What's In Season
Did you know...
You can find dozens of varieties of your favorite vegetables and fruits at the Memphis Farmers Market? Our vendors grow lots of different varieties that you may not have heard of before. Be sure to visit with our vendors to learn about all the delicious varieties they sell!
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At Memphis Farmers Market, you’ll find a huge variety of products that all share a common characteristic – they’re
all locally-grown, locally-raised, locally-produced.
This is the reason you won’t find some of the common produce found in local grocery stores, such as bananas or citrus. These goods generally aren’t produced locally; they are transported to Memphis from other areas.
Here's our guide to what's in season at the Memphis Farmers Market throughout the season, and some featured articles on our vendor products. To get the list of products available each week, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.
Products Available in September
September 26th - Fall Foliage
It's officially FALL! What a great time to visit the MFM. Are you ready to pull those water-logged summer annuals and replace them with pretty little pansies? Willow Oaks Flower Farm will return this week with a nice selection. Get an early start decorating with pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and other fall favorites.
Even though you can still find a wide mix of summer produce, including tomatoes and squash, the cooler weather crops are abundant like, greens, bok choy (several varieties), arugula, mesclun mix, tender baby lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. Look for fresh crisp pears and apples. Find Berkshire Pork, Black Angus Beef, organic meats and farm fresh eggs.
This week would be a good time to step out and try something new. Have you ever tried Apothecary Fairy soaps? You will be amazed how the aroma is therapy! And, don't forget the staples...bread, pecans and honey. If you caught the honey article in Wednesday's CA food section, you'll certainly want to grab a jar of this marvelously natural sweet treat.
September 19th - September Sweets
In honor of September Sweets at the MFM, let's talk about the baked goodies we have available. After all, nothing will lift your spirits after a long dreary week like a giant sweet roll from Big Ono Bake Shop. On top of the healthiest bread your will ever eat, Shoaf's Loaf makes cinnamon rolls that will light up your world. And, those fabulous pies and cakes from Grandma's Desserts...yum! Grandma even provides samples and you can order ahead for parties or showers. Be sure to stop by Alcenia's for a real treat. A sweet hug from a special lady...
Check out Otty's, No Time to Cook, and 20/20 Diner for prepared food options. Grab a salad you can eat right away and take home an entree for an easy dinner night...now that's a sweet deal. Look for fresh crisp pears and apples this week. You can still find summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, okra, peas and melons, yet the fall crops are starting to come in like, greens, bok choy, arugula, mesclun mix, tender baby lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes.
Don't miss the amazing gourds from Flora at Bluebird Farm. They will make a lovely fall centerpiece combined with local fresh cut flowers. ****Memphis Botanic Garden will also be onsite featuring Colonial mint candies.****
Sept 12th - Basking in Basil
It's "pesto time"...basil is ready to harvest now, but it will certainly continue to produce for the coming weeks. If you grew your own this year, whatever you do, don't let it go to waste. Cut it back now to harvest the leaves. Or, you can purchase cut basil from several MFM vendors. Soon after harvesting, toss the leaves in your blender or food processor with garlic, nuts (pine nuts, "Delta" pecans or almonds), parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper... zip, zip and you've made yourself some pesto. Freeze the prepared pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, place the cubes in freezer bags and they will last for months. When you are ready to use, it pull out a couple of cubes, add them to cooked pasta for a nice side dish or rub them on chicken breast before grilling...de-lish! If you love cooking with herbs but have a hard time keeping them alive, basil may be your answer because it's one of the easiest herbs to grow.
Even the novice cook can use it because it's easy to harvest. It grows well in a pot or in the ground with good soil, plenty of sun and plenty of water. And, it grows really fast too. At the Memphis Farmers Market, you'll find several varieties of basil including lemon, Thai, sweet basil and scented basil.
Of course you can enjoy basil for cooking, but certain varieties are used in other ways, such as home remedies or repelling insects.
Look for fresh crisp pears and apples this week as well as a late round of tomatoes just starting to come in. You can still find summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, okra, green beans, peas, melons and cantaloupes and also get arugula, mesclun mix and tender baby lettuces, radishes, sweet potatoes and bok choy. Have you had Groovy granola lately? Snack on that with a cup of MFM coffee while you shop for fresh cut flowers or grab a Big Ono sweet roll. Try shopping for lunch with gourmet soups from 20/20 Diner and some fabulous artisan bread from Cucina. Look for Muddy Water Seafood and Newman Berkshire Pork this week. Don't forget to check out our artisan vendors with handmade herbal soaps, hand thrown pottery, handcrafted birdhouses and recycled metal works.
