Farmers’ markets offer fresh, healthy food

Farmers’ markets spring up like mushrooms at this time of year, and why not? My friend Sue and I were discussing that over lunch, and agreed they serve as a good source of healthy food, crafts and more. Getting your produce locally, including organic produce, is better for the planet. You’ve saved the gas that would normally be used to ship the produce you buy. Plus you can support the local economy when you buy directly from the farmers/artisans, starting, in most cases, this weekend.

An article in Metro Parent’s May issue lists a number of well-known farmers’ markets; one mentioned is the very large Royal Oak Farmers' Market. It’s a favorite of mine, because it features antiques and collectibles in addition to food products, including potted herbs for your garden. (The chocolate mint plant I bought there is very hardy.)

Some good markets not mentioned in the article include Oakland County Farmers' Market (also huge). I enjoy the farmers’market in downtown Brighton Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (so popular you may have to walk a bit from where you actually find a parking space!) as well as the one on East Liberty Street in Milford , which runsThursdays from 3 to 8 p.m. May 6 to Oct. 21. You’d think the markets would all be on weekends, but that’s not the case. Wednesday’s Walled Lake Farmers’ Market and Thursday’s Wixom Farmers' Market are among the exceptions.

Since I live in western Oakland County, the Livingston County markets are more convenient to me than many in-county markets. I plan to go to the Saturday Hartland Farm & Flea Market and Howell’s Sunday market early and often.

If you want to find even more farmers’ markets, regardless of where you live, try 2009 Farmers' Markets in Oakland County or Michigan Farmers Markets website. (The last link should be spelled farmers' markets, but I went with the legal name.)