As a kid, I used to eat fresh, raw broccoli straight from my dad’s garden, unwashed and straight off the plant.  If you’ve ever eaten really fresh broccoli, you know it has a delicious spicy taste and a satisfying crunch, completely foreign from the bland stuff you find in the grocery store.  In fact, it is rare that a piece of supermarket produce of any kind – peppers, apples, egglplant, beans, etc. – ever lives up to the vibrant taste and texture of freshly picked organic options.

To get my freshly-picked veggie fix, I frequent the many farmer’s markets that are a weekly event in Austin.  There is a huge variety of markets in this city, including markets in surrounding areas like Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Bastrop (find a full list HERE.)  No matter where you live, chances are there is a farmer’s market close by.

At pretty much every market in Austin, you can find the typical stand-bys like fresh vegetables from Johnson’s Backyard Garden and other local farmers, farm-raised beef and bison, grass-fed chickens, and sweet soaps and candles made with wild Texas lavender.

farmersmarket2

But Austin’s markets are not just about the veggies, and just like every neighborhood in Austin has it’s own distinct elements, every farmer’s market in town has a special flavor as well.

The Barton Creek Farmer’s Market features a petting zoo for the kiddos, local organic skincare and cleaning products, fresh gulf seafood, and even knife sharpening.

The Sustainable Food Center’s markets, which happen all over the city, are huge and include a wide assortment of produce, artisan breads and jams, local dairy products, coffee, meats, fresh flowers, and live music.

All of the market’s in Austin have one thing in common, though.  They are all working to bring fresh, nutritious food to people all over the city.  Do yourself a favor and skip the produce aisle during your next trip to the grocery store and opt instead for something fresh and local from the farmer’s market!

Austin Farmers Markets
Barton Creek Farmers Market (Barton Creek Square Mall, Saturdays 9am-1pm and Highland Mall Parking Lot, Sundays 10am-2pm)

HOPE Farmers Market (East 5th and Comal, Sundays 11am-3pm)

Mueller Farmers Market (Browning Hanger off Airport Blvd, Sundays 10am-2pm)

Sustainable Food Center Farmers Market (Downtown at Republic Square, Saturdays 9am-1pm; Tony Burger Center in Sunset Valley, Saturdays 9am-1pm, The Triangle, Wednesdays 3pm-79m)

 

Find farmers markets in Georgetown, Buda, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Bastrop, and many more on the Edible Austin Website.

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here