Sept. 5th - American as Apple Pie
Don't you just love apples! Seriously, you can put apples into a salad and a pie...amazing. So this week, in keeping with the MFM American as Apple Pie theme, seek out and try local apples. You'll be glad you did. Believe it or not, it is September, which is an awesome time to visit the market. Transition months like May and September bridge the produce seasons, so you are able to find a wide variety of items available.
Find a market still full of tomatoes, peas, eggplant, okra, beans, peppers, onions, and potatoes (new and sweet). But now, greens, arugula and lettuces are reappearing. Get fruit like peaches, muscadines (last of these), apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and honey dew melon. Pick up goat cheese and pecans; put them in a salad with baby lettuce and apples with honey vinaigrette. Grill a nice cut of meat from one of our Black Angus Beef producers, and whip up some cheese grits or polenta from Delta Grind. You'll be thrilled to have a created this delicious dinner with all local ingredients...Enjoy!
Be sure to check out our talented local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden. This week look for stepping stones, backyard fountains and birdbaths, hand crafted wooden bowls, bird houses, and goat milk soap. And, don't miss the beautiful container gardens created by Wolfgang at Gardens Oy Vey. They are horticultural works of art!
Products Available in August
Aug. 29th - Salute to Squash
Squash...funny name, but many possibilities... There are various types of squash. The pumpkin is even considered part of the squash family. But right now, at the MFM, you will find summer squash. There is yellow crook neck, yellow straight neck, zucchini and patty-pan or scallop squash. Simply sautéed with butter, salt and pepper is the easiest and most delicious way to prepare squash, but you can also grill or roast it. However you prepare it, try it this week as the MFM salutes squash.
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Did you know...
You can find as many as 8 or 9 varieties of squash at the Memphis Farmers Market? We have varieties such as yellow, sunset, zephur, crook neck, star, patty pan, early white and more!
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Also find a market full of tomatoes, peas, eggplant, okra, beans, peppers, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, muscadines, apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and even a banana melon. New to the market this week: A new artisan vendor with bird baths and fountains for your backyard retreats. There is a new vendor who sells eggs, herbs and goat soap and also raises Alpaca, a longhaired animal from the camel family, related to the llama and similar in appearance. Cathy, from Coldwater Alpaca Ranch, knits and felts several kitchen items from the Alpaca fibers. Stop by her booth and ask to see the photos. These are neat creatures and you'll enjoy seeing their cute faces. And, for one Saturday only, a local apple grower is bringing "Sharon" apples which are a much like Macintosh but sweeter and firmer.
Be sure to check out our talented local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden. This week look for S&W Steel Art, DGP Pottery, Apothecary Fairy, Wood-In-Art, R.P. Funderburk birdhouses.
Aug. 22nd - Hot, Hot, Hot Peppers
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Fresh local pepper varieties
Memphis Farmers Market vendors offer at least 14 different varieties of peppers! We've got the ones not so hot such as bell and banana, and the REALLY HOT ones such as cayenne, chili and habanero.
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Some are hot...some are not! Peppers come in many shapes, sizes and tastes. Usually, the smaller the hotter... Look out for the little orange, pumpkin looking peppers. They are Habaneras and will knock your socks off. This year, a favorite market vendor, Sparkling River Pepper Company, sadly lost over 95% of their crop to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. They will not be able to attend the MFM this season. Another reminder of how vulnerable our farms are. An important lesson for us all, support local farms and producers.
Find a full market with tomatoes, peas, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, apples, figs, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. This week look for farm fresh eggs, goat cheese, goat milk soap, locally roasted coffees, "Delta" pecans, local honey and delicious baked goods. Be sure to check out our local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden made from natural materials like backyard birdhouses and hand-crafted wooden bowls.
Aug. 1st - 15th - Peas, Please, Spill the beans
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Did you know...
You can find as many as 12 different varieties of peas and beans at the Memphis Farmers Market? We have varieties such as purple hull, crowder, lima, cream, green, and asian varieties such as chinese long.
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Peas please...yep, and there are lots of varieties of peas at the market. Lady peas are a favorite. They are tiny in size but very big in flavor. You can find purple hull peas, whipperwill peas, speckled peas, and white, black and red crowder peas. Pick and choose as you please but you absolutely must have peas! Find a full market with tomatoes, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, sweet corn (almost done!), onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, apples, figs, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. Looking for what's new at the MFM...A few farms have golden muscadines. Check out Jones Orchard and Bennett-Burke Farms.
The MFM is Spillin' over with beans and lots of other veggies. The weather has just been great for produce and the offerings at the MFM show it. Yes, shop at the MFM this week and you will not have any trouble getting your "5-a-day", in fact, you will be hard pressed to decide which will be your "5-a-day." This is the time of year to have a night where dinner is all veggies. There is so much to choose from. Treat yourself to a little of everything. Find tomatoes, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, crowder peas, purple hull peas and lady peas, sweet corn, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like blueberries, peaches, early apples, plums, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. Looking for what's new at the MFM...Delta Sol's garlic and Whitton Farms Shiitake mushrooms. And, the gladiolas are everywhere! If you haven't yet tried our local meat producers, what are you waiting for? You will be amazed at the quality, the flavor and the freshness.
