Farmers’ Markets Still Going Strong for Fruit and Vegetable Month

Gardening fever is a classic rite of spring, and by the time fall rolls around, many people are more concerned with raking leaves than savoring fresh produce. Nevertheless, September is officially fruit and vegetable month – and with good reason.

While fresh ears of sweet corn are a treat for June alone, a whole cornucopia of other fruits and vegetables is still fresh for the eating now, and will be for another month.

Booths at farmers’ markets around the state are brimming over with everything from apples to sweet potatoes.

Beets, carrots, cabbage, onions, pears, and spinach are just a sampling of fall’s bounty. For a more complete listing of all the fruits and vegetables that are fresh for a fall celebration of fruit and vegetable month, see the harvest calendar in the Oklahoma Food Connection, available free from the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, online at www.kerrcenter.com.

The Food Connection also lists Oklahoma farms that sell directly to the public, as well as the crops that they offer. The information is organized both by county and by crop.

Another source of fresh Oklahoma-grown fruits and vegetables is any of the 41 farmers’ markets registered with the state of Oklahoma.

Many of these markets are open through October and are listed in the Food Connection. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry also maintains an online directory of farmers’ markets in the state.

“After many years of working for and with Oklahoma farmers, I find it gratifying that the concept of ‘local foods on local tables’ is gaining currency,” said Kerr Center president Jim Horne. “We can all enjoy the fresh taste and nutrition of Oklahoma farm-fresh food.”

In addition to their great taste, fresh fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins and minerals that are currently lacking in many Oklahomans’ diets.

The Centers for Disease Control, together with other government agencies, maintains the ‘Fruits and Veggies – More Matters™ Month’ website (www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/spotlight.html). The site contains a wealth of information and materials on the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, along with recipe cards, guides to eating the right amounts, and tips for persuading kids to eat healthier foods.