By James Rada Jr.
News Editor

THURMONT, Md. – All tomatoes are not the same. In fact, the same can be said of most fruits and vegetables.

If you want the most-nutritious fruits and vegetables, you should check out your local farmers’ markets like the Thurmont Farmers’ Market that opens on July 7.

According to an article in Better Homes and Gardens, “Foods at farmer’s markets—predominantly fruits and vegetables—almost always have more nutrients per calorie and fewer calories per bite, than many of the food products you’ll find on supermarket shelves.”

The Thurmont Farmers’ Market will be held every Saturday morning from July 7 to September 29 at the Guardian Hose Company carnival grounds.

“As of six months ago, agriculture was the number one business in Frederick County and with farmers going by the wayside, it’s more important than ever to support our local growers,” said Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder.
Grinder said she plans on offering a taste test at the farmers’ market to allow people to find out for themselves how much better locally grown produce tastes.

“You can’t by these things in the story that have the flavor these local products do,” Grinder said.
She also pointed out that produce is cheaper at farmers’ markets, which means buyers will get more for their money.

Besides the farmers and their goods, Grinder said, “This year we’ve added crafts.”

The Thurmont Public Library will also be offering Old McDonald story times at the farmers’ market on July 21, August 18 and September 15.

Grinder also hopes to offer coupons from local businesses to the visitors to the farmers’ market. That should begin later in July.