Farmer Fresh is Best
McMinnville’s Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from May to October, is a summer favorite. Bring a bag or basket, walk down to Cowls and turn left. You’ll discover two blocks of local produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, sweet treats and beautiful fruit.
Summer peonies can adorn your dining table, or bright red Oregon strawberries (so much better than those dull berries from California) can be eaten in hand, or dipped in the classic sour cream and brown sugar mix. You’ll find other succulent berries, fresh beans and squash, gluten-free treats, flower bouquets, veggies, and pizza or breads. You might find homemade pasta, or interesting spirits. And oh those summer-fresh tomatoes and berries!
Pick up fresh goods for a meal to prepare in the cozy kitchen at 726 Fourth. HINT: If you love strawberries—look for and ask for Hood strawberries. They’re hands down the deepest, richest strawberry flavor of any variety—only available for a short time in early summer.
If the Thursday Market isn’t a fit, here are options for local ingredients
In-town Farm Stands
Two local farm families have stands open all summer. Each offer a good range of fruit and vegetables daily. At the west end of town (close to Linfield), in the parking lot next to Walgreen’s, you’ll find Guerrero Farms. They offer fresh choices of seasonal fruit and vegetables and often flower bouquets.
At the north end end of town, across from Wilco, you’ll find Pablo Munoz Farms, another choice for berries, beans and more seasonal produce.
Harvest Fresh Grocery and Deli
Just a few blocks away, at 251 Third Street, is this natural foods grocery and deli offering a focus on local and natural. Pick up sandwiches and cookies for a picnic, look for fresh meats for a meal, choose crackers for a cheese plate, or take your baked treats to an outside table to enjoy. You’ll also find natural supplements and vitamins!
From their website:
”Harvest Fresh Grocery and Deli takes pride in providing customers with the freshest all-natural meats, salads, juices, prepared meals, dairy products and more. We have free-range chicken, grass-fed pasture-raised beef, organic pork chops, free-range turkey, all-natural pork sausages, fresh fish, and tons more.”
Mac Market on Alpine
Local farmers also offer fresh produce through Mac Market in the off season. Worth a visit during winter! Plus you’ll discover fresh-made pizza, rising star chef’s creations at Hayward, and space to sit back with coffee and get a bit of work done online with free Wi-Fi.