Fresno State photo

A Central Valley favorite hits the shelves this Memorial Day weekend, and the Gibson Farm Market is prepared for a crowd.

Locally grown Fresno State sweet corn goes on sale at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 30, marking the 30th anniversary of the sale of corn grown on 60-acres of Fresno State farmland.

Hundreds of customers are expected, with the market selling upwards of 35,000 ears on opening day in past years. Shoppers inside the market can buy three ears for $2 inside the market. Or customers can purchase pre-bagged corn in quantities of 10 ears for $8.50 outside the store.

“Opening day for sweet corn is an exciting way to kick off the summer each year,” said Mark Salwasser, Fresno State farm manager. “It’s also a great way for our community to see the wide assortment of fresh and quality products that come from our students who work on the farm. Just like our classes, this hands-on experience is developing skills that they can use in their careers as they feed the Central Valley and beyond.”

The highly anticipated corn — like most everything lately — is subject to inflationary pressure. The price per individual ear is up 32%. And always the caveat: While supplies last.

Customers will find both yellow and white corn varieties, along with other produce including apricots, cucumbers, grapefruit, green beans, nectarines, oranges, peaches and squash.

Seasonal produce including peppers and tomatoes are expected to be on sale in early June with table grapes likely to become available in July.

The market will also offer discounts on some of their Fresno State Winery selections, as well as offering popular meat products, as well as Valley favorite Fresno State ice cream. This year the campus creamery is introducing two new flavors – coconut pineapple and cake batter – to its 20 flavors at the market.

Both indoor and outdoor plants will also be on sale from the campus horticulture nursery.

The Gibson Farm Market will extend its hours of operation to seven days a week starting Monday. The market is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.