Area bursts with locally grown produce

Published 12:02 am Wednesday, June 19, 2013

By April Garon/The Natchez Democrat

Residents seeking a bounty of locally grown fruits and vegetables this summer have plenty of options in the Miss-Lou.

The Natchez Farmer’s Market, 199 Catherine St., offers a wide selection of products from different growers under one roof. Expect full displays of eggplants, green beans, tomatoes, squash, new potatoes, sweet corn and okra throughout the growing season.

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The market has a variety of fruits as well, such as peaches, blueberries and a unique bright yellow melon.

“Sun melons are a cross between cantaloupe and honeydew,” market organizer Helen Brooks said. “They have a soft, subtle and sweet flavor.”

Honey, breads, pies and syrups are also available, along with dairy products.

“This year we acquired a local dairy that supplies us with fresh milk and cheeses,” Brooks said.

The Natchez Famer’s market is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays until the end of October.

Wells Produce, 221 Homochitto St., offers staples such as tomatoes, shelled butterbeans, peas, squash and okra in addition to sweet summer blackberries. Wells is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Vidalia Super Sweet Corn stand is hitting peak season in stride.

“When we have a really good day, they have had to pull more corn from the field because they are selling so good,” employee Judy Kelley said.

Riverview Farm’s sweet corn is the stand’s bestseller, but tomatoes and watermelons are popular as well. Pre-shelled pink eye/purple hull and speckled green peas are available for pre-order.

The stand, located on U.S. 84 by the Vidalia Municipal Complex, is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday until the end of June.