Source: NCDA&CS, 7/2/14

The State Farmers Market is looking for bakers and peach-cobbler makers for the peach dessert contest, which is part of the market’s annual Peach Day, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The winning recipe will earn $100 in prize money. Second- and third-place recipes will earn $75 and $50, respectively. Winners will be announced during Peach Day at the market’s event area, located between the Farmers Building and the N.C. Seafood Restaurant. Visitors can enjoy free samples of peach ice cream, meet the N.C. Peach Queen and buy plenty of fresh N.C. peaches.

All dessert entries must be homemade and brought to the State Farmers Market office between 8 and 10 a.m. the day of the event. Judging will be based on flavor, the use of peaches, quality of the dessert and overall appearance.

Each entry should include the recipe, name of contestant, address and telephone number. Entries must contain at least two cups of North Carolina peaches. Entries containing raw eggs will not be judged.

Peach Day is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the State Farmers Market, the N.C. Peach Growers Society and the N.C. Dairy Industry Promotion Committee.

North Carolina’s peach season runs through September. More than 70 varieties of peaches are grown in North Carolina. The majority of those peaches are sold direct to consumers at farmers markets and roadside stands.

For Peach Day details and contest rules, go to www.statefarmersmarket.org.