Summer’s Last Stretch, Fall’s First Flavors: What’s Fresh Next in the Piedmont Region
As summer stretches into its final weeks here in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, local farms are bustling with a rich harvest that bridges the end of summer and the arrival of fall. While summer crops continue to shine, early fall produce is beginning to make its appearance, bringing fresh flavors and nutritious options to your table.
Late Summer Favorites Still Going Strong
Many of summer’s staples remain available in farmers markets and on Piedmont Fresh. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet corn are still at their peak, perfect for late summer meals and salads. Peppers and eggplants are ripening with bold colors and flavors, and okra, a southern favorite, is still plentiful and ready for your cooking.
Early Fall Crops Are Emerging
As temperatures begin to cool, farms start harvesting leafy greens like kale, arugula, collards, mustard greens, and spinach. These nutrient-packed greens are perfect for fresh salads or hearty sautés as the season changes.
Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips begin to appear, adding earthy depth to your fall dishes. Winter squash varieties are also starting their season, offering sweet and savory options ideal for roasting and soups.
Farmers are busy planting fall brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, which will be ready for harvest as the season progresses.
Why Shop Seasonal?
Eating seasonally supports local farms, reduces your environmental footprint, and ensures you receive the freshest, most flavorful produce possible. Seasonal produce is often more affordable and nutrient-rich because it’s harvested at peak ripeness.
What’s Available on Piedmont Fresh?
Our local farmers and producers bring the best of these seasonal offerings to Piedmont Fresh, making it easy to shop for late summer favorites and early fall treasures alike. From hydroponic lettuces to freshly dug root vegetables, there’s something for every kitchen and taste.
Beyond fresh produce, Piedmont Fresh offers fresh milk and dairy from trusted local farms, canning produce boxes perfect for preserving the season’s bounty, and CSA subscriptions and farm boxes from Correll Farms that deliver farm-fresh goodness right to your door.
For protein lovers, you’ll find a wide selection of meat products raised by local farmers. Personal care items crafted by Muddy Creek Lavender and beautiful fall floral arrangements from Fancy Plants Farmstead are also available to brighten your home.
And that’s just the beginning—Piedmont Fresh is your go-to source for quality, local food and goods that celebrate the richness of our Piedmont farming community.
Looking Ahead
As summer’s last stretch gives way to fall’s first flavors, keep an eye out for hearty dishes, warming soups, and seasonal traditions that highlight the best of what our local farms offer.
Whether you’re preserving the final tomatoes of summer or experimenting with kale and root vegetables, the Piedmont’s farms have you covered.
Stay tuned to Piedmont Fresh and your local Farmers Markets for weekly updates on what’s in season and ready to be enjoyed!