Fresno State sweet corn now on sale at Gibson Farm Market

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno State's sweet corn, a Valley favorite, went on sale Monday morning at Gibson's Farm Market in northeast Fresno.

The store opened its doors 30 minutes early to a line of shoppers eager to get their hands on ears of corn.

Some shoppers arrived dark and early to secure their place.

Benny Garcia, the first customer, arrived at 4 am.

According to shoppers, the wait is worth it because Fresno State's sweet corn is so fresh.

"They pick it and bring it right from the field to the store," said one man waiting in line.

Shoppers can get three ears for $2 inside the market. They can also pick up corn outside that's pre-bagged - 10 ears for $8.50.

Action News spoke to many customers who bought between 20-60 ears of corn.

Some said they were shopping for family and friends, and others planned to ship the corn out of state.

For Fresno State's farm manager, he said it's great to see the community back out supporting a product produced by the college's agriculture students.

Action News asked Mark Salwasser how the corn is so sweet. He said the secret ingredient is the students.

"I just think it's the dedication of the students - being out there every day, tending to it," he said. "This week, these last couple of days, picking it at the peak of freshness."

Fresno State will continue planting throughout June so that customers can come to pick up fresh corn until September.

In addition to sweet corn, the market also has campus-raised produce, meat products, ice cream from the Fresno State Creamery and wine from the campus winery.

The Gibson Farm Market will also shift to a new summer schedule on Monday. The shop will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, and 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday.