As warmer weather becomes more consistent and fresh flowers become more expected than fresh snow, I think it’s finally safe to say (knock on wood, Clevelanders) that spring has sprung Finally! Of course, with spring brings some of favorite things: fresh cut flowers, birds chirping, little kids playing outside, lemonade stands, freshly painted toes, walking barefoot in the grass, picnic lunches and farmers markets. Ah yes, Farmers Markets. I really do not take advantage of them enough. This week, I’m thankful and EXCITED for Farmers Markets.

Farmers markets, with their white tents hovering over bright red tomatoes, ripe fresh fruit and gorgeous looking produce invite locals to buy fresh and local crops that often tout flavors that cannot be found in chain-store grocery stores. So it’s no surprise that more consumers are turning to farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. “In 1994, there were approximately 1,755 farmers markets in the United States. In 2008 their numbers had more than doubled – to over 4,685. It is estimated that more than three million consumers shop and more than 30,000 farmers sell at these markets annually,” according to the Farmers Market Coalition. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that these markets generate approximately $1 billion in consumer spending each year, and some state studies suggest remarkable levels of direct and indirect economic benefits as a result of farmers markets.

Wondering how you can get in on the action? Local Harvest, America’s #1 organic and local food website, maintains a definitive and reliable “living” public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources. The site’s search engine helps users find products from family farms and other local sources of sustainably grown food, and encourages them to establish direct contact with small farms in their local area. By inputting Cleveland, OH, I am told that I have numerous markets to choose from, some of which I’ve never heard of — how exciting!

One of my favorite parts of my trips to Europe were all the colorful lively farmers markets. My heart skipped every time I passed one, swaying to music provided by the street performers and almost delirious from the sweet smells from the fresh cut flowers, I would always purchase the most scrumptious looking piece of fruit. I’ll tell ya, those were some of my favorite foodie experiences in Europe. Although one of the main draws to farmers markets (for me anyway) is the atmosphere, there are several other benefits to note.

Farmers markets:

• Improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
• Educate the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
• Serve as a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.
• Reduce food miles, thus vehicle pollution, noise, and fossil fuel use.
• Reduce packaging.
• Encourage more environmental production practices, such as organic or pesticide-free.
• Help bring life into towns and cities, aiding regeneration.
• Encourage social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities.
• Stimulate local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.
• Attract business to retailers in the vicinity.

I know many of you have your own gardens, but for those who don’t (like me, Ms. Red Thumb- get it, opposite of green? heh heh!) The Farmers market is a fantastic alternative.

One of my goals this summer is to try and purchase 80% of my produce from farmers markets.I’m excited to visit some of the markets I haven’t been to yet and I think it’s something fun and different that the Mister can do together. I’ll also feel good supporting local farmers and I’m sure I’ll find some inspiration to create some new and flavorful dishes in the kitchen. I can’t wait!

Do you frequent farmers markets? What’s the most interesting thing you’ve purchased at a Farmer’s Market? What produce are looking forward to this season?

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