Photos courtesy of Minneapolis Farmers Market
Delicious locally grown fresh sweet corn is appearing at the Minneapolis Farmers Market—a sure sign the market is at its summer peak. While Mother Nature got the growing season off to a slow start this season, it’s now time for this favorite and others including berries, peppers, eggplants and tomatoes.
In-Season Highlights
Look for these favorites and more at local vendors’ stalls.
Berries
The market stalls are brimming with delicate and beautiful red, golden and purple raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, chokecherries and black currants. Berries are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin C. Enjoy them on their own, baked into desserts, atop yogurt, cereal or ice cream or mixed into smoothies. Wash just prior to use as water can hasten decay.
Peppers
Spice up your dishes with local chile peppers now and enjoy them later by freezing. First, wash the peppers and dry completely. You can freeze whole or prep by slicing, removing the seeds and chopping, then put in an airtight plastic bag and place in the freezer.
Tomatoes
From cherry and grape tomatoes to beefy heirloom varieties, locally grown vine-ripened tomatoes can’t be beat. Whether you enjoy in salads, sandwiches or homemade sauces, tomatoes add a nutritious boost to your diet. They are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.
Chef Challenge
This is the perfect time of the season for the Farmers Market and Country Financial Chef Challenge, which takes place Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m.–noon at the Lyndale Market location. Local chefs Andy Vyskocil of La Voya Brasserie (InterContinental Minneapolis) and Adam Randall of Caribbean Smokehouse will compete for the title of “Master of the Market.” Each chef will have 20 minutes to shop the market with $50 to spend, and then 30 minutes to prepare their own unique “farmers market fresh” dishes. Dishes will be judged by a panel of food industry pros on presentation, creativity, taste theme—Farm Market Fresh—and adaptability, which means ease for people to recreate the recipe at home. (Find the winning recipe on the Farmers Market website after the event.) This is also the last chance to get your free Farmers Market reusable bag designed by Madalynn Williams-Solberg of Andover High School. Stop by the Country Financial tent to get yours before they’re gone for the season.
The Minneapolis Farmers Market carries the largest selection of products of any farmers market in the Upper Midwest. In addition to the fresh fruits and veggies, there is always a wide range of items from fresh breads and baked goodies to cheese, hummus, salsa and soap—all for a great value. As the seasons change in the coming months, look for a harvest of colorful squash and pumpkins for baking and Jack-o-lanterns as well as Christmas trees at the Lyndale Market.
MARKET LOCATIONS AND TIMES
Lyndale Market: Daily 6 a.m.–1 p.m.
312 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis
Nicollet Mall Market: Thursdays 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Government Center Market: Tuesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
300 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis
