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Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market features new food vendors, breakfast and Dutch letters

The Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market returned for the 2022 season on May 7 with 275 vendors, including 30-plus newbies. The market spans Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines from Second Avenue to Fifth Street, with side streets along the way filled with vendors.

The Des Moines Partnership, which manages the farmers market, expected 40,000 people for opening day, but usually about 25,000 walk the streets from 7 a.m. to noon.

Here’s a look at what to find at the farmers market in preparation for its return on Saturday.

More: Your guide to Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market 2022 vendors, parking, food and more

Annie, a 3-month-old rescue puppy, smothers 10-month-old Robert Vandenbroek of Des Moines with kisses during the opening day of the 2022 downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines on Saturday, May 7.
Annie, a 3-month-old rescue puppy, smothers 10-month-old Robert Vandenbroek of Des Moines with kisses during the opening day of the 2022 downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines on Saturday, May 7.

Breakfast dishes at the farmers market

It's possible to take a trip around the globe for breakfast at the Downtown Farmers' Market. Breakfast dishes span pupusas from El Salvador and Venezuelan arepas to eggrolls and perogies, all brimming with savory stuffing.

And if savory isn’t your thing, giant cinnamon rolls, Danish pastries and buttery croissants can be found throughout the market. Two favorites — Uncle Wendell's BBQ from Des Moines and Big Sky Bread Co. in Urbandale — can satisfy any sweets cravings.

Farm Kids Food departs the farmers market

Sadly, after 20 years at the market, Farm Kids Food Co. opted not to return for this season, citing rising food costs and difficulties in finding enough staff.

“If there was one thing we learned from the previous summer, it was how much we enjoyed being home with family and enjoying summertime! The commitment of farmers' market extended far beyond Saturday mornings — it is weeklong work — especially the entire weekend. Throughout the years there were many personal functions we skipped out on because of our commitment to market,” the breakfast purveyor that specialized in burritos wrote on Facebook.

New food vendors to try

While some favorites departed, newbies take their places. Some of these new vendors surely will become your favorites.

New food vendors include French Pastry by Sandrine, who serves traditional French dishes such as macarons; Karam’s Grill with skewers and baklava; Kiana’s Cookie Creations with cookies and oatmeal cream pies; Newbe’s Treats with stuffed apple bread, ladybug cookies and ham salad rolls; and Once Upon an Apple Pie with cinnamon rolls and hand pies. And that's just a sampling of the prepared foods at the market.

Keep in mind that some vendors only take part every other week, and sometimes their locations within the market footprint change.

Dutch letters from Strudl House at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
Dutch letters from Strudl House at the Downtown Farmers' Market.

Two Dutch favorites — Dutch letters and tulips

It seems like no farmers market is complete without a Dutch letter to cap off the day, and this year, the puff pastries filled with almond paste bookend the market. Those entering Court Avenue from Fifth Street can find Strudl Haus with cases filled with Austrian baked goods as well as Dutch letters. Owner Michael Leo closed his Austrian-inspired restaurant in 2018, and Casa Cancun Bar & Grill recently opened in the former Strudl Haus space at 1951 Indianola Ave.

From the Second Street entrance, Vander Ploeg Bakery out of Pella sells its version, along with breads and rolls. The bakery specializes in Dutch letters and makes its puff pastry from scratch every day.

Tulip time, farmers market style

Speaking of Dutch favorites, another also brightened up the market. Tulips seemed to be everywhere, just in time for Mother’s Day last weekend.

Tulips from PepperHarrow at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
Tulips from PepperHarrow at the Downtown Farmers' Market.

PepperHarrow, the flower farm in Winterset, returned to the market with bouquets of brightly colored tulips. The farm took a direct hit from the tornado that came through in March, and owners Adam and Jenn O’Neal have spent the past two months rebuilding.

More: Despite the Winterset tornado's 'unrecognizable' destruction, this farm will soon sell flowers again

Mai’s Homegrown Flower & Produce went with predominantly pink tulips last weekend.

Where to find ramps

Ramps at Dogpatch Urban Gardens at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
Ramps at Dogpatch Urban Gardens at the Downtown Farmers' Market.

These wild leeks are a specialty in season right now. Usually they grow in the wild and foragers pick them for a savory onion punch to any dish. Dogpatch Urban Farm from Urbandale featured ramps during the opening weekend's market, as did Prairie Lake Acres from Pella.

Spring garlic, green onions and asparagus all made appearances as well.

It is morel mushroom season, so get to the market early for your best shot of finding these forager favorites.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to buy at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market right now

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