Farmers markets change! That’s one of the best things about them. The best things to nab in May are quite different from what might be peaking in October. But don’t worry! We connected with restaurant critic and City Cast contributor Kirstie Kimball of beyond beurre blanc. to find out what you need to grab this weekend from the market to make the most out of your trip. Bon appetit!
Ramps
Ramps. (Sean McPherson / City Cast Twin Cities)
Ramp season is short and it’s right now! For the uninitiated, ramps are a wild allium that many Minnesota farmers will forage around their property. If you’re on a ramp hunt, visit the Mill City Farmers Market.
Pro-tip: Ramp lovers should show up early. These things fly off the shelves. And don’t stop at a fresh ramp! There’s a vendor at Mill City who also hawks ramp salt. Yum!
Morels
Morel support. (James Napoli / City Cast Twin Cities)
Morels are a luxury food item. They cost money, but for the flavor enthusiast, they are well worth it! Right now you can enjoy the first-of-the-season luxury of a foraged morel.
Pro-tip: Kirstie Kimball recommends preparing them in a soft scramble or dropping them in with a pile of noodles. There have been morel sightings as of late at the Northeast Farmers Market and the St. Paul Farmers’ Market.
Sheep Milk Cheese
A lovely crumbly cheese toast with kale and coffee. (Anna Weggel / City Cast Twin Cities)
If you are ready to expand your cheese selections, there are a bevy of options on offer at most farmers markets. We have a seasonal suggestion if you’re looking for an alternative to cow’s milk that keeps it artisanal. LoveTree Farmstead Cheese specializes in sheep milk cheese and they have some award-winning varieties. You can find LoveTree at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market and the Southwest Minneapolis Farmers Market.
Lilac Mini Bundt Cakes
Lilac mini bundt cakes. (Kelsey Endres / Eat Me Bakery)
Lilac season comes and goes quickly but don’t let it slip by without sinking your teeth into a lilac mini bundt cake from Eat Me Bakery. This well-regarded bakery doesn’t have a brick and mortar location but they are a fixture at farmers markets across the metro and also do a brisk delivery and pick-up business. Kelsey Endres, the proprietor of Eat Me Bakery, reports that the first appearance for the mini bundt cakes this year will be at the Kingfield Farmers Market on May 17.
Pro-tip: Follow Eat Me Bakery on Instagram for vital updates on where she’ll be as well as when she inevitably runs out of baked goods at the markets.
Tulips
Tulips at Mississippi Market. (Sean McPherson / City Cast Twin Cities)
Don’t waste your tulip season waiting with bated breath for peony season. That’s a rookie mistake. Tulips are here, they’re in bloom, and there’s no better spot to grab some of these seasonal delights than at a local farmers market.
Pro-tip: Tulips are the cheat code to bring early summer energy directly into your home. Grab a bouquet for your table and you’ll feel the season even when you can’t be outdoors.
