Like snow in January, northern Michigan residents are used to it: once area farmers markets shut down for the season, that's the last they'll see of locally-grown goodies like fresh tomatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes, squash, garlic, apples, plums and lettuce until some time next year.
Fortunately, area supermarkets bring in all kinds of California- or Florida-grown fruit and vegetables during the frigid months; California strawberries in the middle of the winter are nothing less than a blessing.
But there's a new outlet for locally-grown food that could help bridge the gap from summer to summer. An indoor farmers market opened last weekend in the basement at Building 50 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons; developer Ray Minervini said he hopes the Saturday event becomes an annual tradition as summer winds down and the farmers market in downtown Traverse City closes.
It's a great option for shoppers and farmers alike. Many farmers move their operations into greenhouses in the colder months and the indoor market will be a place to extend their season and their income.
Frankfort in Benzie County is into the second year of a city-sponsored indoor market and there may be more.
Local means fresh, and it tastes that way.
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