Farmers' markets in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge

Growers throughout Oregon are getting ready for the 2012 farmers' market season!

Farmers' markets are perfect for consumers who like to browse the marketplace and purchase products from a wide selection of vendors. Most farmers' markets feature vegetable growers, ranchers, beekeepers, bakers, cheese-makers, mushroom foragers, etc. In fact, it's increasingly common for families satisfy their entire food shopping list at their local farmers' market.

We hope this helps you connect with growers in your area. And if there's a market you think we should add to the list, please contact us to let us know. Happy shopping!

Salem Public Market open on Wednesday before Christmas

Salem Public Market will open Wednesday, December 21st, 11:00am to 6:00pm for last minute food and gift items. You will find one-of-a-kind original photographs and paintings, quilts, scarves, emu products, specialty foods, meats, eggs, cheeses, candy, nuts, artisan breads, produce, dried and fresh mushrooms, cakes and pies, apple cider, fresh roasted coffees, honey and bees wax candles, fresh and frozen soups.

Salem Public Market is also a collection site for Marion-Polk Food Share. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for those in need.

The market will be closed on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th.

Salem Public Market
1240 Rural Ave. SE Salem, OR 97302
Oregon's Oldest Farmers Market and Salem's Best Kept Secret!
For more information, call Bruce at 503-559-4294.

The beauty and bounty of Salem's farmers' markets

Teal Creek Farms offers a wide variety of organic produce.

Photo Essay by Nate Rafn

Farmers' markets in Salem contribute greatly to the culture and quality of life in the Mid-Willamette Valley. In this photo essay, we highlight the Salem Saturday Market and Salem Public Market.

Salem Public Market's Annual Berry Shortcake Celebration

Debra Edwards and Stephen Perkins serve-up shortcake.

by Nate Rafn

Stop by Salem Public Market on Saturday, July 2nd between 8:30am and 2:00pm for fresh local berry shortcake in return for your donation of two or more non-perishable food items for
Marion-Polk Food Share.

Cascade Baking Co. will provide the shortcakes, while the fresh berries will be from A & B Farms and Minto Island Growers.

Other activities this Saturday include live music by Ukephoria and Crosscut; a book sale by Friends Of The Salem Public Library; quilt raffle; and fortune telling. Marion County Master Gardeners will also be on-hand to answer your gardening questions.

Interview with Falls City baker, Keith Zinn

by Nate Rafn

Keith Zinn owns and operates The Bread Board, an artisan bakery in Falls City, Oregon. He and his partner, John, are known for creating rustic sourdough breads with chewy, caramelized crusts. Some of their breads are whole grain, others are enhanced by savory herbs, nuts and seeds. Sourdough enthusiasts will find these breads at the store in Falls City, and at farmers' markets throughout the Willamette Valley, including Salem Saturday Market, The McMinnville Market, Silverton Farmers Market, and Independence Farmers Market.

Latest poll results.

Last week we asked readers about their food-shopping habits and priorities. Our poll tallied 125 votes. Here are the results. 

Q: How often do you shop at farmers' markets?
Once a week 37%
Once a month 44%
Once every six months 15%
Once a year 0%
Never 4%

Q: How often do you buy direct from farmers?
Once a week 36%
Once a month 23%
Once every six months 5%
Once a year 23%
Never 14%

Q: What foods are you most interested in buying locally?
Fruit and Vegetables 65%
Meat and Eggs 35%
Seafood 0%
Grains and Beans 0%
Dairy Products 0%

Q: Where do you live?
Portland Metro 11%
Salem/Mid-Valley 83%
Eugene Metro 0%
Oregon Coast 0%
Central Oregon 0%
Columbia Gorge 0%
Other 6%

My Thoughts

I was surprised and delighted to see that most respondents purchase foods direct from farmers (at markets or at the farm) at least once a month. That's very encouraging!

Wednesday farmers' market in Salem, Oregon.