The stallholders of Truro Farmers Market are gearing up for the busiest time of year beneath their green and white stripped stalls, which can be found each week in the heart of Truro and Falmouth.

As the peak holiday season kicks off, the market’s loyal regulars are joined by crowds of inquisitive visitors, keen to meet the grassroots producers behind Cornwall’s famous food and drink scene.

It’s been a difficult start to the year for the many genuine farmers who sell at market, with wet weather and low temperatures keeping springtime at bay; however, the return of Tregassow Asparagus this month is a sure sign that the tide is turning.

John and Jennie Keller’s award-winning asparagus is highly sought-after during the short season; recommended food matches include duck eggs from The Cornish Duck Company or smoked salmon from The Cornish Smokehouse.

Other seasonal highlights include Spirits of Cornwall’s flavour wheel; artisan producer Gill Doble infuses spirits with local and foraged ingredients – hand-picked elderflower is next on the list, followed shortly by strawberries from local producer Skewes.

Another producer making the most of fresh ingredients is Pura Pressed, which offers a range of seasonal soups, smoothies and juices complemented by ‘raw’ flapjacks and energy balls.

Meanwhile, market flower and plant sellers Meadowside and Kelnan Plants are providing a riot of colour as spring-like weather finally arrives.

Meadowside have pinks, lupins, iris and sweet peas coming into season, while Kelnan will have roses available for the first time later this month.

Kelnan Plants are celebrating a Gold Medal at RHS Malvern, and will be showing their speciality South African range at Chelsea once again this year, and hoping for yet another medal.

Also introducing new products is Heather Bell Honey Bees; Heather has homemade bird and bee boxes on sale and is launching a range of salad dressings made using her delicious honey.

New techniques are also on offer this spring with The Cornish Smokehouse; masterclasses in smoking and curing are now available at the Smokehouse in Penryn, where you can learn everything you need to smoke and cure your own food at home.

The Farmers Market, which also includes artisan crafts, takes place every Saturday and Wednesday on Lemon Quay in Truro, with a regular market every Tuesday on The Moor in Falmouth.

Visit www.trurofarmersmarket.co.uk for more information, or follow the market on Twitter at @TruroFarmersMkt