By Katherine Jones

For Farm Carolina

Okra, corn and tomatoes are still plentiful and there are a variety of ways to prepare these homegrown fresh vegetables. Toi Degree, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Cooperative Extension Office in Rowan County was at the Salisbury Farmers Market last Saturday. She conducted a cooking demonstration using fresh produce provided by the farmers at the market. The dish prepared was okra and corn with tomatoes and she provided samples to the market patrons for tasting. All agreed that it was quite delicious. Toi also provided free recipe cards for this very Southern delight.

There will also be cucumbers, squash, zucchini, onions and peppers for a few more weeks although most of the growers are now planting and concentrating on their fall crops. You can still find some cantaloupes and peaches but I noticed that some apples were available last Saturday. Apples are harvested in North Carolina beginning in August and on through the fall.

The market offers something for everyone. There is an amazing selection of homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, locally grown meat and eggs, local honey and homemade salsa and spaghetti sauce.

I recently learned that there are approximately 7500 farmers markets in the United States. It is hard to imagine that any of them are better than the one we have right here in Salisbury.

To make your shopping more convenient you can use a debit or credit card. Also food stamps (EBT cards) WIC and Senior vouchers.

Learn more about all the vendors and their products by visiting www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com. You can also register to receive the weekly newsletter online.

The market is located at the corner of South Main and Bank Streets and is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon.

Katherine Jones is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.