May brings warmer temperatures and glimpses into sunny summer days. It also brings bountiful produce grown right here in Brown County. Purchasing fresh produce and other goods at the Farmers Market is a great way to support local farmers and eat the most nutritious fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness. Here are some more benefits to shopping at the Farmers Market this summer:
1. Much of the produce available for purchase at Farmers Markets are nutritious, ripe, and ready to be eaten! Fruits and vegetables that are picked at the peak of their ripeness taste the best and also provide the most nutrients. Often times, the owner of the stand picked the produce that morning, so the produce is as fresh as it can possibly be. Typically, fruits and vegetables from the grocery store have traveled many miles and were picked before they were ripe to ensure they don’t spoil before getting to the store. Of course, fruits and vegetables from the store are a good source of many different vitamins and minerals, but it makes it more difficult for the consumer to know if they are at peak ripeness for full nutritional benefits.
2. Farmers Markets provide a wide variety of foods. Now is the time to try something new! Who knows, you might find something that becomes your new favorite. Some items that are commonly seen at the Farmers Markets in our area are fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, coffees, herbs and spices, fish and seafood, meats, and maple and honey products. Local farmers favor growing a variety of produce while industrial farms, such as the ones that grow produce for grocery stores, only grow a small variety of popular fruits and vegetables. Farmers Markets allow you the opportunity to experience new flavors and to expand your taste buds. Varieties of produce at Farmers Markets are constantly changing as different produce comes into season. Here are some common fruits and vegetables and when you are likely to see them at the Farmers Markets:
June: asparagus, blackberries, green onions, kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, raspberries, rhubarb, spinach, and herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and mint
July: beets, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, currants, green beans, kohlrabi, peaches, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, and turnips,
August: corn, cucumbers, garlic, onions, a variety of peppers, watermelon, leeks, and winter squash
3. Making a trip to the Farmers Market provides access to a large variety of fresh and locally grown foods. Typically, these foods are grown and harvested right here in Brown County and not thousands of miles away. Buying produce from the Farmers Market is also beneficial because it supports our local economy by keeping money in our community.
4. Chatting with the farmers gives you a chance to learn from the experts. Ask them tips such as how to prepare and store items properly. If you are considering an item, feel free to ask them what recipe to use it in or their favorite way of preparing it. The farmer will be able to tell you all you need to know about the items they sell. Be sure to ask other questions such as what items are coming next, when was this picked, and where is your farm located?
So this season, step out and enjoy the summer weather by experiencing the Farmers Market. You will be able to try new things while getting the most nutrition with the best flavors. You will also be supporting our local farmers and have the opportunity to ask questions about the local foods.
We will have the senior voucher program for the Farmers Market again this year, but we will not have more information until June. Please hold your calls.
