local farmers
Shop seasonally: fickle for pickles
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-24-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
Don't let the summer heat keep you from seeking out fresh produce at the market. Greens, peppers, eggplants, garlic...there is so much coming into season you may not even need to go to the grocery store. And if you had a hankering for a pickle,...
After more than 60 years growing, Lindberg Blueberries stays sweet
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-24-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
While none of the original blueberry bushes remain at the centennial Lindberg farm in Coopersville, the family tradition of fruit growing remains. “Grandpa started planting blueberries in the 1950s,” explains Jeff Lindberg, who...
Shop seasonally: everything you need for a stir-fry
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-17-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
If you were thinking that it's too hot to cook (but you still want to), have no fear, it's stir-fry season! There are few things that sautee up better than summer squash or zucchini, and with minimal time over the hot stove. Not feeling so...
Brickyard Farms brings flavor and variety to Fulton Street Farmers Market
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-12-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
When Valerie Lane of Brickyard Farms, LLC first started bringing her garlic to the farmers market, most shoppers had no idea what it was, or how to use it. “People thought they were just lilies,” says her partner, Kim Sanwald. Lane,...
Shop Seasonally: it's berry exciting!
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-09-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
Eating seasonally can be an adventure, especially when that adventure involves fresh, local fruit. That's right, cherries are here. But that's not all that's new at the market. Opportunities to involve the kids in learning about a...
Shop Seasonally: saying 'farewell' to rhubarb, and 'hello' to cherries, snap peas and pickling cucumbers
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 07-02-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
'Tis the season for a culinary adventure. Not sure what to do with all the veggies in your CSA? Want to add a few techniques to your culinary arsenal? Ever wondered how to pronounce kohlrabi? Chances are that the person selling you food probably...
Shop Seasonally: berries, broccoli, and canning classes, oh my!
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 06-26-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
With so many sights, smells and vegetables, going to the farmers market is an event in and of itself. With food vendors, live music and the occasional canning class, picking up some bok choi is just that much more enjoyable. Events at the Markets:...
RF Johnson & Sons Farm shows dedication to quality, strawberries and soil
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 06-24-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
When Aaron Johnson hit his “mid-life thing,” he decided that he didn’t want to be in the flooring business anymore. A second generation fruit farmer from Sparta, full-time farming seemed like the obvious choice. Flooring career in...
Green Wagon Farm grows goodness together
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 06-20-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
For farmer Chad Anderson, the desire to be a farmer started in 2007, by planting a garden in Uganda. “It all started in the Peace Corp, where I started a garden, just to have some points of conversation with the people because it was an...
Shop seasonally: what's at the market now
by (Amy Hinman)
Submitted 06-18-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
Getting kids to eat their vegetables has never been easier, not when there is chalk drawing and tractor pulls in addition to their veggies. Bring the whole family to the market, as more produce and activities are in season for everyone to enjoy....