Visit your local farmers markets

Farmers markets have been increasing in popularity over recent years driven by consumer interest to buy and eat healthy fresh foods. Why do people go to farmers markets? Farmers markets offer a wide variety of crops to buy that are grown locally. Sometimes these crops are unique so they are hard to find in other market arenas. The fruit and vegetables sold are typically the main item sold.

A list of commonly sold crops include: asparagus, snap bean, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumber, muskmelons, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon, and winter squash. Many fruits and vegetables can be bought and eaten fresh or cooked and eaten with your favorite meal.

Canning and freezing are also an option with many of these crops so you can enjoy them in the winter months in Minnesota. Other edible products sometimes found at farmers markets include honey & syrup, vinegar & sauces, jams & jellies, cheese, yogurt, milk & eggs, baked goods, poultry, fresh & prepared meats.

In McLeod County, Glencoe, Winsted, Hutchinson, and Silver Lake have farmers markets. The Glencoe Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8 to 11 a.m. from June 18 through Oct. 3 on 11th Street, west of the old Henry Hill building.

The Winsted Farmers Market is open Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. ending in October. The current location is at the old creamery building located at 211 McLeod Ave, across from from TDS Telecom.

The Hutchinson Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October. The farmers market is located in the VFW parking lot.

The Silver Lake Farmers Market is open Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. from mid-July to mid-October west of the Marathon Station off of State Highway 7.

In Meeker County, the Litchfield Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 31. The farmers market is held in Central Park. There is also another great option for finding local food in your communities. Pick up a copy of the MN Grown Directory to find out additional places to buy local food. These directories can be picked up at the McLeod and Meeker County Extension Offices or online at http://www.minnesotagrown.com.