By Leah Schwarting/The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Visitors opening the door to the Natchez Farmers Market are treated to a burst of freshness.

Right now the Farmers Market is entering peak season, which means a lot more selection for shoppers.

“A week ago, we might have had two or three items,” said Helen Brooks, marketing coordinator. “Now we have 17, and it’s still growing.”

As the stock grows, so does the selection. Produce sits across from soaps and jams. The wall behind the register is filled with honey, syrup and even quail eggs.

In the back, refrigerators and a freezer hum quietly, containing eggs, cheese, milk, corn, peas, pork and grass-fed beef. A few handmade wreaths sit on a table in the left corner.

The Farmers Market has been around since 1999. The market is part of Alcorn State University Extension Program, which, according to its website, seeks to improve American agriculture and strengthen families and communities through outreach programs.

Originally the market set up shop on lease in the lot across from St. Mary Basilica. When plans for the Family Life Center finalized, the market moved in 2010 to its current location at 199 St. Catherine St.

Geraldine Minor been coming to the market since it opened.

“Everything is fresh,” Minor said. “You don’t have to worry about the chemicals.”

Brooks has been a fixture of the market since 2001, working as the marketing coordinator, responsible for day-to-day operations, along with her assistant, Mary Baker.

The market has approximately 20 different growers and about six vendors who make handmade items, like the soap and wreaths.

But right now, the tomato reigns supreme. Lisa Leach comes in a couple times a week and, on this particular visit, has tomatoes on her mind.

To her, the idea of buying tomatoes from Walmart is unthinkable.

“That’s not a tomato,” Leach said. “I want a tomato that’s ugly, that you know came out of someone’s garden.”

Despite Leach’s current love of the tomatoes, she’s also a fan of the peaches.

She’s not the only one. Right now Brooks has a list behind the counter of customers who want a call as soon as the peaches come in.

Brooks enjoys it.

“That gives you an opportunity to teach them what’s available and what time it’s available,” she said.

It ties into the education aspect of the market. The market routinely hosts events, like the upcoming fruit and vegetable festival on July 18.

It’s something that Minor, as a customer, enjoys about the market.

“There’s always someone here to explain exactly where it was grown,” Minor said.

The market is also part of the Farmers Market Senior Nutrition Program. Senior citizens can come in and redeem vouchers there for fresh food and vegetables.

From the farmers, vendors and consumers, Brooks said that she has never received anything but praise for the extension program.

She’s often had people come and thank her for what she’s doing.

“That makes it worthwhile,” Brooks said.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.