Charlotte Late Summer Produce Guide

This takes a Charlotte-based approach to a previously published article, "Ask A Farmer: Atlanta Summer Produce Guide." So many popular fruits and vegetables ripen during the summer, the highlight of the growing season. Tomatoes, eggplant, green and hot peppers, squash, sweet corn, string beans, cucumbers, peaches and melons are reaching their peak. Vineyards are yielding grapes for wine production and eating. Soon to come from field to table are the products of winter gardens — late tomatoes, apples, pears, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, kale and collards. The produce of home gardeners grows so well in the hot months that their next-door neighbors often benefit from the ripe bounty. Those who love fresh, local produce but don't have a green thumb, a farm or a neighbor who gardens can look to local markets in Charlotte for fruits, veggies and much more.

Kings Drive Farmers' Market (Simpson's Produce)
939 S. Kings Drive
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 332-6366
www.facebook.com/simpsonsproduce

The King's Drive Farmers' Market sits right on the corner with Morehead Street near the Carolinas Medical Center. This Myers Park location produces summer produce from April to September, followed by a pumpkin patch for Halloween and Christmas tree sales. This urban farmers' market is frequented by restaurant chefs as well as home cooks. Mr. Simpson, who operates his own farm in South Carolina, collaborates with other farmers to provide fresh produce, supplemented with pineapples, mangoes and other delectable edibles that do not grow here. Meanwhile, Mrs. Simpson sells ornamental and vegetable bedding plants of all sizes and varieties. Other vendors provide shrimp, chicken and grass-fed beef. Baked goods and gorgeous floral bouquets are other attractions.

Atherton Milland Market
2104 South Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
www.athertonmillandmarket.com

An old loft houses this farmers' market, filled with organic and sustainable fresh fruits and veggies. With offerings from about 30 vendors, look for the unexpected. Cupcakes, upscale coffee, bathing products and even deer antlers are for sale at this South End Charlotte location. Chefs are there to prepare meals to go for busy shoppers. Crafts from area artisans are also worth browsing. The market is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Road
Charlotte, NC 28266
(704) 357-1269
www.ncagr.gov/markets

One of four regional markets owned by the state of North Carolina, and operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, this is the largest farmers' market in Charlotte. It is open all year and real farmers offer a vast variety of seasonal produce. Baked items, flowers, bedding and potted plants are also available. Those looking for something different can find homemade jam, goat cheese, goat milk soap, fresh pork products, grass-fed beef or ostrich meat. There is a Saturday Craft Barn for hand-crocheted items, wood carvings or thrown pottery.

Related: Stacy Stowers Healthy Way To Shake Up Your Diet

Newell Farmers Market
1704 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 28213
(704) 578-1415
www.newellfarmersmarket.com

This location is convenient for people living or driving off W.T. Harris Boulevard and Rocky River Road, east of the railroad tracks in Newell. Operated by the Newton Family, who farm and provide much of the produce, it is open all year long on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jams, pickles, pork, pastured chickens, seafood and grass-fed beef are sold. Fresh eggs and homemade cheese and butter from local livestock owners and fibers that are hand spun and dyed are also available. Order online and the market will have it ready for you to pick up during the week.

Center City Green Market
224 E. 7th Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 332-2227
www.7thstreetpublicmarket.com

"Green Market Saturdays," set up by Carolinas Medical Center and Charlotte Center City Partners, provides fresh produce during the summer months. And there is much more to Center City's agenda, as coming events show. Firemen will flip banana pancakes for charity at the annual Firefighters' Pancake Breakfast signature event on July 12 to benefit the Charlotte Firefighters' Burned Children's Fund. The pet food drive, which benefits Second Food Harvest, solicits donations for hungry animal friends. "Watermelon Crawl," "We All Scream For Ice Cream," "Corn-A-Plenty" and "Plenty of Peaches" are upcoming, mouth-watering special summer events as well.

Related: Guide To Throwing The Perfect Summer Picnic Party