By Stacey Hamric
WVU Extension Agent
KEYSER — The Farmers’ Markets in Keyser officially opens today, and this year looks to be a promising year for both producers and shoppers.
The Keyser market, located off of Route 220 behind the Polish Pines, is open every Friday morning as early as 7:30 a.m., and the Fort Ashby Farmers’ Market located at the Mineral County Fairgrounds is open Tuesday mornings - both with farmers ready to sell their fresh produce. Their first day is Tuesday, July 14.
“The market provides the opportunity for consumers to get the real thing,” said Susie Dolly, market master.
“There is nothing like fresh produce, both taste wise and nutritional value. The cost is also very comparable if not lower than super-markets.”
Fresh produce found at farmers’ markets offer much more to the community other than good-tasting produce. According to Anita Fairley, WVU Extension Nutritional Outreach instructor, the vitamins and minerals in fresh produce is much higher than in produce that has to sit for weeks.
“Nutritional value peaks after three or four days, which is why farmers’ market produce is healthier for us,” says Fairley. “As an added bonus, people are more apt to be eating foods raw when they are fresh, avoiding cooking the foods and draining vitamins and minerals.”
The Farmers’ Market not only provides fresh produce; it provides a place for people to come together and strengthen the community.
“It’s really nice to see people visiting as they shop. People get a chance to meet and talk with the farmers, and it’s always nice to know where your food is coming from,” noted Beth Taylor, WIC Program representative for Mineral and Hampshire counties.
Both markets are open from now until the end of September or early October. If you would like more information on the Mineral County farmers’ markets, please contact Stacey D. Hamric, WVU Agriculture Extension Agent, at 788-3621.
