Though farms and gardens may sleep now under the snow, it’s still possible to eat locally and support Michigan producers.
Michigan’s abundant agricultural riches last year-round. Local growers often use controlled-atmosphere storage methods to allow them to release their crops month by month over the winter.
Select Michigan Producers
1. Alexander & Hornung; 586-771-9880, alexanderhornung.com.
2. American Spoon Foods; 231-347-1739, spoon.com.
3. Calder Dairy, 313-381-8858, calderdairy.com.
4. Grassfields Organic Cheeses; 616-997-8251, grassfieldscheese.com.
5. Jiffy Baking Mixes; jiffymix.com.
6. Kowalski Sausage; kowality.com.
7. Pinconning Cheese Co.; 800-678-1962, pinconningcheese.com.
8. The Grocer’s Daughter chocolates; grocersdaughter.com, 231-326-3030.
9. Williams Cheese Co.; 800-968-4492, ext. 10, williamscheese.com.
A Local Bumper Crop Available Now
Vegetables:
Beets, broccoli, broccoli raab, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,dried beans, dried herbs, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuces, (grown in cold frames or greenhouses), onions, parsnips, potatoes, winter squashes
Fruits:
Apples, pears, cider Meats and dairy: Beef, chicken, turkey, emu, eggs, lamb, milk (cow, goat), pork, ham, sausage, bacon, smoked fish
Sweets and treats:
Beer, fudge, honey, ice cream, maple syrup, sugar (from beets; three Michigan brands are Big Chief, Peninsular, and Pioneer), wine
Sources
Michigan State University maintains a list of all farmers markets in the state, including those open during the winter. Visit farmersmarkets.msu.edu, and follow the link for farmers markets near you. Another excellent resource for local food growers is localharvest.org.
At the supermarket, seek local Michigan labels; if you don’t see them, ask the manager.
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