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.”

America's Farmers' Markets

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

What's closest is best. Year around, I love the Long Beach Southeast Market on Marina Drive on Sunday mornings (Certified) with plenty of choices of vegetables, fruit, honey and baked goods year round. But in summer I get just as much pleasure from the tiny Craftsbury, VT, farmer's market, where the fresh cheese, pies, and vegetables come from local farms, and are exquisite.

Dee Abrahamse, Long Beach, CA

I'm one of the lucky ones only 4 miles from the Portland market. But, what's even better is there's another great one a mile away on Sundays with yet another a mile in the other direction (and an easy walk) on Wednesday evenings. Oh, and two others close by that run all year round! However, only the downtown one seems to have the amazing chocolate hazelnut spread that is only three ingredients, nuts, cocoa and real sugar in that order. Take that commercial spread. Where ever you live, cherish and patronize your market. They are treasures.

Silver, PDX, OR

Our Farmers market is awesome fresh produce all year long! From strawberries starting in january and sweet corn for christmas to peaches blue beries native tomatoes, cukes, beans, lettice all year long plus it is also a 'flea market' suitcases for $25.00. Come see it I am originally from connecticut.

Al Sorrentino, Daytona Beach, FL

The "Circle Square Commons Market" at "On Top of the World" in Ocala, Florida has everything from the best veggies to arts & crafts. There's music, colorful hand painted pushcarts & bright umbrellas, comfortable tables & chairs and all the best North Central Florida has to offer. It's an exciting, fun place to buy and be.

Marie Buchman, Dunnellon, FL

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco is fantastic. Selections unlimited. Buy your lunch there and sit and watch activity on San Francisco Bay. Take BART or a Ferry to extend the pleasure.

Laura, Walnut Creek, CA

I live in Redondo Beach now and there are some great farmers markets out here in southern California for sure. But the BEST Farmers Market in the country, hands down is GentnerCommission Market (also called Gentner's Auction), 341 West Main Street, Springville, NY. This farmers market/live animal auction/flea market has been going on every wednesday from 7 am to 5 pm July through November since 1939.Gentner's Commission Market was established in 1939 as a weekly livestock market. The market attracts thousands each Wednesday, who browse through the extensive flea market and produce dealer stands and animal barns. Visitors can bid and purchase all manner of collectibles and knickknacks, furniture and tools, pets and livestock. Locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as pastries can be purchased. Local vendors sell such items as cows, pigs, rabbits, mice, pigeons and other animals. Foods include Amish pies, cookies, breads and jams and home grown goods like sweet corn, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries. Local merchants also serve hamburgers and Italian sausage for visitors along with cookies and sweet treats. In addition to these locally grown goods, visitors can also purchase a myriad of gadgets and gizmos. Just some of the items that sell each Wednesday include gardening tools, handcrafted wooden birdhouses, used videocassettes, vintage clothing boxes of plastic toys, tools, old vinyl albums, antique bottles and books, handmade dolls, pillows, wicker baskets/furniture, picture frames, household equipment and furniture and gardening tools.

Lia Oprea, Sardinia, NY

Olympia, Washington has a marvelous Farmer's Market which operates April -Dec. Thurs-Sunday. It is situated on Budd Bay inlet, an idyllic setting. The market consists of fruits, veggies, live music, farmers, plants, fresh flowers, bakery items and other northwest goods. The market boasts a garden with extension agents on duty to answer questions, as well as wonderful breakfast/lunches from seafood to curry. Our locally roasted coffee, Batdorf and Bronson is also available. The market is in town, on a bus route and has certificates available for use of senior citizens in the local retirement apartments. The market is a jewel in a gem of a city!

Cathy, Centralia, WA

Kohlrabi has become a favorite around here at our Farmers Market. Flash saute Julienned Kohlrabi with snap peas and red bell pepper in olive oil or butter.

Anne, Brownsville, OR

Does anyone know of a great Farmers Market in Iowa? I know about Des Moines looking for others.

Julie, Cedar Rapids, IA