Column: Notes from the Garden, by Katie Godfrey

When I arrived at the Albert Lea Farmers Market the other day I noticed two things: I was cold for the first time in months, and the parking lot was starting to look suspiciously like a dirt road. This could only mean one thing. Finally, after months of work, the downtown streetscape project has finally reached our little lot.

However, the market season is far from over, so we will be making the move to the Northbridge Mall parking lot on Wednesday. We will remain in this new location until our last outdoor market of the year on Oct. 30 before transitioning to our winter market inside the mall. Look for us in the lot in front of Herberger’s during our regular hours, 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Despite the cooling temperatures, the tables at the Albert Lea Farmers Market are as bountiful as ever. Tomatoes as large as small pumpkins grace the stands by the dozens. Raspberries are proudly making their fall appearance, while gourds put on an autumnal show. Collections of apples great and small pile high under the tents.

Pick up some kale to try your hand at making chips (combine kale, olive oil and salt and bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes until crispy). Think ahead to winter and purchase some storage onions or potatoes to keep on hand. In addition to an array of vegetables including carrots, leeks, lettuce and beets, look for maple syrup, jams and jellies, honey and even crafts.

The market accepts credit cards, debit cards, EBT cards, and the Farmers Market Food and Nutrition Vouchers. Don’t forget, Blue Cross/Blue Shield matches up to $5 in Market Bucks when EBT cards are used. Market bucks must be used by Oct. 30 of this year.

We are grateful to the city of Albert Lea for maintaining a space for the market during most of the season, and to the folks at the Northbridge Mall for supporting us in our new, temporary location. We are especially thankful to our customers who didn’t let the torn up streets deter them from coming to the market. Next year, look for us at the new and improved Fountain and Broadway lot. In the meantime, come find us in the parking lot outside Herberger’s. We hope to see you there!

 

Katie Godfrey is the community nutrition steward for the Albert Lea Farmers Market.