Spring weather ushers in more than high temperatures and returning swarms of mosquitoes. It also brings crops of fruits and vegetables and the return of summer farmers markets.

We get more benefits from the vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants and fiber from produce the fresher it is. And local food has a quicker trip from the farm to your fork. That means local food requires less fuel, preservatives and middlemen.

Plus, money spent on local food goes back into the local economy.

The Lake Norman area has some convenient resources to feed families straight from the source.

Old Store Produce

Huntersville Commissioner Danny Phillips and his family sell produce from their family-owned Hubbard Farm at Old Store Produce, 14720 Brown Mill Road in Huntersville.

“Most of our food is grown and raised right here behind the store,” Danny Phillips’ son Jonathan, who runs the store, said. “They can see what they get. If they want it any fresher, they can go out there and pick it.”

Strawberries are just starting their prime season. The Phillips sell them in the store for $12 a gallon, or $8 a gallon to pick your own.

What they don’t grow still comes from North Carolina. Regional honey comes from Lincolnton, and preserves and jarred sauces come from near Statesville. The only imports that cross state lines come from the Jake and Amos line from Amish Pennsylvania.

Jonathan Phillips said he’s seen more customers interested in buying local, and that business allows the store to continue to buy local as well, putting money back into North Carolina’s economy.

Hubbard Farms also sells produce at the Huntersville Farmers Market and special events.

14720 Brown Mill Road, Huntersville, 704-992-6106

Open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bradford Store

This Charlotte-Mecklenburg historic landmark sells USDA Organic Bradford Farm’s produce. Along with hoop cheeses, handmade soap and soy candles, organic home-baked breads, meats and cakes, the Bradford Store sells what’s best in every season.

Currently, you can find seasonal lettuce and greens including Swiss chard and spinach in stock.

15915 Davidson Concord Road, Huntersville, 704-439-4303

Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Davidson Farmers Market

The spring market has returned, bringing the producer-only market back to every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. More than 35 farmers and local produces from within 100-miles of Davidson sell goods and culinary creations in the center of town.

New this year, C&O Farm in Hickory will be selling blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, scuppernongs, jams and eggs beginning in early May.

Handmade chocolate confections are available from 20 Degrees Chocolates in Charlotte, and Empanadas 2go will sell ready-to-bake empanadas.

Weekly markets also feature special events including live music, nature presentations from World of Wonder and chef demonstrations.

Next to town hall between Main and Jackson streets, Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon

Huntersville Farmers Market

The Huntersville Farmers Market is open at the caboose Saturday mornings May 12 through the end of October, 7 a.m. to noon. Vendors offer fresh produce, meats, baked goods, jewelry and crafts. Cut flowers and potted plants are also available.

For more information about the Huntersville Farmers Market, contact Recreation Coordinator Sierra Davenport at SDavenport@huntersville.org.

103 Maxwell St. Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon

Know Your Farms

For convenience and guaranteed fresh produce every week, residents can sign up for Know Your Farms Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The spring CSA runs from April to June. Participants may purchase a small share will supplement fruits and vegetables for one to two people, and large shares support two to four people. Shares include vegetables, grains, fruits and occasionally condiments depending on what is the best, fresh and available that week. Shares start at $231.

Add-on options include eggs, beef, pork and poultry. Shares come from different farms, primarily Barbee Farms, KC Farms, Cottonmill Mushrooms, Commonwealth Farms and Davis & Son Orchard.

Know Your Farms distributes shares in Davidson, Huntersville, Plaza-Midwood and Denver.

KnowYourFarms.com