The Dane County Farmers' market is a haven of fresh, locally-produced goods. As the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country, you can expect all your favorite market goods throughout the season like strawberries, carrots, greens, honey, flowers and more. But did you know the market supports farmers, bakers and producers who sell goods you might not expect?
You'll want to leave your traditional ideas of what you can buy a farmers' market behind because we do it bigger and better on Capitol Square. So grab your favorite tote bag and start your shopping list with these items you won't expect to find at the Dane County Farmers' Market.
Jump around to learn more:
Unique produce
Gourd decor
Available year-round
There are few people as iconic to the market as The Gourd Guy. Gourds, in their fresh states, are commonly found at markets everywhere, but you've never seen gourds like these. The Gourd Guy sells dried, hardshell gourds in a variety of wacky shapes that can be used for crafts, costumes, decor or whatever you can imagine. This stand is impossible to miss as you adventure through the market.
Mushroom extract
Available year-round
Madisonians love mushrooms. In a city where foraging is a common hobby, you can bet there's plenty of fungi to find at the farmers' market. Fungi Farmers take their love for mushrooms further with their own line of mushroom tinctures and powders. Mix these extracts with your favorite foods or liquids to reap their medicinal benefits.
Peruvian groundcherries
Available during summer
Hidden inside delicate yellowy husks is a golden berry that's hard to find in grocery stores, but easy to find at the market. Peruvian groundcherries, also known as Cape gooseberries or goldenberries, are a little bit sweet and a little bit tart and are often used in summer salads, made into jams or used in desserts.
Cucamelons
Available during late summer
Wondering what the cutest possible fruit you can buy at the market is? The answer is cucamelons, hands down. These grape-sized fruits look like watermelons that got the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" treatment. Also known as Mexican sour gherkins, cucamelons taste like smaller, tart cucumbers with a touch of citrus flavor.
Ginseng
Available during fall
Have you ever ordered a cold pressed juice with a ginseng boost and wondered "what even is ginseng?" Ginseng is a root resembling ginger that is used for its medicinal properties. The American variant of the plant (which grows natively in Asian countries) has been around for more than 100 years, and 95% of ginseng produced in America comes from Wisconsin farmers.
Romanesco broccoli
Available during fall
Despite its name and its succulent-like appearance, romanesco broccoli is a variation of cauliflower that looks almost too pretty to eat. The vegetable has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor and works well in pasta and other Italian dishes.
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Snacks and treats
Alsum Sweet Corn Chowder
Available year-round
Sweet corn flows through the Midwest like water flows through rivers. It's a surprise to nobody that you will find sweet corn at all corners of the market during the summertime, but did you know you can find some of the best corn chowder you've ever tried? Alsum's pre-prepped sweet corn chowder comes in chicken and veggie varieties and makes for convenient and nutritious meals.
Baked cheese
Available year-round
As you stroll around the Capitol, you'll find people lining up in droves for a table lined with sizzling griddles. What's the draw? A smattering of baked cheeses from Brunkow Cheese that you can sample hot and fresh right at the market. Baked cheese come in a variety of flavors like pizza, bacon and cranberry. Once baked, the cheese formed a crispy bread-like crust around the warm, slightly melty cheese.
"Bite me in the ass" cheese curds
Available year-round
Some of the greatest cheese in the country, if not the world, can be found at the Dane County Farmers' Market. We're incredibly proud to be the home of award-winning cheesemakers like our friends at Hook's Cheese who are famous for their Little Boy Blue, Barneveld Blue and other varieties. But it's not all prestige at the Hook's booth. These cheesemakers have fun with their cheese curd varieties, particularly the "Bite Me in the Ass" curds made with a blend of ghost peppers, scorpion peppers and Carolina reapers.
Homemade poptarts
Available year-round
All the wonders of nostalgia collide with the glory of fresh baked goods at Neat-O's Bake Shoppe's booth. These flaky stuffed pastries come in fun flavors like Door County cherry, peanut butter and jelly, rhubarb and more. Neat-O's also sells a huge selection of donuts, breads, soft pretzels and other baked goods.
Stella's Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread
Available year-round
If you've been to the market before, you certainly know about Stella's. If you're planning your first trip, then you need to know about the market's most popular treat. Stella's Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread is a farmers' market icon. This warm cheese loaf that's larger than your head comes in a clear plastic bag with red writing and is the ultimate market accessory. It's a Madison custom to grab your bag and sit on the lawn after you shop so you can rip apart your delicious chunks of cheesy awesomeness.
While the cheese bread is the most famous, Stella's also sells empanadas, pastries and other baked goods at their stand.
Stuffed cookies
Available year-round
The stuffed cookies from Yummee Treats are the pinnacle of farmers' market indulgence. You've never had baked goods like these from a market stand. These cookies are BIG and perfect to share (or not, we don't judge) and stuffed with gooey fillings. Flavors range from their classic chocolate chip to s'mores, funfetti, fudge brownie and more. They recommend putting them in the microwave for maximum gooiness, however, it's nearly impossible to resist eating them right away.
Tietz Popcorn
Available year-round
It is OK (and very brave) to admit if you forgot popcorn comes from actual corn. If you're used to seeing it in microwaveable style, we understand! But if that's the case, we highly recommend buying Tietz Popcorn. Their fresh popcorn is crispy, tender and craveable and come in a variety of corn styles. It's great as a gift or for amping up movie night.
Surprise finds
Dane County Farmers' Market Cookbook
Available year-round
Make the best out of your farmers' market bounty with recipes from professional chefs and local experts. The Dane County Farmers' Market Cookbook not only delivers recipes, but it tells the story of the market and Madison's agricultural and culinary history. It's the perfect souvenir from your trip and an excellent gift for your epicurean friends.
Dryer balls
Available year-round
Are you sick of finding scratchy dryer sheets stuck inside your sweater halfway through the day? Curious about embracing a reduced-waste lifestyle? Then you might want to try investing in quality dryer balls. Several specialty booths sell handmade wool products like dryer balls and yarn, both of which make for great gifts, especially during early market season.
Marigold garland
Available during fall
There's no shortage of fresh blooms painting Capitol Square in technicolor during the market, but one fall floral arrangement makes a statement: Marigold garland. This garland found at some floral booths during fall, provides a stunning infusion of color to your indoor and outdoor decor.
Pumpkin floral arrangements
Available during fall
What's cuter than a tiny pumpkin? A tiny pumpkin filled with flowers! A favorite fall find, floral arrangements inside colorful gourds is a great gift, porch decor or dinner party centerpiece.
