You’ve come all the way to Alaska to see the sights, perhaps do some fishing, and learn about Native cultures. Don’t overlook the opportunity to visit various Farmers’ Markets around the state. While you may have heard of the record-breaking giant cabbages or seen pictures of huge heads of broccoli grown in Alaska, you may not be aware of the variety of agricultural enterprises found across the state.

Despite Alaska’s not completely undeserved reputation for a cold, inhospitable climate, it may surprise you to learn that gardening is big business in the state. Indeed, along with the state sport of dog mushing, gardening is probably one of the most common hobbies amongst Alaskans. If it grows, then you can probably bet that some Alaskan somewhere in the state has experimented with it (albeit not always successfully). It may surprise you to learn that varieties of cherries and apples can survive in some portions of the state (browsing moose are more of a threat that cold weather). Several areas of the state grow hay, which is readily purchased by owners of livestock in the state: horses, cows, reindeer, bison and goats. People also raise ducks, chickens, turkeys, and pigs.

And then there are potatoes, which perform so well in Alaska’s climate that it is a $3.5 million dollar industry, with 840 acres producing 7700 tons of potatoes annually. Because of Alaska’s reputation for being blight free (the disease which caused the 17th century Irish potato famine), seed potatoes are a valuable export product.

Alaska gardeners contend with many of the same challenges that face gardeners in northern climates: cold soils and a short growing season are among the top barriers to overcome. And despite popular misconceptions, the long daylight hours don’t make up for the June to September limit imposed by possibility of frost. In fact, some plants will not produce fruit up here without manipulation of light (winter squash is a good example), because they need a certain amount of darkness to produce female flowers and set fruit. Still, Alaska gardeners and farmers have risen to meet these challenges in order to bring fresh produce to both residents and visitors to the state.

So where can you taste some of the results of Alaska’s agricultural enterprises? For starters, visit a community Farmers’ Market. While Anchorage area markets have the largest selections, other communities also have a surprising array of products available. Carrs/Safeway and Fred Meyer stores generally have a section of Alaska Grown produce in their stores. There are also a number of U-pick enterprises available, mostly in the Palmer-Wasilla vicinity.

If you’re looking for Alaska grown meat products, check out Delta Meat and Sausage Company at Mile 1413 of the Alaska Highway about an hour south of Fairbanks. This USDA approved facility features locally grown yak, beef, buffalo, pork, elk, and reindeer. They also process game meat for hunters every fall.

Despite advances in refrigeration and transportation, foods produced locally are, as the Alaska Grown logo states, “Fresher by Far.” So when you’re visiting Alaska, look for the Alaska Grown logo – and get a taste of what Alaska has to offer.