We all have certain experiences that tell us that summer is really here. It could be the season’s first trip to the cabin, the first trip out on the boat, or for some of us, the season’s first outdoors farmers market.
White Bear Lake’s winter farmers market has a bounty of goodies to keep us happy, but there’s nothing like shopping for fresh fruits and veggies outdoors on a summer’s day. A stroll around the market perusing the offerings is a great incentive for planning healthy meals.
The first White Bear Lake farmers market of the season will be on Friday, June 28, and Mhonpaj Lee of Mhonpaj’s Garden is looking forward to it.
Mhonpaj’s Garden has been a presence at the market since 2009, Lee says, and is one of a few certified organic local vendors. Lee and her eight siblings farm their crops in Wilder Forest in Marine on St. Croix. They are alumni of the training program run by the Minnesota Food Association—a nonprofit that supports beginning farmers who want to grow organic crops.
Lee says that farming is more of a hobby than a career for her and her siblings now. She is a full-time realtor in the White Bear area, but is still passionate about farming. She enjoys talking with her customers and learning what they’re cooking with the produce. “We grow over 70 types of crops,” says Lee, “so there’s lot of recipes they can make.”
Visit the market, stock up on the most delicious and healthiest goodies of the season and stay tuned for more about Mhonpaj’s Garden and the Minnesota Food Association in a future issue.
White Bear Lake Farmers Market
Friday 8 a.m.–noon
Washington Avenue between Third and Fourth Street in White Bear Lake.
Facebook: Mhonpaj’s Garden
