The Kingsport Farmers Market recently kicked off its 2022 season, ensuring that everyone in the area can get fresh produce all summer long.
But the market is far more than just a place to buy fruits and vegetables. It’s a gathering spot for locals to meet up with friends, a place to find handmade gifts for loved ones, and a venue where the entertainment is free. It’s fun to shop local while supporting our region’s farmers, crafters, musicians, and more!
Visit the Kingsport Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The market also partners with Visit Kingsport to offer special evening hours once a month, featuring live bluegrass performances; and more live music is performed on the first Saturday of each month through October.
Homegrown Gardening Series
114 Broad St., 423-398-5178
If you’re feeling inspired by the talented vendors at the market, check out the free gardening classes and learn how to start your own backyard garden. The Homegrown Gardening Series 2022 schedule will be posted soon on the market’s website.
Saturdays with the Chef
Wondering what to do with all these beautiful, fresh fruits and veggies? The market’s Saturdays with the Chef program, offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. in June and July, features local chefs offering free cooking demos and delicious recipes. Learn how to make the most of peak summertime produce and enjoy free samples. Here are several amazing recipes from previous Saturdays with the Chef:
Tomato Bread Salad
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed Italian or French bread 3 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup minced fresh basil ½ cup thinly sliced red onion ½ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 garlic clove, minced Directions: In a large bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, basil, and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients, then drizzle over bread mixture. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Summer Frittata
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed Italian or French bread 3 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup minced fresh basil ½ cup thinly sliced red onion ½ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 garlic clove, minced Directions: In a large bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, basil, and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients, then drizzle over bread mixture. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Creole Shrimp and Pepper Jack Creamed Corn
Ingredients: 7 ears fresh shucked corn 1½ cups heavy cream 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 Tbsp. butter, divided ¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 lb. raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tsp. salt-free Creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning ¾ tsp. smoked paprika ½ tsp. black pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup halved grape tomatoes 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves 5 garlic cloves, minced ½ cup sliced green onions 1 cup diced tri-colored bell peppers ¼ cup chicken stock Pepper jack cheese Directions: Cut kernels from corn to equal 3½ cups; set aside ½ cup of kernels. Pulse remaining 3 cups of kernels in a food processor until almost creamy, 5 or 6 times. Place processed kernels, cream, and cornstarch in pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1½ Tbsp. butter and ¼ tsp. salt. Remove from heat; cover and keep warm. Place shrimp, Creole or Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper in a large bowl; toss to combine. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and remaining 1½ tsp. butter to skillet; cook until butter melts. Add shrimp; cook, without stirring, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and remaining ½ tsp. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Add onions and reserved ½ cup corn; cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp is done, 1 to 2 minutes. Add chicken stock; cook, stirring and scraping pan to loosen browned bits, 30 seconds. Serve shrimp mixture over creamed corn and top with pepper jack cheese.
SNAP and EBT
Select vendors now accept SNAP and EBT at the Kingsport Farmers Market. To use your SNAP or EBT card, visit the market’s information booth on Wednesdays or Saturdays between 8 a.m. and noon, and swipe your card to receive tokens that you can use to buy eligible products at participating booths, identified by the SNAP/EBT logo.
Find the interactive market map, vendor list, and product search tool at the Farmers Market’s website. The Kingsport Farmers Market is located at 308 Clinchfield St. Stop by soon and stock up on the peak produce of the season!