Urban Forager
Sometimes, in this overly hectic lifestyle many of us lead, there’s not always time to get into the countryside to get those precious fruits and vegetables that, in many cases, only are available for a scant few weeks.
But fear not! This section will provide you with links to virtually every Farmer’s Market in operation in Alberta– complete with locations, business hours and even a convenient seasonal produce chart. If you have to have those precious spuds, saskatoons or juicy, sun-ripened strawberries quickly, chances are your local Farmers Market will have them on hand. Maybe the sample itineraries will provide you with some inspiration as well.
Many folks have told us they have made some life-long friends at these markets – either fellow shoppers or the actual great-natured vendors themselves. Read through the vast selection of Farmers Markets carefully, and you may note that there are designated weekends for cooking classes and a wealth of special events that just add to the magic of a market experience.
Be sure and read the attached articles provided by the food writing pros for some great insider tips to maximize your urban foraging adventure!
Check out the new interactive map to locate all the Farmer’s Markets you can visit in your travels at www.sunnygirl.ca
Tips for Market Patrons
- Plan to spend time – slow time – at the market. Start by walking around to see what’s there before you start to shop to help form menu and recipe ideas in your head.
- Ask the vendor – if you don’t recognize what it is you are looking at or need a tip on how to use it.
- Bring cash.
- If organics is important to you ask if it is or how it’s been raised. It may be unsprayed or on its way to becoming organic.
- Offered a sample – take it! It doesn’t commit you to buy and you might taste something new that you like.
- Take a feast-now approach. Unlike the supermarket, the appearance of a particular vegetable or fruit is often short and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Bring a cooler to keep food fresh on the ride home.
- Bring your children along and let them buy things from vendors.