Try Neola Farms Black Angus Beef, Barnes Farms pork and West Wind Farms Organic varieties. Try Muddy Waters Seafood with fresh shrimp and other Gulf fish like Redfish and Speckled Trout (depends on the catch). Neuman Farms will be new this week with many cuts of Bershire pork and Coldwater Alpaca Ranch will have fresh cut herbs, chicken and duck eggs. If you happen to try the new seafood vendor this week, don't forget to pick up some turf with your surf. A nice steak from Neola Farms or Donnell Century Farms will certainly fit the bill. And, as always grab a bag of pecans and a bottle of honey. Those are the items that should always be staples in your pantry.
Products Available in July
July 25th - Wacky Watermelon Day
What wacky weather we are having... And the watermelons love it! Give those watermelons a nice soaking rain and the payback is luscious juicy fruit. Pick smaller seedless melons when you are on the go; large seeded varieties for afternoons spent on the back deck (spittin' seeds), and yellow meat watermelons for a little something different. The market is bursting with vegetables, fruit and flowers as we are in the height of the growing season right now.
Along with watermelons, find other fruit like blueberries, peaches, blackberries (almost done), plums, cantaloupe and even a few green apples. The peas are coming in a bit early too, crowder peas, purple hull peas and lady peas. And, it is so easy blanch and freeze peas so that you can enjoy them throughout the year. The flower bouquets are so colorful and beautiful that you will want to have one in every room of your home. Pick sunflowers, zinnias and gladiolas, but also add in unusual types of flowers that you can only find at a local market.
Look for all kinds of tomatoes. If you were lucky enough to sample several varieties at last week's tomato tasting, you now know your favorite and you can try some others too. There are plenty of different varieties at the MFM to choose from like traditional slicers to funky heirlooms. Find big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers. Look for Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), green beans, pole beans, cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash and yellow summer squash. Get your "goat fix" with cheese and soap this week and don't miss out on all the wonderful baked goods from freshly baked breads to yummy cakes and pies.
July 18th
Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes... It really is a good tomato year! There are many varieties to choose from. So many different tastes from one fruit (yes, I said fruit). Whatever your preference, big or small, tangy or sweet, firm or juicy, the MFM has got you covered. Our farmers grow many different types of tomatoes. It is best to ask about the varieties so that you get exactly what you want.
The weather has been good and with the recent bursts of rain, the produce is coming in like gangbusters. The market is full of vegetables such as green beans, new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), purple hull peas, speckled peas and even a few lady peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, watermelon (seedless and yellow meat), blueberries, peaches, blackberries, plums and cantaloupe.
As we enter the height of produce season we also enter the height of the flower season. Too many to list, just come down and see for yourself. The colors are brilliant and the scents will delight. Speaking of delightful scents, there is word that the first tuberoses will be available this Saturday.
Don't forget to stop by the MFM Market Café while you are shopping for refreshing iced coffee, iced tea or lemonade.
July 11th
Aw Shucks, the corn is in! Yes, sweet corn is now available at the MFM. You should know that sweet corn has a very short season, so don't delay. In the heat of the summer, a corn and tomato salsa makes the perfect side dish or appetizer.
Look for many different varieties of tomatoes and all sorts of vegetables like green beans, new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), purple hull peas and speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, blueberries, peaches, blackberries, plums and cantaloupe.
Find goat cheese, goat milk soap, groovy granola, pure raw honey, fresh locally roasted coffee, Mississippi delta pecans, fresh ground grits and cornmeal and prepared salads from 20/20 diner.
Treat yourself to the fabulous baked goods from Cucina, Grandma's Desserts, Shoaf's Loaf, Big Ono Bake Shop, Mary's Kitchen, and Alcenia's.
And, pick up some fresh cut or potted herbs that will add that special touch to your fresh summers meals and your window sill. Don't forget to stop by the MFM Market Café while you are shopping for refreshing iced coffee, iced tea or lemonade.
July 4th
Blueberries are the focus and theme for the July 4th weekend at the MFM. Fresh blueberries are just delicious. Pontotoc Ridge Blueberry Farm and Harris Farms are two good places to start when shopping for blueberries Saturday. And, with this being the season, you should buy an extra container to freeze for use later. Blueberries freeze really well if you do not wash them. Simply put them in a freezer bag and wash when you are ready to use. Then, pop a few out and throw them on your morning yogurt or cereal.
Look for even more tomatoes this week and all sorts of vegetables like green beans (several varieties), new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant and a few speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, peaches, blackberries, plums and nectarines.
