Blackberries, strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, string beans, sweet corn, tomatoes... they have all the fruits and vegetables you need for a balanced diet at Emily's Produce. Paul and Kelly Jackson started this market eleven years ago as a "college fund project" for their daughter, Emily, and it's popularity among the residents in and around Dorchester County has been booming. Every year, the Jacksons add to their farm, growing all of their produce - no reselling - and currently they have 95 tillable acres with three market locations. If all side-projects were this successful, there would be no need for main-projects!

This farm had a sense of freedom to it, and that may have had something to do with its family orientation. Paul and Kelly had a very laid-back demeanor to mix with their hard-working farmer's mentality. For instance, there was the casual air in which Paul picked one of their watermelons, fresh from the vine, and sliced it open right in front of us that we may taste it. He was completely comfortable in the action, even though this farm was his business and the melon his product. The action spoke for the sense of freedom Paul had.

Watermelon wasn't the only food we tried fresh from the field, of course. Here are the children of the farmers, Kyle and Emily Jackson, gnawing on some sweet corn. It's just as sweet raw as when it's cooked.

Emily's Produce is also among the largest providers of blackberries in the area, and I should say: largest provider of large blackberries! This smooth, sweet fruit has the highest dose of fiber out of any other berry, making it a good choice for health as well as taste.

Don't forget to stop in and say hello to the Jackson family. They run a wonderful market. Many thanks to them, their hospitality, and the gifts of fruits and veggies which they gave us when we left!

Written by Erik Yount. Photography by Errol Webber.