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Farmers Markets in King County There are almost 40 farmers markets in King County alone. Why not buy fresh, local produce? May is a great month to be inspired to try something new for meals. Many of the almost 40 farmers markets in King County, open this month. Each week between now and the first frost, and even after the frost, farms will be bursting with colors, shapes, and aromas as farmers harvest their crops to bring to market.

To tease our taste buds and nurture our souls, farmers and market managers have been preparing for months. Farmers have been ordering seeds in December and January, prepping the land, planting, dealing with impacts from weather, monitoring starts, transplanting and then harvesting the crop. Market managers on the other hand have been sending out vendor applications and recruiting farmers, completing paperwork for the health department and city permits, scheduling vendors and implementing their outreach plan to make sure opening day is full of shoppers. For both farmers and market managers, it's a labor of love and passion for what they do. Opening Day is where it all comes together.

If you haven't had a chance to shop much at your local farmers market, stop by this month and check it out. You may be very surprised by what you see. Over the years, Public Health, farmers and market managers have worked closely together to expand what farm foods can be sold at markets.

In King County, you can find a wide selection of greens, over-wintered crops such as potatoes and other root veggies, rhubarb, herbs, lettuce, scallions, radishes, wild mushrooms, bouquets of beautiful farm flowers, veggie starts, nursery plants, and if you are lucky, fresh asparagus. Most markets carry staples like beef, eggs, farmstead cheeses, fresh frozen salmon and tuna, pork, poultry, jams and jellies and much more. Small food vendors bring in unique specialty foods such as pastas, baked goods, sauces, ciders, wines, nuts, and lots more.

Farmers markets are the easiest place to find the best selection of fresh produce grown in this state and learn about farming at the same time! If you are new to markets, here are a couple tips -

• bring your own bags if you want to cut down on plastic,
  
• circle the market at least once to see what's available and compare prices (yes, there can be significant price differences from one vendor to the next),
  
• bring cash and checks (most farmers accept either, some farmers are set up to accept electronic cards), and
  
• don't be afraid to ask questions - vendors are very happy to answer questions about their growing methods, share their favorite cooking secrets or let you sample something special,
  
• expect to see new foods every week - the market looks different each week as foods go in and out of season.
  

To find a list of markets in the Puget Sound region, visit Puget Sound Fresh.

*Courtesy of Puget Sound Fresh