Detroit Farmers Markets Showcase Peak July Produce This Weekend

Detroit’s Eastern Market on Russell Street opened its Saturday stalls at 6 a.m. today with tables stacked high with Michigan blueberries, sweet corn and early tomatoes.

Local nutritionists point to the short window when Michigan-grown crops reach their highest nutrient levels and lowest prices, giving residents a practical way to meet daily produce goals without relying on imports.

Two Detroit markets worth the trip

Eastern Market remains the largest option, drawing more than 200 vendors each Saturday along Russell Street between Gratiot and Mack avenues. A second reliable stop is the Midtown Farmers Market, which operates Tuesdays and Thursdays on the campus of Wayne State University near Woodward Avenue and puts its focus on smaller farms from Wayne and Oakland counties.

Both sites accept Bridge Card benefits through the Michigan Double Up Food Bucks program, stretching assistance dollars on any locally grown fruit or vegetable.

What to buy right now

In the second week of July the strongest buys are blueberries at $3.50 a pint, sweet corn at $6 per dozen and beefsteak tomatoes at $2 per pound. Leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard remain abundant and hold well in the refrigerator for five days.

Shoppers who fill a reusable bag at either market this month can expect to cover roughly half the recommended weekly vegetable servings for a household of two at a total cost under $25, according to price sheets posted by market managers on July 8.

Next week the same stands will begin offering the first field peaches and summer squash; residents who return on a regular schedule can adjust meal plans around whatever arrives freshest and cheapest each visit.