity as spring gives way to summer. The season gets started with asparagus, whose powerful shoots begin to break through the earth, signaling that spring is not too far away. Lettuce and collards aren’t too far behind, filling out their colorful heads in April and May after enduring the winter’s chill alongside broccoli and carrots. June ushers in the sweet spot of summer, with the harvest of corn, squash, zucchini, and beans. Eventually, tomatoes, peppers, melons, peas, and okra highlight mid through late summer produce with a vibrant variety of color, size, shape and flavor.
The amount of diversified produce grown in North Carolina leads to endless possibilities of recipes. This makes spring and summer an exciting season for everyone from professional chefs to families coming together to enjoy meals at home. Farmers markets are also open to offer an educational experience that any age can enjoy and an opportunity to meet the farmers who continue to feed our growing population.
Produce Farmers operate innovative businesses who continue to serve their customers in surprising and ever changing ways. They do this through creating customer relationships through their websites and social media platforms, community supported agriculture (CSA), farmers’ markets, U-pick opportunities, and local restaurants. Growers are always engaging and educating the public about the value of fresh, local food, feeding families and building communities. Each and every grower will tell you that there is never a dull moment taking on the challenges of growing their crops and their business while making sure they are being good stewards of the land they cultivate.
To find out what local produce is available in your area, download the Visit NC Farms App and search the product you are looking for. This convenient feature on the App allows you to search commodities from A to Z, spanning all the way from Acorn Squash to Zucchini and everything in between. Make sure to support your local produce farmer this season and shop local!
Check out the Youtube video link to Lee County-“Still Growing”: Produce in the Sandhills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
–Bill Stone, N.C. State Extension, Lee County