Spring has sprung, summer’s on its way, and so it’s time to enjoy the farmers’ markets that have opened throughout the central Minnesota area.
Ask those who enjoy sauntering through a farmers’ market, and they will tell you the markets are wonderful for a number of reasons:
• The food offered is locally grown, fresh, delicious and free of nasty chemicals.
• It’s good to get to know local growers, what they grow, how they grow it, where they grow it. They impart a wealth of good-food information and tips to their customers.
• People who go to farmers’ markets on a regular basis tend to be much more aware of healthy, nutritious foods.
• Farmers’ markets are fun, relaxing places to meet other people and schmooze – with conversations ranging from light, breezy, brief to more involved, weightier topics often concerning foods and food preparation.
•Buying at farmers’ markets is another way to help keep money circulating locally.
• There is entertainment value at farmers’ markets, which often feature talented local musicians or bands, demonstrations of arts-and-crafts and chefs cooking recipes that use fresh ingredients available right there at the markets.
The farmers’ market in Sartell, dubbed “Market Monday” has also become “Market Thursday” because it is now a twice-a-week event at Riverside Plaza, 101 Seventh St. N., across the street from the Sartell Middle School. It’s open on both of those days from 3-6:30 p.m. Market Monday in Sartell began about 10 years ago, thanks to the efforts of former Sartell resident Amy Braig-Lindstrom, who first organized the event.
The market has been going strong ever since its founding at its first venue by the Bernick’s Arena, later at Sartell City Hall and in recent years, at Riverside Plaza.
This time of year, asparagus, that delicious harbinger of spring, reigns supreme in the vegetable category, along with micro-greens. But soon there will be a wondrous variety of radishes, rhubarb, lettuces and other spring pop-ups.
Other delicious, nutritious choices at the local markets, including the Sartell one, are eggs, meats, maple syrup, dried herbs and spices, fresh herbs, honey, mushrooms, micro-greens, sunflower oil, jams and jellies, artisan breads, baked goodies, homemade candies, and arts and crafts. There is always something new and different to try at every farmers’ market. Market Monday and Market Thursday are great places to shop, to socialize, to observe cooking demonstrations, to enjoy musical entertainment and to indulge in that never-ending, fascinating topic: foods.
It’s no exaggeration to say there is something for everyone at the Sartell Farmers’ Markets.
