In east Texas in the heat of summer, there's nothing better than fresh fruit and veggies to help cool you off.

For owners and operators of local produce stands around town, business is in full swing right now.

Stevan Johnston's "The Produce Shack" has been open in Mineola for three years.

He says this year the crop is much better than last.

"A whole lot better," Johnston said. "More rain, more water in the ground, I can plant later instead of waiting."

What else is good right now? Business.

"Business is better than last year," Johnston said. "I have people come in here and tell me this is better produce than what's in the stores."

Daniel Bolin prefers to buy his fruits and veggies from people like Johnston and other local farmers instead of going to the supermarket.

"I get most of them from little stands like this," Bolin said. "I like supporting the local economy. The vegetables and fruits are a lot fresher and better priced too."

This time of year, those quaint little roadside stands aren't hard to spot.

A man who goes by the name "Cactus Jack" has a produce stand in between Lindale and Mineola.

He has been in the produce business for almost 40 years, and says his interestingly spelled signs draw in customers.

Truth be told, Cactus Jack tells KETK he has always struggled with spelling, but says if he got the signs "fixed," he thinks his customers would be mad. (see photo)

Do you have a favorite local produce spot around town?

Leave us a comment and tell us about it.