Slow Food Hunter Valley co-leader Liz Griffiths said farmers were doing their best to grow what they could in trying conditions.

She said the drought still held its grip on the area and farmers who did not have access to irrigation were "going above and beyond" to keep some of their crops alive.

Winter produce is in full swing at the market, and this time there will be a new addition. Ms Griffiths will be selling her freshly harvested tumeric as well as her tumeric powder.

Slow Food Hunter Valley are also appealing for hot chilli crops with a heat rating between 8 and 10 out of 10.

The chillies will become a fiery hot chilli sauce or chilli paste. Drop them off at the Slow Food tent at the earth market, or at Reader's Cafe and Larder on Monday to Thursday from 8am until 5pm. The market starts at 12.30pm on June 20.