Michigan’s rich soil gives us some of the best produce in the country. But even when it’s frozen, you can still find plentiful fresh produce at your local farmers’ market.
MICHIGAN—During the state’s long winters, farmers rely on storage crops and greenhouses to get by.
These are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables you’ll find at Michigan’s winter markets, and a list of markets that sell them:
Greens
With a little bit of heat and hoop houses, Michigan farmers grow several varieties of greens throughout the winter months. Kale, arugula, and romaine lettuce are the most readily available. However, at some markets, you can also find Asian greens like mizuna and pac choi, as well as chard and micro greens.
Mushrooms
You probably think of mushrooms as a product that thrives in damp, moist, and shady areas when it gets warm out. However, some Michigan producers bring their operations indoors during the cold months. You can find various types of maitake, shitake, King trumpets, and oyster mushrooms at the state’s largest winter markets.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are among the most common storage products. Michigan growers who bring their produce to winter markets might have some greenhouse goods, but most offer a variety of root vegetables from their cellars, including beets, carrots, celery root, kohlrabi, onions, parsnips, potatoes, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, and turnips.
Apples & Pears
Fresh fruit is much harder to find in Michigan this time of year. Greenhouse-grown fruits, like berries or citrus, can be hit-or-miss at winter markets. However, apples and pears are much more plentiful. Certain varieties can be harvested into November, so it’s easy for growers to store and sell them over the winter.
Squash
Multiple types of squash, including butternut, acorn, and of course, winter squash, are available this time of year at Michigan’s farmers’ markets. Another product of late fall harvests, the squash is easy for growers to store and sell fresh all winter long!
Michigan’s Winter Markets
Bellaire Winter Farmers’ Market
Where: 116 N. Bridge St.
When: Open Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon, October through mid-May
Holland Winter Market
Where: 150 W. 8th Street, Holland Civic Center Place
When: First and Third Saturdays in January, February and March, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
Dexter Winter Farmers Market
Where: 7643 Huron River Drive, Dexter United Methodist Church
When: Feb. 4 and Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Muskegon Winter Farmers Market
Where: 242 W. Western Ave.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., December through April
Oakland Co. Winter Farmers Market
Where: 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd.
When: Open Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April
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