Meet Me At The Market

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

Each farmers market is a unique as each farmer. Different markets have their own vibe and their own special offerings. Find your market(s) by considering what you’re hoping to buy. Are you only looking for seasonal produce, meat, eggs, and value-added items such as breads, cheeses, jellies, pickles, and soaps? Or are you hoping to make a day of it at a market that includes street food you can eat as you shop, maybe a spattering of arts and crafts, a coffee bar, and live music? Many farmers markets are located in fun, walkable neighborhoods you can stroll before or after you shop.

Consider your priorities. Is sustainably raised food important to you? Are you eager to interact with the farmers to learn about the things you’re buying and how they were raised or grown? Are you excited about the community connection and time spent socializing with like-minded folks?

Most farmers markets will have a website where you can get a good feel for what to expect. But nothing beats boots on the ground. Be sure to check what day or days they’re open as well as what months of the year. Then, grab your reusable bags or baskets and head out.

Once there, walk the entire market to get a feel for their offerings, then head back to pick up what most called to you. Don’t miss out on meeting the farmers who put their heart and soul into the things you’re buying. They often have great ideas about proper storage and preparation of your purchases and may

share favorite recipes. Don’t feel bad about not patronizing every booth. I’d encourage you to go with an open mind and let the offerings entice you with what looks freshest or most intriguing.

If buying organic is important to you, don’t automatically dismiss a seller who doesn’t advertise “certified

organic”. Many small-scale farmers haven’t become certified organic simply because the process is arduous, time-consuming, and expensive, especially if they’re a one-person operation. Speak to the farmer and ask about their growing practices and use of pesticides. You may find their produce is completely pesticide-free, just not certified as such.

In fact, many small farms around the country have begun using the phrase “Beyond Organic” because they don’t use any pesticides at all, not even the ones allowed under traditional organic certification. So, ask your favorite farm vendors about their practices and use your best judgment. Many farmers have an

open-door policy and would welcome you to visit their farm. This can be enlightening and, if you have little ones in your life, highly educational.

Lastly, be savvy about non-local fruits and vegetables. It might seem like a no-brainer that all produce at a farmers market is local, but that’s not always the case. Bananas and pineapples don’t traditionally grow in Texas, and watermelons don’t grow in December, yet they could be sold at farmers markets. Familiarize yourself with what’s local and what’s in season. Then, fill up your bags and baskets with all that healthy, seasonal, locally grown goodness.

YOUR LOCAL MARKET MAP

Grab your canvas tote and your appetite and head out to one of these North Texas Markets.

COLLIN COUNTY

• Georgia’s Farmer’s Market

916 E. 15th Street, Plano

• McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square

315 S. Chestnut Street, McKinney

• Frisco Fresh Market

9215 John W. Elliott Drive, Frisco

• Frisco Rotary Farmers Market

3000 Internet Boulevard, Frisco

• Plano Farmers Market

4757 W. Park Boulevard, Plano

DALLAS COUNTY

• Carrollton Square Community Farmers Market

Broadway at Fourth, Carrollton

• Coppell Farmers Market

768 W. Main Street, Coppell

• Dallas Farmers Market

920 S. Harwood Street, Dallas

• Richardson’s Farmers Market

101 S. Coit Road, Richardson

• Grand Prairie Farmers Market

120 W. Main Street, Grand Prairie

• Saint Michael’s Farmers Market

4344 Colgate Avenue, Dallas

• White Rock Local Market

1450 Old Gate Lane, Dallas

• Lakewood Village Farmers Market

6434 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

DENTON COUNTY

• Flower Mound Farmers Market

4203 River Walk Drive, Flower Mound

• Carrollton Artisans Market

2722 N. Josey Lane, Carrollton

• Denton County Farmers Market

Corner of Carroll Boulevard and

Mulberry Street, Denton

• Little Elm Farmers Market

125 Main Street, Little Elm

ELLIS COUNTY

• Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market

701 Howard Road, Waxahachie

HUNT COUNTY

• Greenville Farmers Market

2203 Lee Street, Greenville

JOHNSON COUNTY

• Burleson Farmers Market

141 W. Renfro Street, Burleson

KAUFMAN COUNTY

• Kaufman County Farmer’s Market

3948 S. Houston Street, Kaufman

• Downtown Forney Artisan & Farmers Market

210 E. Broad Street, Forney

ROCKWALL COUNTY

• Rockwall Farmers Market

101 E. Rusk Street, Rockwall

TARRANT COUNTY

• Downtown Arlington Farmers Market

300 W. Front Street, Arlington

• Botanical Research Institute of Texas Monthly Market

1700 University Drive, Fort Worth

• Colleyville Farmers Market

100 Main Street, Colleyville

• Cowtown Farmers Market

8901 Clifford Street, White Settlement

• Farmers Market of Grapevine

520 S. Main Street, #203, Grapevine

• Keller Farmers Market

400 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller

• Mansfield Farm & Cottage Market

703 E. Broad Street, Mansfield

Please check with each market before visiting, as dates, times and locations are subject to change.