From prolific rolling farmland to wild rice and walleye in fresh water lakes and streams to the salmon in Lake Michigan and the brewing traditions and extensive dairying and cheese-making across the state, Wisconsin is a great place to eat local foods.
Wisconsin Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
A short (but sweet!) growing season is the defining element of Wisconsin produce, although increasing numbers of small farms are developing and using assisted techniques (low-energy green houses, for example) to extend the seasons. See what's in season when with this Guide to Wisconsin Produce.Wisconsin Farmers Markets
Find one of Wisconsin's many, many farmers markets (a few of which operate year-round - now that's Midwestern gumption) with this Guide to Wisconsin Farmers Markets. Whichever market appeals to you, be sure to check out these Farmers Market Tips to make the most of your trip.Wisconsin Specialties: Cheese
They call themselves "cheeseheads." That is how important cheese is to this state! While Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar rightly deserves its fine reputation, there is more to Wisconsin cheese that orange blocks. The state seems to be popping with artisan cheesemakers turning out a huge range of cheeses. Luckily, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is a great place to find artisan cheesemakers.
Wisconsin Specialties: Walleye and Other Lake Fish
Walleye is the most prized of the many fish that populate the state's lakes and rivers. Much of what is available in restaurants or fish counters comes from Canada, so ask about origins if local is important to you. Or, catch and cook it yourself!
- How to Catch Walleye, from About.com's Guide to Fishing
- Potato-Crusted Walleye
- Grilled Walleye
- Shore Lunch, this version uses potato chips for the crust (I'm partial to crushed crackers, but any crispy crunchy items works)
Or get yours smoked (and shipped) from Charlie's Smokehouse in Ellison Bay.
Wisconsin Specialties: Wild Rice
Over 90% of the wild rice consumed in the U.S. comes from cultivated fields in California. The upside of that is that many more people get to eat wild rice than they otherwise would, but the downside is what they're eating isn't wild. Wisconsinites know that the best wild rice is hand-harvested from lakes and rivers where in grows naturally (the harvest, in fact, is also next year's planting as some of the seeds don't make it into the boat and float to the bottom of the lake to grow the next year) and parched in small batches (as opposed to the large kiln ovens for commercial crops).No matter what kind of wild rice you have, here are some great ways to use it:
Wisconsin Breweries
There aren't as many giant breweries as there once were in Milwaukee, but some smaller and artisan producers have joined the scene of late. See which Milwaukee breweries are open for tours from About.com's Guide to Milwaukee.Wisconsin Local Foods Resources
Find inspiration, ideas, and like-minded people with these local foods resources in Wisconsin:
- Slow Food Madison
- Slow Food Wisconsin Southeast
- Riverwest Co-op in Milwaukee for great organic and locally sourced foods
- Edible Madison
