North Carolina produce availability, this time of year you hear a lot about Cole and Cruciferous vegetables.  They are vegetables of the family Brassicaceae with many genera, species, and cultivars being raised for food production such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and similar green leaf vegetables. Brassicas are one of the most economically important plant families in the world. They are very significant global contributors to the foodscape from both a nutritional perspective and a culinary perspective, being viewed variously as vegetables, starchy staples, condiments, or even medical foods.

Fun fact: The name “cruciferous” is an informal classification for members of the mustard family and comes from the Latin cruciferae meaning “cross bearing,” because the four petals resemble a cross. While these veggies grow in all different colors, shapes and sizes, they share several nutritional benefits.

You can look for these vegetables in September to start appearing in North Carolina.  The first to appear will be beets, bok choy, kale, napa, radishes, romaine, snow peas, spinach and turnips. Others will appear in later months.

Other fruits and vegetables available during September are; apples, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Indian corn, Muscadine grapes, napa, pumpkins, raspberries, sweet potatoes yellow squash and zucchini.

September will be a busy month for some of our growers who will start to harvest their 2020 sweet potato crop. Other farmers will be starting to plan for the 2021 season beginning with ordering their strawberry plants so they can start planting in October.

If you have any question about North Carolina produce availability, please consult our Produce Availability List or contact one of our Marketing Specialists. Click here if you’re looking for farmers that can supply truckload lots.

Visit a local farmers’ market or certified roadside stand today! For up to date information and availability always contact your local grower.