Pick up some locally raised meats for grilling on the 4th like Black Angus beef from Neola Farm and Donnell Century Farm, pork from Barnes Farms, and certified organic cuts from West Wind Farms.
While shopping for your weekly menu, think about gifts you may need to purchase, perhaps a birthday or wedding gift. Why not purchase your gift from a local artisan? We have several artisans at the MFM who craft items from natural materials for use in the kitchen or garden.
Products Available in June
June 27th
Vine ripened, sweet and juicy peaches... Simply walk by the Jones Orchard stall on Saturday and smell the sweetness. Tims Family Farm and Jesse Harris Produce also offer peaches at the MFM. Plan a really special summer treat this weekend...make homemade peach ice cream...yum, yum.
Speaking of juicy, tomatoes have arrived and they are tangy and delicious. Look for all sorts of vegetable options this week like green beans (several varieties), new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, Japanese eggplant and a few speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, blueberries, blackberries, plums and nectarines.
From the prepared food scene, pick up a piece of pie from Alcenia's along with a jar of her wonderful preserves. Grab a bag of Groovy granola or one of Groovy Foods herb infused oils for your salad. Cucina offers baguettes and loaves that won't make it home in one piece. Try the fresh roasted blends from McCarter Coffee this week and don't forget to pick up honey and pecans that you should always have on hand.
June 20th
It's all about the flowers this week at the MFM...Flower Power! If you don't regularly treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, do it this week. The market is in full bloom and there are so many to choose, varieties from ageratum to zinnia.Find gobs of fresh fruit and veggies Saturday. There will be a few tomatoes, ripe ones, this week...look for those early. And, this will be the last week for the Savoy cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and many of the greens, so don't miss out.
As the tide of the season changes so does the produce. So, you will find lots of squash (some unusual varieties), many different green beans like Roma and Blue Lake, and plenty of fresh potted or cut herbs. The peaches this year are fabulous, as are the blackberries and blueberries.
Check out the awesome fragrances of natural herbs in Apothecary Fairy products, the cool garden candle holders made from S&W Steel Art's recycled tin cans, the rustic birdhouses from RB Funderburk, the "green" reusable bottles from Ry-Hy Bottle Company and the hand thrown serving pieces from DGP Pottery.
June 13th
It's a honey of a week to visit the MFM!Look for a spread of new summer produce including peaches, blackberries, plums and even blueberries. Yellow squash and zucchini are in and, yes...green tomatoes! You know its summer in the south when you can sit on the back porch with a plate of fried green tomatoes and a tall glass of sweet tea. Find new potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, lettuces, greens, beets, radishes, carrots and green beans.After hearing about honeybees and honey from Peace Bee Farm, you'll certainly want to grab a big jar of honey for your pantry. Enjoy it in honey vinaigrette dressing for your salad, as a topping for your biscuits, or simply eat it with a spoon.
Pick up an Angus steak or hamburger patties from Neola Farms or Donnell Century Farms. Or, consider one of the many organic cuts from West Wind Farm.
Round out a meal with crusty artisan bread from Cucina, southern style dinner rolls from Mary's Kitchen or a loaf of whole ground wheat bread from new vendor, Shoaf's Loaf. Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, a cake or a pie from one of our awesome bakers.
June 6th
Who can believe it's already June? There will be lots of root veggies at the MFM this week like, beets, radishes, baby carrots, new potatoes and sweet potatoes. Pick up some mild spring onions to put directly on your salads...all of the taste and none of the heat. Looking for something different? Try kohlrabi, bok choy or purple califlower. These are cooler weather crops and won't be around for much longer.
Find "green house" tomatoes and petite summer squash as well as Flavor Rich peaches, a variety that is small in size but big in flavor.Your pantry should never be without local honey and delta pecans. And, if you haven't tried Groovy Food's "chocolate" granola, grab some this week and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream...yum!Check out our fine artisans offering backyard birdhouses, hand thrown pottery, herbal soaps and garden art made from recycled metal.
It's the time of year that you can find spring and early summer crops at the same time. Baby lettuces, lettuce heads, chard, greens and mesclun are all still available. But you can also find zucchini and yellow squash. It's been a long winter without those summer veggies, so don't miss out on their petite size and remarkable tenderness. If you haven't tried the sugar snap peas, do it this week for sure. They have a short season and are just fabulous! Look for new potatoes as well as purple califlower, sweet potatoes, mild spring onions, radishes and baby carrots. Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a sweet treat straight from the baker.
And...it's not too late to get that garden growing. Look for plants of all kinds, including unique herbs like patchouli from several vendors. You'll find lots of fresh culinary herb varieties of basil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon and more.
There are still lots of veggie plants available including heirloom varieties, tomatoes, peppers and more.