If we also eat "with our eyes," as they say, farmers markets are back to tempt. At their best, they feature those voluptuous, locally grown vegetables and fruit, often minutes or hours from the field. The crispness, bright colors and picking at the peak of nutritious ripeness are big calling cards.
The produce is brushed with the flavors of our home soils, the weather, and the wisdom of our farmers. That's what the French call terroir (ter-WAR). The term is more commonly used with wine, but if you've ever gone to a market while on a far-flung vacation, you can tell the difference in the personality of those flavors.
Some Northeast markets run most of the year, but most are popping up canopies in the next two weeks. (See map below.)
It's might seem early, because of the cool spring, but farmers have a little more control these days with newer, more resilient hybrids, hydroponic gardens and cold-protected plastic hoop houses. Don't wait too long. Asparagus are in, so are plenty of greens. There's something on the table at every week of the growing season.
Check out today's list of more than 80 Northeast Ohio farmers markets. Go online at Cleveland.com/cooking for an interactive list with a searchable map. And stay tuned for our coverage of new vendors and events throughout the season.
Click on the map or use the search box below to get all your information on local Farmers Markets.
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