If you enjoy farmers market produce that’s locally grown, be sure to check out Rainbow Farms in Madison, Ohio.
What? Isn’t all farmers market produce fresh and local?
The short answer is, “No.”
Here in Ohio (and probably where you live, too) lots of farmers markets and roadside stands pop up in the summer and fall.
But not all of them are selling locally grown products harvested at the peak of freshness.
I’ve been fooled before, so I’m careful about finding fresh and local farmers markets. You can read more about faux farm markets here.
A past favorite of mine is Howe Meadow Farmers Market in the Cuyahoga Valley. But since we are spending summers in Madison, I lucked out in finding Rainbow Farms.
Rainbow Farms turns out to be the real McCoy in terms of locally-grown, tasty produce.
I recently purchased free-stone peaches, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and watermelon. All of it was really good, but the tomatoes and peaches were exceptional.
The tomatoes had that old-time flavor. They were so juicy and tasty that we served them simply sliced and salted as a side dish with dinner.
Then, I put together a sandwich with some fresh sourdough bread, sliced tomato, mayonnaise, and salt. It’s the kind of sandwich you can only make at this time of year.
And the peaches, wow! Let’s just say they didn’t last long.
If you happen to buy more peaches than you can eat, try my peach galette recipe – it’s as delicious as peach pie, but easier to make.
The indoor market itself is packed with a variety of produce at this time of year. You’ll also find some Ohio made products like honey and jams to round out your shopping.
Rainbow Indoor Farmers Market is open until Thanksgiving from 10 am-6 pm, Mondays through Saturdays, at 2464 Townline Road, Madison, OH, 44057 (440) 259-4924 .
Its winter hours are every Friday from 1- 5pm, December through May.
Not heading out to Madison anytime soon? Rainbow Farms sells its produce at outdoor farm markets in Lake and Cuyahoga County including:
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Market- Wednesdays 10:30am-1:30pm through October 16th.
Painesville Farmers Market- Located in downtown Painesville’s Veterans Park Thursdays 12pm-4pm through October 10th.
Mentor Farmers Market- In Eleanor B. Garfield Park just off of Rt 20 between Rts 306 and 615. Friday afternoons from 2pm-6pm through September 27th.
Willoughby Farmers Market- Saturdays 8am-12pm through October 26th, 1 East Spaulding Street, Kirtland
Shaker Square Farmers Market- Saturdays, 8am-12pm through December.
If getting to the market isn’t your thing, Rainbow Farms also offers CSA programs in summer and in fall, with drop off locations in Madison, Painesville, Mentor, and Willoughby.
Last but not least, the farm has put together a “Thanksgiving CSA Box” that promises to make your holiday meal truly special.
For $50, you get potatoes, heirloom carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, apple cider, and a homemade pie!
All you need to add to your shopping list is the turkey.