| Whitehall
Foodways: Fast Facts
Asparagus
The Whitehall and Oceana County area is among the nation's leading
asparagus producing regions.
Pumpkins
The New Era Canning Company
is one of the nation's largest producers of canned pumpkin. The
pumpkin grown in the area is similar to that of a hubbard squash,
which can withstand cold winter temperatures through January.
Frozen
Foods
Peterson's
Farms in nearby Shelby produces 125 million finished pounds
of frozen fruits and asparagus in addition to 5 million gallons
of single strength apple juice and juice concentrates.
Migrant
Work and Restaurants
The number of migrant farm workers in the Whitehall area has grown
in recent years. In the 1950s and 60s, many of the workers worked
on pickling farms in Oceana County. Now, many pick produce such
as apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, and celery. Others are
experienced in working the food freezing operations in the area,
including Peterson's farms. The confluence of migrant workers
has led to an increase in the number of Mexican markets and restaurants
in the region.
Wines
According to MSU
Extension, the Whitehall and Oceana County area has many of
the characteristics of a successful wine region. It has tourism
traffic, proximity to the lake, hilly terrain, and a history of
fruit production. The region is included in a 20-year plan to
support 10,000 acres of wine grape production and 3 million cases
of Michigan-produced wines annually by 2024.
Community
Cookbook
The
library has produced a community cookbook highlighting local food
traditions and ethnicity in West Michigan. The cookbook, Remembered
Recipes, Shared Stories ... A Culinary Journey Along the Shoreline,
includes 140 recipes and accompanying stories from cooks and bakers
from Hart to Holland.
read
more |
Events
May
5 - November 22, 2007
Muskegon Farmers Market. Located on Yuba Street. Market is open
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 am – 4pm.
June
- October, 2007
Montague Farmers Market. Located at Water and Church Streets in
Montague. Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 –
12 noon and features an abundance of locally grown fruits and
vegetables.
Oct.
19 - Dec. 2, 2007
Key Ingredients Michigan Foodways. White Lake
Community Library, Whitehall. |
