For centuries, farm families have grown fruits and vegetables to feed their families throughout the year. In the 1800s, farmers began growing these crops to sell, and Delaware became famous for produce such as apples, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and asparagus.

While the types of produce and the ways in which it was grown, picked, processed and sold changed in the early to mid-1900s, produce remained important to Delaware agriculture. Many farmers' entire business depended on growing and marketing one or more types of fruit or vegetables. New industries were formed to pack and prepare produce, to process it into cans, and to sell it in city markets.

Today, roadside stands and supermarkets still sell fresh produce just as farmers' markets did in the 1800s. A new generation of Delaware farmers continues the long tradition, making their living growing local fruits and vegetables.