Different pumpkin types were on sale in the Farmers Building Monday. The Farmers Building provides 30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce and plants. The Farmers Building is one of several structures that make up the State Farmers Market." />
Samuel Griffin
Different pumpkin types were on sale in the Farmers Building Monday. The Farmers Building provides 30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce and plants. The Farmers Building is one of several structures that make up the State Farmers Market.
As the trend of buying locally grown foods continues to grow, farmers markets continue to fill with vendors and shoppers alike. The State Farmers Market happens to be right here in Raleigh, and is only about 10 minutes from main campus and 5 from Centennial Campus. As one of the more well-known and larger markets in the nation, it is worth checking out.
Fall is in full swing at the farmers market, as pie and decorative pumpkins of all shapes and sizes fill the same space that, in a few months, will house Christmas trees. Multiple vendors have out their fall vegetable selection of tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, squash and onions. Deals on veggies are constant, with large bags of kale for only $2 each, or $5 for three, and “fill your own” or pre-made apple bags which are usually sold for $5. The produce selection at State Farmer’s Market is broader than a typical grocery store, and is the place to go for well-priced, fresh and sometimes bulk produce.
Walking a little farther down the aisle, one will discover that produce is not the only product sold at the market — a wide variety of herbs and garden plants are also for sale. Some of the nurseries sell succulents for $2 to $10 depending on the size. Spice plants like rosemary, mint and basil are sold potted for under $10. Larger potted plants are easily found as well, from blueberry bushes to multiple types of perennials and annuals ready to take home. It is perennial season according to Deva King, an owner of Archer Lodge Farms, which sells mostly culinary herbs and shade perennials, but also has pollinator plants and butterfly gardens. Archer Farms is at the State Farmers Market every day from late March through late September.
“Me and my husband have been selling here since the ‘90s, and started building a clientele and grew to have close relationships with our customers,” King said. “Most of the people who buy from us grow their own gardens, and will send us pictures of their progress. It is very fun.”
The market also hosts events each month, themed for the season’s traditions. Apple Day is the last event for this month and will be on Sept. 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The State Farmers Market website also has a list of upcoming events to mark on the calendar.[AG1]
In addition to the regular array of veggies and fruits, vendors sell unique items such as “grow your own mushroom kits,” which are currently for sale by Carolina Mushroom Farms, which is owned by NC State graduates. Alyssa Campo, a company associate, described the versatility of the kits.
“We sell you a log with shiitake mushroom spores already in it — you just let them grow,” Campo said. “There’s also the oyster mushroom bag. People can grow these in their bathroom, kitchen or guest rooms — pretty much anywhere.”
In the added-on tent area of the farmer’s market, one can find large loaves of French bread for the modest price of $5. In addition, the tent area boasts tasty desserts and pastries that can be taken home in a box of many, or simply on a napkin for one. The few options of flower bouquets are cut fresh and can add a little much-needed color to an apartment or dorm.
The State Farmers Market is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Most of the vendors are there every day to sell everything from apples and peaches to perennial plants and handmade, sweet-smelling soaps. The property also has three restaurants: The Market Grill, State Farmers Market Restaurant and Seafood Restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch with varying hours.
The small community-like atmosphere at the State Farmers Market brings in a large amounts of newbies, as well as returners, on a daily basis, making it a prime spot for local farmers looking to sell fresh produce. A visit to the State Farmers Market helps support local farms and businesses, and also acts as a great way to meet more of the Raleigh community, all while getting one’s shopping done.