Market watch

Last update: May 13, 2009 - 1:48 PM

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The produce selection at Loon Organics at last Saturday's chilly opening day of the Mill City Farmers Market was impressive, considering the early date on the growing-season calendar. "They're from our greenhouse and unheated hoop house," said co-owner Laura Frerichs. "It's all a month earlier than normal, which is fabulous for us and for eaters." I'll say. Frerichs and co-owner Adam Cullip spent a long winter preparing their new 40-acre farm near Hutchinson, Minn., and market shoppers are benefiting from the couple's hard work. Baby bok choy, arugula, purple mustard and a spicy mesclun braising mix were all flying off the stand -- rhubarb and asparagus sold out in the first half-hour -- but the attention-grabber for me was the farm's ruby red radishes ($3 per bunch). "They're called Cherry Hill radishes, and they're the best we've ever grown," said Frerichs, pointing out their crisp texture, lovely color, mild flavor and abundant greens. "Don't forget to eat the greens," Frerichs said. Believe me, I won't. RICK NELSON

Loon Organics (www.loonorganics.com) at the Mill City Farmers Market, 2nd Street and Chicago Avenue S., 612-341-7580, www.millcityfarmersmarket.org. Open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For a complete list of Twin Cities metro area farmers markets, go to www.startribune.com/taste.