For the non-green thumbs who want farm-fresh organic produce, quality meats and poultry to prepare healthy meals, our region's Farmers' Markets are the places to go. Farmers' Markets are a meeting place to celebrate what's local -- which makes them an exceptional shopping experience. These open-air markets offer a warm, inviting country atmosphere for both locals and visitors staying in the area and go far beyond just essentials like fresh vegetables and meat.
In Algoma Country, you'll also find baked goods, handpicked berries, maple syrup products, woodworking, Alpaca products and homemade arts and crafts.
Below is the complete list of Algoma Farmers' Markets in Sault Ste. Marie to St. Joseph Island, all along the North Shore of Lake Huron and north to Hearst. At the bottom of the article, you'll find some helpful tips for shopping at farmers' markets, and a favourite way to cook new potatoes. If you are interested in farm-gate purchases, you can find more information at www.buyalgoma.ca
*hours of operation may change
ALGOMA FARMERS' MARKET
Summer Market: early June to October
Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
Roberta Bondar Pavilion, Sault Ste. Marie
www.algomafarmersmarket.ca
MILL MARKET
Open Year-Round
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm
35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie
www.millmarketssm.ca
HILTON BEACH FARMERS' MARKET
Mid-June to End of September
Saturdays 10 am to Noon
Near the marina, Hilton Beach
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JOHNSON FARMERS' MARKET DESBARATS
June - Thanksgiving
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm, Fall Hours 10 am - 2 pm
*Fall hours begin in September
Johnson Township Community Centre, 1 Cameron Avenue, Desbarats ON
www.johnsonfarmersmarketdesbarats.ca
IRON BRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET
end of June to mid-September
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm
Iron Bridge Museum, near Hwy 17
www.huronshores.ca
SOWERBY FARMERS' MARKET
mid-June to mid-October
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm
Cordukes Historic 12-sided Round Barn, 1410 Basswood Lake Road, Sowerby
www.huronshores.ca
GOOSE NEST MARKET
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18 Broadway Ave, Wawa
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Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
- Get to know your seasons. Knowing what to expect and what grows in the area makes shopping more efficient.
- Go early because the early bird does get the worm! You'll be able to get the best selections and those limited items that go quickly.
- Bring big sturdy bags and cash with small change. Transactions with cash or exact change are much easier.
- Be spontaneous. Sometimes it's fun to leave the shopping list at home or at least be open to trying something new.
- Ask an expert. If you find a vegetable new to you, ask the farmer how they like to eat it. You'll get the best tips!
Cooking New Potatoes: A Tasty Way to Eat Them
One of my favourite childhood memories is wandering my grandparents' farm, exploring their vegetable patches, and sampling the raspberries and peas as I walked the paths (I ate plenty of both). New potatoes were always my favourite thing to eat and I've shared the simplest, tastiest way to prepare them:
- New potatoes (freshly harvested young potatoes) should be feel firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Make sure to rinse them well and don't peel them.
- Put new potatoes in a pot of salty water and boil gently for about 10 minutes, until tender.
- Drain and shake off excess water. Put the potatoes in a serving dish and toss with plenty of butter and sprinkle with salt and fresh cracked pepper, and fresh chopped chives, or your favourite herb.
- Serve and nnjoy the fresh buttery goodness!
