To Market…To Market… We Go

Some say things aren’t looking good for Ann Arbor. Pfizer, its largest employer and taxpayer, is leaving. The local auto industry is down-spiraling. Add to that the harsh climate and weather, and well, you get the picture. Luckily, we still have the farmer’s market. A visit here reminds me that amid the fiscal woes of our area, life goes on, and in brilliant color too.

 

This time of the year is always fun. While it’s officially fall, we can still indulge in summer’s last flourish with sugar-sweet tomatoes, crispy bell peppers and juicy raspberries. One of my favorite stalls is run by the Merkel family. They’re the only vendor who carry Asian produce, like bitter melon, japanese eggplant and bok choy, to name a few. There’s also the vendor I like who carries special varieties like chioggia beets and french fingerling potatoes.

 

Wherever you are, I hope you’ll get yourself to a local farmer’s market soon.

And, if you want to learn more about buying from and supporting local farmers, check out these sites:

Eat Well Guide

Sustainable Table

Chez Panisse Foundation