Minneapolis Farmers Market are held each Saturday and are a tradition for visitors

The Minneapolis Farmers Markets are held each Saturday in Minneapolis and have become a weekly tradition for many visitors. The markets feature a range of locally produced meats and poultry, farm fresh eggs and other fresh produce along with many arts, crafts and furniture created by members of the community.

The markets are part of the Central Minnesota Vegetable Growers Association, which is member-based, non-profit organization with over 200 members. Members of the association market the fruits, vegetables and farmstead products at the Farmers Market. The association helps members improve production methods and marketing strategies for members through partnerships with University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Grown Promotional Board. Members are given information on sustainable growing practices such as greenhouse and hydroponics to grow fields of fruit and vegetables.

The Famers Market began at the Lyndale Market in 1937 and has been a source of fresh produce and products for the Twin Cities community and visitors to the regions. The Minneapolis outdoor Fruit and Vegetable Market, which was the precursor of today's Market, opened in 1876 and was one of the few places to source fresh produce at the time. Customers from up to 20 miles away would travel - by horse and cart, to obtain fresh produce.

Over the years the markets have continued to grow and are now located in their third venue, the markets are marked by the three signature red sheds that cover the market. There are approximately 230 vendors who alternate the 170 stalls and have now added the Nicollet Mall Market area to accommodate the vendors.

A series called Market Talk Learning Series was developed for Market customers to educate them about the products available at the Market. The talks are held by local chefs of farmers who will start the talk with a demonstration of how to cook or use the product is the feature of the talk. The speaker will explain the benefits of the products, how it is grown and how to use the vegetables that may look `funny' in meals. Free samples, recipes cards and the opportunity to ask questions are available at the end of the talk. The talks are free each Saturday morning from 10.30 am next to the Market office, the talks are held rain or shine. Seating is available for 45 people and standing room for more, the talks run for around the hour and visitors who watch the entire session are the first to receive the samples and recipe cards.

The Minneapolis Farmers Markets are a great place to bring the whole family. A place for children to see and learn about fresh produce, to encourage them to grow their own vegetables and for adults to learn themselves about the benefits of purchasing produce that has not had to travel a great distance and the difference in the freshness. The markets are also an enjoyable way for visitors to spend a Saturday wandering the stalls to see what bargains they can pick up.