North Dakota Local Foods

North Dakota's growing season is short but sweet. See what's in season when with this Guide to North Dakota Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables.

Farmers markets tend to have short seasons in North Dakota – June through September is common, but some markets are only open in July and August. Find one near you with this Guide to North Dakota Farmers Markets.

Bison once again roam some of the plains in North Dakota. The North American Bison Association is a great place to learn more about bison, and order some up, if you're so inclined.

Chokecherries are small almost black berries that grow on bushes. While they grow over much of North America, their astringent flavor as a fruit has kept them from being widely cultivated. They are a useful fruit from the prairie, however, and were traditionally dried or made into fruit leathers. Syrup and jelly made from chokecherries is rich and delicious, and chokecherry wine is a distinctive, drinkable treat. Try chokecherry products from Maple River Winery and see.

Note that the leaves and seeds of chokecherries can be poisonous when eaten in large quantities.

Along with wheat and sugar beets and some corn and sunflowers, North Dakota grows a lot of flax. high in omega-3s, fiber, and protein, flax seed has become an increasingly popular cooking ingredient. Flax USA, started in 2001 by John and Stephanie Stober, fifth-generation flax farmers, in Goodrich, North Dakota to market local North Dakota flax seed.