Fresh from the farm…

Local farmers markets offering healthy summer produce and more

The Northville Farmers Market at the corner of Sheldon
and West Seven Mile is open on Thursdays until October
and features a variety of fresh produce.

Nearly everyone in this area has access to a local farmers market as the health benefits to residents and to the bottom line of local growers has become a well-accepted feature in communities.

Dieticians praise the effects of fresh produce on health and Johns Hopkins dietician Melinda Cater favors the nutritional value fresh produce provides.

“Produce from local farmers has spent more time on the vine, on the tree or in the ground, so you get better taste and more nutrients,” she said. “When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, the shorter the time and distance from farm to sale, the higher the levels of vitamins and minerals.”

For the best taste and nutrition, experts agree that shoppers can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables in season. Some vendors and often the markets have email threads or social media posts where shoppers can find out which foods are most likely at their peak each week and likely to be available. Usually, the vendors and sellers are happy to tell customers what is best each week and what they may have the next week.

The Canton Farmers Market, top, is open on Sunday
while the Westland market takes place Thursday.

Another feature of most farmers markets is they don’t just have fruits and vegetables. They often have bread, eggs, pastries, fish, meat, olive oils and sometimes homemade pies and even soups for sale. Shoppers should use their common sense while choosing items, experts advise. Obviously, avoid any produce with wet or slimy leaves and pass up any produce that is changing color, such as green vegetables turning yellow. Watch for mold and do not take anything that smells bitter or is abnormally soft home from the shopping adventure.

Expert shoppers suggest taking an insulated bag or even a cooler in the trunk of a vehicle when buying perishables such as meat, poultry, fish or eggs at the markets. Shoppers are also advised to watch for safe handling of prepared foods.  There are some foods that are risky at the market and could be health risks, experts said, especially for pregnant women, children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

BELLEVILLE:

In Belleville, the Farmers Market is open every Monday, June through October, according to the city website. The market takes place in the Fourth Street Place and the Fourth Street Square.

CANTON:

The Canton Farmers Market takes place rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Sunday at Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road. For more information about the Canton Farmers Market visit www.canton-mi.org/496, access Facebook @CantonFarmersMarket or on Instagram@CantonFarmers MarketMI, or email cantonfarmersmarket@cantonmi.gov. 

INKSTER:

The Inkster Task Force (ITF) Farmers Market was established in 2020 as a way to bring fresh, local produce into the community. It started as a vision of the Inkster Task Force, and with support from National Kidney Foundation of Michigan REACH for the S.T.A.R.S program became much more than a place to purchase fruits and vegetables for Inkster residents. The market is open from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesdays until Oct. 3. The market takes place at 27020 Michigan Ave. 

NORTHVILLE:

The popular Northville Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursdays until October. The market features Michigan grown and Michigan made products in 75 stalls with produce, plants and other items. The Northville market takes place at 301 South Center St. at the corner of Sheldon Road and West Seven Mile Road across from the Northville Downs racetrack. More information is available at (248) 349-7640 or email mattzook@northville.org.

PLYMOUTH:

Plymouth Farmers Market is on Saturday mornings. 

Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Plymouth Farmers Market takes place behind Kellogg Park in The Gathering and along Penniman Avenue Freshly grown produce, flowers, baked goods, and crafts are available.

ROMULUS:

The Romulus Farmers Market takes place at 11147 Hunt St. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays until October. This farmers market accepts credit cards; WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP); Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Usually available are baked goods, arts and crafts, flowers, eggs, herbs, vegetables, jams and plants.

WAYNE:

Every Wednesday from 3 until 7 p.m., the local Farmers Market takes place behind Wayne City Hall 3355 S. Wayne Road in downtown Wayne. The market is usually open through October and includes vendors of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, one of a kind artisan works along with fresh squeezed lemonade and live musical performances. 

WESTLAND:

The Westland Farmers and Artisans Market is open every Thursday from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Marketplace, 1901 North Carlson, south of Ford Road, south of the H2O zone. The market will be closed Aug. 3 but will reopen on Thursdays through October.  

WAYNE COUNTY 

FARMERS STAND 

Also in Westland, Wayne County Parks Department has partnered with Eastern Market to offer a bi-weekly Farmers Stand at Hines Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on select Saturdays.  The stand will be located outside the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center near the start point for Saturday in the Park. 

The bi-weekly program will allow residents to buy fresh, affordable, and locally produced food Aug.5, Aug. 19 Sept. 2, Sept. 16 and Sept. 30, officials said.

The Farmers Stand is located at the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland.  

Hines Drive is closed on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the Saturday in the Park program so shoppers are advised to go around the barricades at Ann Arbor Trail to reach the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center parking lot. For more information,  call (734) 261-1990.