Over 50 producers are expected to converge on the markets to showcase the region’s best produce, in particular peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries.

Janet Treweek, of Thornbrook Orchard in Nashdale, has been displaying her produce since 2003, and said the story behind the fruit is just as important as the product itself.

“Customers want to know about the fruit they’re eating,” she explained.

“They aren’t as knowledgeable as they probably could be, so we let them know pretty well everything about the fruit. How it’s grown, where it’s grown, when it’s best to eat and the difference in quality between different products.

“We have to do a lot of PR (public relations) before we sell anything.”

Mrs Treweek explained the importance of the markets to the Orange fruit growing community.

“This is our chance to show off our products,” she said.

“I’ve been coming to these for over 10 years now, and I still think they are hugely important to get our products out there.”

Thornbrook Orchard will focus on showcasing its stone fruits this year, but will also be displaying a range of other produce.

“We have pretty much everything,” Mrs Treweek said.

“We start with peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries, sweet and sour. The apricots in particular are very, very popular and so are the cherries. We have the normal sweet ones, but also the sour fruit, which is like a cherry mixed with a lemon. Then we move into grapes, apples and pears.”

The north court is located behind the art gallery and library, but should wet weather intervene the event will be moved to the Orange Showground, off Leeds Parade.