If you still haven’t gone to your local farmer’s markets, it’s about time you did. It’s one way of helping your local food growers and producers, and also an excellent reason to wake up early and enjoy the sunshine. In season are sugar snap peas, fava beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and kohlrabi. Collards, parsnips, grapefruit, kumquats, morels and turnips are in its last few legs. But look out for some mustard greens, summer squash, peaches, plums, nectarines and raspberries because they may make an early appearance in your market soon.
Here is this week’s roundup of our farmers markets:
Northeast
In Massachusetts, Amherst Farmers Market opens this April 23rd for its 2011 season. Get your fresh tomatoes, apples and peaches here. The market opens Saturdays from 730am to 1:30 pm.
In New Jersey, Terhune Orchards brings fresh fruits and vegetables at Trenton Farmers Market. The market opens Thursdays to Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.
Southeast
In Alabama, Pepper Place Market opened yesterday for its 2011 season. Stop by for some fresh cabbages, asparagus and strawberries. The market opens Saturday from 7am to 12pm.
In South Carolina, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers fresh broccoli, onions, snap beans and other delectable treats. The market opens on Tuesdays from 330pm until dusk.
Northwest
In Montana, Helena Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce and handcrafted items. The market opens Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
In Washington, Gig Harbor Farmers Market will have fresh strawberries, snap peas, and salad greens. The market opens Saturday from 830am to 2pm.
Midwest
In Ohio, delicious strawberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes are at Athens Farmers Market. The market opens Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.
In Missouri, look out for fresh tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers at Fair Grove Farmers Market. The market opens on Wednesdays from 330pm to 7pm.
Southwest
In Arizona, grab some apples, cabbages and other fresh vegetables at Mesa Community Farmers Market. The market opens Fridays 9am to 1 pm.
In California, Hillcrest Farmers Market offers avocados,kale, strawberries and delicious tomatoes. The market opens Sundays from 9am to 2 pm.
Here are some recipe suggestions to enjoy your bounty this spring:
Photo by Darya Pino – SummerTomato of Flickr