Summer Splendor at Michigan Farmer’s Markets
Ahh, Michigan sunny summers.
The Great Lakes, swimming pools, hiking trails, big summer skies and farmer’s markets selling Michigan’s abundant fresh fruit and vegetables. Summer in Michigan is perfect for those who relish outdoor strolls.
This year, farmer’s markets are more important than ever as social distancing is on everyone’s mind. The fresh, open air atmosphere of farmer’s markets is wonderful for shopping safely while supporting local business and celebrating a centuries’ old American tradition.
Did you know the first farmer’s market dates back to 1730 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
Today, the best of them carry locally harvested produce, meats and quality baked goods. Larger markets also allow local artisan to sell their wares from garden décor to homemade jams and breads. Shopping there is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, too.
In June, which happens to be National Fruits and Veggies Month, we in Michigan love our locally grown asparagus, kale; and strawberries. In July it’s apricots, black eyed peas, cucumbers, cherries, beets, peppers, peaches and blueberries. In August, it’s a produce lover’s dream that includes cabbage, eggplant, melons and more! September brings in all the squashes, full apple crops and root vegetables.
Our communities are designed with your quality of life in mind, including near wonderful farmer’s markets that make weekend mornings special. Take a tour of farmer’s markets near you and throughout, Michigan. Each have their own selections of locally grown produce, and artisan foods and products.
For a full list of markets in Michigan, visit: https://mifma.org/findafarmersmarket/
Below is a list of markets near our communities and recipes perfect for a backyard picnic: Black Eyed Pea Summer Salad, Corn on the Cob with a Zip and Michigan Grilled Pitches!
Oakland County
Summer Park Market at Clawson City Park
Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market
Milford Farmers Market
MSU Tollgate Farm Farmers Market, Novi
Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market
Royal Oak Farmers Market
South Lyon Farmers & Artisans Market
Oakland County Farmers Market , Waterford
Northville Farmers Market
Wayne County
Canton Farmers Market
Dearborn Farmers and Artisans Market
Livonia Farmers’ Market at The Wilson Barn
Plymouth Farmers Market
The All American Farmers & Artisans Market, Westland
Michigan Black Eyed Pea Summer Salad
3 cups dry blackeye peas
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 to 4 yellow and red peppers, finely chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil (optional)
DRESSING:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard
1 & 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (optional)
1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
Place peas in a sauce pan and cover with water. Cook over black eyed peas on high heat until it reaches a rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 60-90 minutes, or until beans are softened to your liking. Add water as needed during cooking
In a large bowl, combine peas, tomatoes, peppers, onion, celery and basil.
For the dressing, place in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk in oil until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours before serving.
Michigan Corn on the Cob with a Zip
3/4 cup Fresh butter or Plant Based Butter, softened
1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
1/4 cup horseradish sauce, any brand
1/2 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
3 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
¼ to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10-12 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients except the corn, until blended. Spread over corn. Wrap each cob with heavy-duty foil (about 15 in. square), sealing tightly. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat 15-20 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.
Grilled Peaches
10 peaches, halved (don’t use peaches that are too soft, slight firm is best)
1 & 1/2 cups Avocado Oil
Brush the cut sides of the peaches with oil.
Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat on half the grill and lower heat on the other half of the grill. Place peaches on the grill, cut side down over direct heat until the fruit has grill marks, and started to soften about 4 to 6 minutes. Brush the tops of the peaches with oil, flip over and move to the indirect heat side of the grill to continue cooking, another 5 minutes. Easy and enjoy immediately! You can serve with balsamic vinegar, too!