Fall Produce & Recipes: Year-Round Farmers Markets in the D

By: Toni Cunningham | November 12, 2014
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It’s that time of year again, Metro Detroiters. The time of year that seemingly sneaks up on us sooner each year, without fail. The giving season is upon us, and all things summer and (soon to be) fall are long behind us. For the most part, that includes farmers markets. The large majority of local farmers markets closed up shop at the end of October, only to reopen again next spring.

Have faith, though, Metro Detroiter, because there are several year-round farmers markets in southeast Michigan, and plenty of seasonal produce to sustain us through the late fall! Sure, you won’t find any Michigan-grown corn on the cob or fresh, juicy strawberries at your local market at this time of year. However, you will find plenty of other fruits and vegetables that will keep you healthy and full of energy as we ready ourselves for hibernation yet again this year.

Apples, Brussels sprouts, celery, onions, mushrooms, potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, and winter squash (of the butternut and acorn variety) are all flourishing at this point in the season and available at your local marketplace. While you could certainly pick them up at your local grocer, you can also find them at a year-round farmers market, including one of the following:

Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the weekend produce market, the Royal Oak Farmers Market is occasionally open for special events, such as tonight’s Food Truck Rally from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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The market also holds a flea market on Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Antiques and Collectibles shop is a great follow up to a morning of produce shopping the day before!

Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit, houses more than 250 vendors that sell fresh produce, fruits, veggies, flowers and more from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday.

Keep in mind that a special Sunday Street Market will take place on Sunday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 14. On all three dates, the holiday themed market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., selling locally sourced gifts and goods.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, has been around for nearly 100 years, and is another year-round market in Metro Detroit. Through December, it is open on both Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. When January rolls around, the market is only open on Saturdays.

You’ll find fresh and seasonal fruits and veggies from local producers like Brines Farm, Seeley Farm and more. For a complete list of participating vendors, visit the website.

Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford, has been in operation since 1953, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through December. While the market is open all year, the days of operation cut back to just Saturdays beginning in January.

Of the nearly 40 indoor vendors, you will find just what you’re looking for at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Cooking was never so easy!

Speaking of cooking, once you’ve purchased all of this yummy produce, what is one to do? Well, you’re going to need to prep everything and step into the kitchen. I won’t be able to do any of the chopping for you, but I’ll certainly help with one step of the process: gathering the recipes!

Once you’ve gone hunting and gathering (er, at least gathering), it’s time to prepare your meal. I’ve gone ahead and carefully selected a few recipes that I think you’ll enjoy using the aforementioned seasonal ingredients with. Whether you’d like to add these meals to the menu of your next holiday party, or simply plan to whip up a new dish after work, any or all will do the trick!

Frequenting the farmers market is one summer activity we can keep going yearlong, people. Let’s do it!

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