Duke in Pics: Opening Day at the Duke Farmers Market
Employees shop for fresh strawberries, bread and empanadas
Keysha Hall’s coworkers at the Duke University School of Nursing were surprised to see her in the office last Friday since it was supposed to be her day off.
Hall, a staff assistant at the School of Nursing, made a special trip to campus for opening day of the Duke Farmers Market and dropped by the office.
“I absolutely love the farmers market,” said Hall, who bought apple crunch bread, strawberries, arugula and jalapeno relish. “The smells. The friendly people. It’s a great place to be.”
The Duke Farmers Market opened its 18th season on April 27 on the Duke Medicine Pavilion Greenway, outside of the Trent Semans Center for Health Education. The market, an integral offering in the Healthy Duke initiative, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 28.
“The farmers market gives people this community hub,” said Cassandra Callas, health education specialist and market coordinator with LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. “You can meet people from across Duke and connect with people in the greater community of Durham to learn about local produce.”
Here’s what you can see and buy at the next farmers market this Friday.
Lyon Farms, located in Creedmoor, sells baskets of strawberries at Friday’s market. The stand was completely out of the fruit by 1:15 p.m. If strawberries are on your list, arrive early.
“We fully expected to sell out,” said Amanda Sullivan, a sales associate with the farm.
Theresa Muro, left, a clinical nurse for Duke Health, shops for a quart of strawberries from Lyon Farms.
“I’ve been waiting for the market to open again,” Muro said. “I’m a vegan so this is heaven to me.”
Ron Evans, a chef with NOSH, grills burgers for lunch. Evans said they expected to serve burgers, portabella mushroom sandwiches and brisket to about 300 people last Friday. Local restaurants, including NOSH and Makus Empanadas, sell lunch during the markets.
Keysha Hall, staff assistant in the Duke University School of Nursing, smells a mango at a produce stand.
“I always end up spending more money than I expect here,” she said.
(Left to right) Duke University School of Nursing employees Lindsay Johnson, Leah Terterian and Nora Harrington enjoy Makus Empanadas for lunch.
A spread of goat cheeses is out for free samples from Elodie Farms, based in Rougemont. The farm is home to about 80 goats.
Reporter’s note: the garlic and herb cheese is dangerously delicious.
Watch the latest video from Duke Farmers Market:
And be sure to share your Duke Farmers Market pictures on social media using #HealthyDuke