King County Farmers Markets: Providing fresh, healthy food year 'round

Summer is at its peak, and King County’s 28 farmers markets are bursting at the seams with dozens of farm-fresh choices for those who want to eat healthy, locally produced food.

August offers a greater variety of fruits and vegetables than any other month of the year, including nine varieties of berries, early ripening apples and pears, sweet corn, peppers and a bounty of greens that are the perfect start for a great salad.

King County farmers also raise pork, beef and chicken that can be matched with fresh produce to make a great meal.

Buying locally produced food is not only great for personal health, but it contributes to the economic health of King County’s agricultural community. King County has nearly 60,000 acres of farmlands that contribute to the outstanding selection at the farmers markets that dot the county.

To honor the dozens of farmers markets throughout the state, Gov. Christine Gregoire has declared Aug. 12-19 as Farmers Market Week. For a list of farmers markets and farms in King County, including U-pick farms, organic products, recipes and more, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org, on the Internet, or call 206-632-0606.