Michigan Foods

Last night was the first of my two session class on local cooking. I am learning so much (as I always do prepping for my classes) about Michigan foods. I took local a bit farther than a 100 mile radius to encompass the state of Michigan. We have so many great resources that people overlook.

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Did you know that Michigan is the nation's leader in growing potatoes for potato chips?

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Or that we are the fourth largest grower of grapes and sugar beets?

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Did you know that Okemos was home to the world's first commercially producing indoor shrimp farm?

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Did you know that Michigan produces one third of all the blueberries devoured in the U.S.?

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Did you know that one pound of mint oil, extracted from the fresh leaves, will flavor 135,000 sticks of chewing gum?

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Michigan has so many locally grown items to offer and most are overlooked. Why chose a Washington apple when you can chose a Michigan apple? Why chose an Idaho potato when you can chose a Michigan potato? Asparagus season is right around the corner, think Michigan when you grab for your produce.
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Farmers Markets will be opening shortly. Find one near you at Michigan Famers Market.