By
Phyllis Louise Harris
June
2012
Farmers’
markets are open all across the state and soon will be filled with tender June
peas, young green beans, red ripe strawberries and a variety of greens and vegetables.
But the markets are just a few of the 945 places in Minnesota to buy locally
produced items. A free guide to every one of them is available online at www.minnesotagrown.com or by calling
651-201-6050. The annual directory published by the Minnesota Department of
Agricultural continues to grow each year with more and more resources from
vineyards with wine tasting to pick-your-own vegetables and fruit to farm
visits for the whole family.
Start
with the more than 150 farmers’ markets across the state where every visit is
like a trip to the fair with an endless array of food to buy and taste. One of
my favorites, Mill City farmers’ market on the banks of the Mississippi River
and next to the Guthrie Theater, is open Saturdays 8 am to 12 pm until October
27. This busy market has an exceptional variety of products from local natural
and organic farms and producers. Many are owned and operated by farm families
from the Asia Pacific Rim. With weekly chef demonstrations in the Mill City
Museum train shed kitchen it is easy to learn about a variety of cuisines. And
with the number of restaurant booths snacking becomes an international treat.
Check the market’s website for weekly schedules and get there early. It does
get crowded! www.millcityfarmersmarket.com
Another
favorite market is the Northeast Minneapolis farmers’ market on University and
Seventh avenues open Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm. It is especially easy for
handicapped access. Open just a few years this market has grown considerably
offering locally grown produce and freshly baked goods from local bakers. Among
my favorites are the blueberry muffins from the Turtle Bread Company. Flowers,
jewelry, preserves and art are a few more choices along with a number of food
stands and this year a food truck. www.northeastmarket.org
The
whole family will have lots to do at the Mustard Seed farmers’ market in Chaska
featuring locally produced maple syrup, honey, soaps, crafts, farm produce in
season plus bread, meat, poultry and spices. There is a playground for the
children as well as a petting zoo with chickens, goats and miniature donkeys.
Open Fridays 3 pm – 6 pm. www.themustardseedinc.com/mustardseedfarmersmarket.htm
Head to scenic Cannon Falls and
visit the Cannon River Winery and their interesting tasting room. www.cannonriverwinery.com Then plan to stop at the Ferndale
Market for a variety of locally produced items. It is open seven days a week
and features free-range turkey along with a wide variety of other products. The
market also holds special events throughout the summer. www.ferndalemarketonline.com
The Hutchinson farmers’ market is in
a new building modeled after historic farmers’ markets and open Wednesday 3 – 6
pm and Saturday 8 am – 12 noon through October. Plan to go on August 11 and
take part in the Minnesota Garlic Festival at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. www.mngarlicfest.com
If
you are heading north the Cook Area farmers’ market is on the way to Lake
Vermilion with a variety of locally grown produce plus quilts, rugs, furniture,
slippers and hand knit items. Find more information on Facebook. The market is
open Saturdays 8 am – 1 pm through September.
For
a whole summer of outdoor adventures get the complete list of farmers’ markets,
farm visits, and a wide variety of Minnesota Grown opportunities.
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