Eating healthy and supporting local farmers has never been easier than with the delicious fruits and vegetables grown in Central Texas. From juicy strawberries to sweet apples, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not only are these fruits and vegetables delicious, but they also help to promote food security in the community. When it comes to strawberries, they are the first of the season, starting in late February and being produced until mid-May.
These plump, red fruits can be found at just about any Texas farmers' market during their season. Texas is also home to more than a million peach trees, and many small producers are located near metropolitan areas and supply directly to local and farmers' markets. Plums are the second most available stone fruit in Texas and come in a few varieties, mostly Japanese hybrids. In addition to these popular fruits, there are also a variety of vegetables that can be found in Central Texas. Sweet potatoes were once the state's top vegetable crop, ranking second only to Georgia in production.
Honeydew melons account for a whopping 20% of all melon production in Texas and, lucky for locals, the entire crop goes directly to local markets. Ruby red grapefruit is also a popular fruit in Texas, with its sweet flesh and deep red color. If you're lucky, you might be able to find some sour white grapefruit in Central and South Texas. Other less commonly found fruits that can grow in Texas include jujubes, loquats, kumquats, papayas, and bananas. To find a farmer's market near you, visit the Texas Farmers Market website or the Texas Department of Agriculture's list of certified farmers markets. Eating local Texas produce allows you to enjoy a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round, instead of relying on the same products that are available year-round at the grocery store.
By supporting local farmers and buying local Texas produce, you're helping to promote food security in your community while also boosting economic growth in the area.
