Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
We all know the farmers’ market is an excellent place for picking up fresh fruits and vegetables and this summer, in addition to picking up some home grown tomatoes, you can pick up some research-based knowledge as well at the Downtown Sevierville Market.
The University of Tennessee (UT) Extension in Sevier County will be at the Downtown Sevierville Market offering food demonstrations, as well as selection and storage suggestions for the flavorful fruit and vegetables available at the market. The demonstrations and outreach are part of a new UT Extension program called “Farmers’ Market Fresh.”
According to Dr. Christopher Sneed with UT Extension, the primary objective of the Farmers’ Market Fresh program is to encourage purchasing of fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ markets.
“We are particularly interested in helping limited-resource families, especially those receiving EBT/ SNAP have access to fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market. We hope our presence at the market along with the food demonstrations, tastings, and activities will encourage people to check out all the market has to offer,” states Sneed.
Throughout the summer, members of the local UT Extension office will have a booth at the market where they will be offering food demonstrations, recipes, and research-based advice on the best ways to select and store some of our favorite summertime items. The best part of the program – each person who stops by the booth will receive a recipe card for the food being demonstrated that day. At the end of the season, consumers could have an entire collection of recipes all featuring items fresh from the farmers’ market. Recipes to be featured include: Cantaloupe Salad, Broccoli Salad, Corn Relish Salad, Green Bean Salad, Cucumber Relish, and a Tri-Pepper salad that will make you want seconds. “We intentionally picked recipes that would be easy to prepare,” states Dr. Janie Burney of UT Extension. “Summer in Tennessee can be hot. So, we selected recipes that did not involve using the stove or oven. We wanted foods that were cool, refreshing, and delicious.” And, it just so happens they are all really good for you as well.
Why shop at the Downtown Sevierville Market?
Fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables are just a few reasons. See what this Nutrition.gov registered dietitian has to say to shoppers and farmers in the video from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Grown-ups are not the only ones who will enjoy a stop by the Farmers’ Market Fresh booth. The young ones are sure to enjoy a sample of the food prepared. In addition, they will be able to participate in a weekly children’s challenge. Through the challenge, they are able to earn prizes for the fruits and vegetables their families purchase, prepare, and taste at home. To participate, all you need to do is stop by the Farmers’ Market Fresh booth for all the details.
“We are happy to be part of this program,” states Linda Hyder, FCS Agent of UT Extension in Sevier County. Adding, “Partnering with the farmers’ market is just a natural fit for our office given our focus on food preservation, cooking skills, and healthy eating.”
Farmers’ Market Fresh will be offered at the Downtown Sevierville Market on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning July 1 and ending August 5, 2016. Each week a different vegetable will be highlighted. Recipe cards and food samples will be available as long as supply lasts. Stop by and enjoy the fresh taste of summer produce!
For more information, you may contact Linda Hyder with UT Extension, at 453-3695 or lhyder@utk.edu.
