By Ginger Harris
Whether you’re new in town or a native with out-of-town guests on the way, we can all agree a delicious dinner of what Florida has to offer is an unparalleled treat.
Locally grown veggies, organic fruits, homemade breads and cookies: the allure of items from the farmer’s market is obvious—and delicious.
Not only can you find an amazing variety at your local farmer’s market, you can also support neighborhood farmers and businesses by shopping local. If you’re thinking about going green, hop on a bike (be sure to bring a basket) and get pedaling to your nearest green market.
Here are a few places to start in South Florida.
Coral Springs Green Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in an open field, find fresh fruits and veggies, juices, breads, peanut butter and more.
The Las Olas Outdoor Green Market is open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among the 30 vendors, find locally grown orchids, raw and organic desserts, gluten-free treats, pastas, teas, French pottery, soy candles, olive oils, honey and homemade jewelry.
The Yellow Green Farmers Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of the larger markets in the area, it features 190 booths. Among them, shop the usual: fruits and veggies, as well as butter, jellies, baked goods, as well as the spectacular: stone crabs, quail eggs, wine and fresh fish. It’s everything you need not only for dinner tonight, but the rest of the week.
The Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market stretches the entire length of the Miami Beach outdoor mall. From shea butter and honey to fresh fruits and veggies, smoothies and Cuban pastries, there’s a little something for everyone at this market, open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. With musicians playing the street, it makes being outdoors on a Sunday in Miami even more of a treat.
The Coconut Grove Saturday (Glaser) Organic Market can be shopped Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. It’s a Farmer’s Market with history; it’s been around since 1979. Of its 15 vendors, find wild rice salads, avocado salad, corn salad, olive salad, even raw food pizzas and raw chocolate frozen tiramisu. Come hungry so you go home with more than enough.
The Key West Green Market isn’t a weekend affair, but you can still shop it every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take in paradise as you shop the 40 vendors, offering everything from art glass to the freshest ingredients for dinner.
Happy shopping. We know Mother Nature would approve.
