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 St. Joseph Farmers’ Market was founded nearly two decades ago, and it’s been flourishing ever since, with a steady stream of loyalists and newcomers every Friday from 3-6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2.
This time of year, asparagus, that delicious harbinger of spring, reigns supreme in the vegetable category. 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 St. Joseph 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. The St. Joseph one, for example, almost always has musical entertainment, with recent performers being Nathan Ness, Ron Dropik and Cathie English.
It’s no exaggeration to say there is something for everyone at the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market.