FRESH & IN SEASON
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FRESH & IN SEASON
America's Top Farmers' Markets
EatingWell readers vote for the best of the bunch.
The markets are booming. No, not the Dow or Nasdaq. Farmers’ markets. According to the USDA, there were 4,385 organized, local markets across the country in 2006, a dramatic 18 percent rise since 2004. That’s a heartening statistic, especially since the Tufts Food Awareness Project claims that “the average mouthful of food in the United States travels 1,300 miles before it is finally eaten.”
This trend is indicative of the number of Americans who want to know where their food comes from, what’s in it (no pesticides, please!) and how it’s produced. We’re eager to shake the hand of the woman who grew the dill, the guy who raised the hog. So in an effort to find the nation’s best, we started with the people who know: you, our readers. We offered an online poll, a way for you to tell us about your farmers’ market.
We automatically tossed out markets that violate any of the cardinal rules: the food should be produced locally (either in-state or within a certain radius), sold directly by the farmer and raised in environmentally friendly ways. While not all the markets can promise everything is certified organic, the ones listed here do encourage sustainable practices and celebrate natural ingredients. We then looked for markets that highlight the food of their regions, markets that are places with a definite sense of conviviality and that have become cornerstones of communities, connecting the town and the farm.
And lastly, we visited them and found our favorite vendors, cooking classes, lectures by farmers and much, much more. Months later, here are our favorite top five, followed by the five runners-up. To find a farmers’ market near you: localharvest.org or www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/.
—Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough
The Best of the Bunch
Dane County Farmers’ Market, Madison, WI
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, San Francisco, CA
Portland Farmers Market, Portland, OR
Sunset Valley Farmers Market, Sunset Valley, TX
Union Square Greenmarket, New York, NY
Five More Favorites
Full List of Readers' Picks
10 Farm-Fresh Recipes
Corn & Tomato Sauté
Eggplant-Couscous Rolls
Green Bean Salad with Corn, Basil & Black Olives
Grilled Chicken & Polenta with Nectarine-Blackberry Salsa
Grilled Peaches & Angel Food Cake with Red-Wine Sauce
Honey-Lavender Plum Gratin
Ratatouille
Smoky Stuffed Peppers
Stewed Okra & Tomatoes
Thyme- & Pepper-Rubbed Filet Mignon with Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
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| USER COMMENTS — Add Your Comment |
Hi all, you can find out info for all farmers markets in your area on localharvest.org
Stephanie
Stephanie , Chicago, IL |
For a great market in San Diego, try the Hillcrest Farmers Market on Normal Street Sunday mornings. Great organic farms too
M Offenauer, San Diego, CA |
I want to know where are the markets in Chicago, what days and the time if you can help me please. Thank you for your help
Rosa, Chicago, IL |
What Farmers Markets are in my area (Zip 45424)?
Cleo Pantazopoulos, Dayton, OH |
what about New England and especially southern New England where I live are their any in Rhode Island or in Massachusetts
going towards the cape?
Craig Close, Pawtucket, RI |
Wonder where there are good markets in my area. I am new here. Thank you.
Peggy, Natick, MA |
The Dane County Farmers Market is tops in my book!
Gail, Madison, WI |
We have farmers markets year round, what is in season is sold. There are two in town Wed. and Sat. The Sat one is great, best tomatoes I have ever had, plust organic vegetable and unbelieveable bread, local cheese, fresh shrimp and fish ( right from the boats). Its wonderful and about the same price as Publix.
Cheryl Kavanaugh, Saint Augustine, FL |
I was there recently and absolutely love it.
Judith Bennett, East Hartford, CT |
I have recently published an Iowa Farmers' Market Cookbook. If you are interested in purchasing a copy please email me at iowaFMcookbook@aol.com
Deb, Boone, IA |
Boone Farmers' Market, Boone, IA 50036
Buy unique crafts, fresh baked goods, locally grown fruits, and vegetables at the Boone Farmers' Market. All products are Iowa grown or made in Iowa. The Boone Farmers' Market meets every Thursday from 3-6 pm starting the first Thursday in June through the last Thursday in October. www.wilbersproduce.com/market.htm
Marty, Boone, IA |
For Craig, there is a farmers market every Sunday in Pawtucket at the corner of Exchange St. and Broadway it starts July 14. For more farmers' market in RI go to farmfreshri.org
Pam, Pawtucket, RI |
I'd like to know what city is the BEST in the United States for finding a wide variety of fresh (local or quickly flown in), organic vegetables for juicing purposes.
Lisa, Whitefish, MT |
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