Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and more

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner.  This is one of the best times of the year for many reasons.  Some of them include the start of little league season, waterparks and campgrounds are opening, and the start of the fair and festival summer season.  Today though I want to talk about the popular farmers markets that are popping up in every community.

Farmers markets have been around for a long time and then they sort of disappeared for awhile and are now gaining popularity once again.  Some of the benefits of buying from your local farmers markets include:
- Your produce is ripe and freshly picked
- You can speak to the farmers to ask how and where it was grown and if they have any suggestions on how to prepare and cook it.
- The sales benefit the farmers locally instead of going through several people before the farmer get a small share, when you buy from a store.  This usually means cheaper prices for you.
- Encourages shopping local, and since most of these are in a downtown type setting, make a day of it.  Check out other local businesses and restaurants.
- Most have a wide range of fruits and vegetables available.  Some even include flowers, plants and other related items.

Most of the markets have already started or will be starting within the next week and they usually run through October.  Some of the communities that have farmers markets are Auburn Hills, Milford, Royal Oak, Farmington, Clawson, and Clarkston.  Oakland County's website has a complete list of farmers markets and more information.  If there is not one in your community contact your local government offices to see how you can get one started.

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