Now that the weather is warming up, farmers markets are springing up around the country. In warmer climates these massive markets are open year round, but here in the chilly Upper Midwest, outdoor farmers markets are seasonal (and the indoor ones are only held bi-weekly). Their fleeting appearance from May until October is one of the reasons they are so popular in my neck of the woods. Another reason produce-loving residents flock to farmers markets here is that they are just plain fun.
When was the last time you took your children to a farmers market?
My preschooler loves visiting our local farmers market, and so do I. The place is prime for hands-on lessons in nutrition, science and math. After all, it’s not everyday that you can expose a child to heirloom tomatoes, white peaches, Japanese eggplant, classic Italian gelato, Mexican tamales, Vietnamese soup and Chinese tea, all in the same place.
Our local farmers market doesn’t come close to competing with the granddaddies of the genre like The Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market in San Francisco. That place is a produce lovers dream come true. The market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and is stocked with more goodies than you could possibly sample… in a lifetime.
Kids of all ages are welcome to sample more than 60 varieties of apples and beans. There are also dozens of different kinds of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate concoctions. In addition, you can take home locally made olive oil, fresh salsas, flowers and plants from Sonoma, even California farmed caviar and organic meat.
During the summer months the popular farmers market is packed with up to 75 farmers and 30 vendors, along with thousands of hungry visitors. Summer is also the time when 100 varieties of tomatoes are on display as well as 200 varieties of stone fruits like peaches and plums.
If you visit with your children don’t be afraid to quiz the farmers on their wares. The vendors are more than happy to chat about what it takes to grow their fabulous produce and encourage children to make healthier food choices.
What’s your favorite part of the farmers market?
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