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During the summer, Michigan is hot. Not just because of the rising temperatures but in terms of produce. Fruits and vegetables from Michigan are renowned for
their quality, taste and variety. From healthy snacks to creative side dishes, grilled vegeta- bles and desserts, Michigan’s produce items are stars during the summer ... and beyond.
“Michigan continues to be a great hub for a diverse product offering during the summer and fall months, with certain storage crops available year-round, such as root vegetables and apples,” says Tyler Hodges, fresh produce sales manager for Superior Sales, Inc., which is headquartered in a 52,000-square-foot modern warehouse in Hudsonville, MI.
Though consumers enjoy amazing produce from Michigan 12 months and 365 day a year, summer brings its own special pleasures.
BY ANTHONY STOECKERT
MICHIGANSUMMERFRUITS(ANDVEG)
One of the key reasons Michigan grows such high-quality fruits and vegetables is its climate.
“During the hot summer months, Mich- igan can see a more mild climate from the unique surrounding Great Lakes that grow excellent quality and flavor profiles,” says Hodges.
That creates the perfect conditions to grow classic vegetables that people enjoy all summer long.
“We get started on our Michigan season in May, with asparagus, before transitioning into our summer veg items that include cucum- bers, peppers, squash, celery, cabbage and corn, along with many more that create a great mix grown very well,” says Hodges.
Henry Deblouw V, president of Mike Pirrone Produce Co., based in Capac, MI, says popular fresh vegetables that come out of
thestateduringthesummerincluderhubarb, organic greens, cabbage, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, Poblano peppers and eggplant.
He says these items are especially popular for their delicious taste and health benefits.
“Michigan produce is fresher, meaning more nutrients, better flavor, seasonality and more varieties available to consumers,” says Deblouw.
IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME
Aaron Fletcher, sales and logistics associate for Todd Greiner Farms Packing, headquar- tered in Hart, MI, says the state’s popular summer produce items include asparagus, cherries—both sweet and tart—zucchini, squash, sweet corn, and peaches, and that Todd Greiner Farms also grows and packs winter squash, pumpkins and apples.
“Michigan has a large variety of other
SHARE THE JOYS OF MICHIGAN PRODUCE
Summer months bring out the best from Upper Midwest, so it’s imperative to capitalize.
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