You may think, “Why bother going to a farmer’s market when there’s a grocery store a block away?” Well, there are many reasons you should shop at farmer’s markets, rather than the local grocery.
Farmer’s markets give you the opportunity to eat local, so you know where your food is coming from! Rather than 600km away, it comes from farms that are much closer to home. That also means that the closer food is, the fresher it is, which means the tastier! Buying at farmer’s markets also supports local farmers, which supports the local economy. There is a larger variety of produce; instead of an orange carrot, why not a purple carrot?
These are all reasons why you should shop at farmer’s markets, and the following are some of the best farmer’s markets in Toronto.
St Lawrence market is one of the many historic sites in Toronto, for it has been along for centuries. It’s composed of three main buildings, but the market is most known for the farmer’s market in the North building. The area is easily accessible, and is just a short walk from Union Station.
The Farmer’s market is one of the few farmer’s markets that is open year-round. From 5am to 3pm on Saturdays, Farmers come from all over the GTA to sell their products. From peameal bacon sandwiches, to artisanal smoked salmons, bulk goods to homemade jam, the St. Lawrence farmer’s market is a great place to grab a bite or to shop for local produce.
The Junction Farmer’s Market was born out of community desire and effort. Open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays from June to October, the Junction offers a great variety of foods. There are also kid friendly activities for kids of all ages. It is easily accessible from Dundas West Station, just take the 34 going north. From fresh olive oil to hayloff cheese, gourmet pierogis to pinot Gris wines, the Junction Farmer’s market has great selection of all types of foods.
Leslieville’s Farmers market is a great, neighborhood, park-based market. From 9am to 2pm on Sundays from May to October, the Leslieville market supports farmers entering the industry. Although it is a small market, it has a wide variety; from sweet potato donuts to turkey eggs, fish tacos to goat soap, Leslieville offers both fresh and locally prepared foods. It is easily accessible from Coxwell station; just take the 22 going south. Occasionally, the market has live music and family friendly activities, so it could be a win for the whole family!
The East Lynn Farmer’s market is close to the beach, and quite accessible, since it is just outside of woodbine station. On Thursday’s from 3pm to 7pm, June to October, East Lynn offers the freshest of fruits and vegetables. Fresh corn, seasonal cherries, orangelo watermelons and various colored tomatoes, all can be found at East Lynn, along with many more!
The Evergreen Brick Works Farmer’s Market started out in 2007, and since then, has become the largest farmer’s market in Toronto. It is open year round, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays in the summer, 10am to 3pm on Sundays in the summer, and 9am to 2pm on winter Saturdays. From sheep milk yogurt to honeycomb, Italian salami to mustards in over 30 flavors, the Evergreen Brickworks farmer’s market will always surprise you with new things!
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