Bounty of local produce at Owosso Farmers Market

By Denise Davidson, Owosso, Michigan

Shoppers will find a bounty of fresh Michigan produce at the Owosso Farmers Market in spite of unfavorable weather conditions this season. Too much rain and cooler than normal temperatures got the growing season off to a slow start but things have recovered nicely.

With the summer growing season well under way, you will find a nice variety of produce to choose from, including beets, broccoli and green & purple string beans. There are bushels of tender new potatoes along with many sweet white and red onion varieties. These onions are the perfect ending to a grilled burger.

Although the summer harvest of raspberries is ending, there will be another harvest in mid September of red and golden varieties. Tender yellow crookneck and zucchini squash have arrived. Other fresh produce includes long storing braids and bulbs of garlic, red and yellow shallots, cucumbers, and fancy mixed lettuce greens and spinach.

Delicious tender sweet corn is available starting this time of year. Choices include super sweet bi-color (gold and white corn) or solid color varieties. When choosing corn, look for full, fat ears with green outer husks. Freshly picked sweet corn should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible to help reduce natural sugars from turning into starch. By far the best way to eat sweet corn is on the cob. Excess corn may be blanched, cut from the cob and frozen, making an equally delicious winter treat.

Both organically and conventionally grown produce is available all season. Now is the time to place orders for larger quantities of vegetables and fruits for canning and preserving. Market vendors will fill orders upon request.

There are also many other interesting market items to choose from throughout the season, including locally made maple syrup, specialty mustards, horseradish, specialty dry beans and honey. These are packaged in attractive jars and containers perfect for gifts. There is also a great selection of jams, jellies and pickles. Baked goods are in abundance with delicious pies, breads, cookies, Czech pastries and muffins to choose from.

Beautiful fresh cut flowers are a weekly attraction and change with the season. There is a wonderful selection of nursery stock plants with a large assortment of trees and ornamental shrubs. Perennial flowering plants are available all season. There are many experienced vendors at the market to answer questions regarding plants.

Crafters’ items include handmade birdhouses, knitted & crocheted items, yard ornaments, handmade rag rugs, hand painted china, handcrafted jewelry, soaps & handcrafted furniture to carry home or made to order. Handmade scented soy candles are available in every color, size and scent imaginable.

Saturday mornings at the Owosso Farmers Market are a pleasant way to begin your weekend fun. Experience the unique flavors of fresh Michigan produce when it is at its peak in quality and flavor. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. every Saturday through October.

Denise and Rick Davidson, owners of Red Rooster Farm, tend their organic garden and flock of chickens in rural New Haven Township in Shiawassee County.