White canopied tents lined Nicollet Avenue, vendors unloaded baskets of fresh produce, and pedestrians gravitated toward the freshly cut flowers. I was a sophomore in college and this was my first experience with a farmers market, a seasonal gathering in downtown Minneapolis. I bought some vibrant stems to adorn my dorm room and I returned weekly to absorb the energy of the market.

Moving to Seattle, I am surrounded with fresh produce and locally made products; but I have to admit I haven’t always taken advantage. The Safeway was so much more convenient than a market only open for four hours every week. I think of that now and I kick myself. My husband and I now live in West Seattle and we are spoiled with a year-round farmers market. I am energized by the mix of passionate local farmers, talented chefs, and fellow food lovers. Three weeks ago we wandered through the market in the rain and came home with just-pulled-from-the-ground carrots, homemade berry cider, and a chardonnay white bean hummus made with local grape seed oil. Here is my kudos to the producers:

Stoney Plains Organic Farm

Like me, Stoney Plains Organic Farm owners Robert and Patricia Meyer originally hail from the great state of Minnesota. When they ventured to the west coast, they started with a 60’ x 80’ garden that has grown into a 60-acre organic farm in Tenino, WA. Every week they bring their eggs, berries, and organic vegetables to the West Seattle Farmers Market. After sampling their imperfectly-shaped, delightfully sweet, and equally delicious carrots, I was shoveling them into a bag to purchase. Some of the carrots managed to make it into my Black Bean and Bacon Soup before I devoured them.

Rockridge Orchards

Rockridge Orchards, located in Enumclaw, WA, can be found at the market year round with cider, hard cider, vegetables, berries, pears, apples, and Asian pears. Always with a huge smile on his face, the farmer is overjoyed to share a taste of his hand grown, handmade cider with market goers. Charlie and I purchased a bottle of hard raspberry cider; a delightful treat, like the freshly picked raspberries that grew mysteriously behind our garden when I was growing up.

Sound Bites Sauce and Spread Co.

Sound Bites Sauce and Spread Co. was tugging at the heartstrings of my inner wino. Hummus made with grape seed oil; I had to take a bite. After my spoonful, I pondered the purchase for less than five seconds before I was handing the vendor my five dollar bill. Richard Hines and Stephen McConkey started Sound Bites Sauce & Spread Co. in Tacoma in June 2008. They sell their products at farmers markets and regional grocers; West Seattleites, check out Sound Bites at the Morgan Junction Thriftway.

Market season is heading into full swing. Take advantage, Seattleites! Introduce yourselves to the farmers and producers and relish in the freshness of the season.