Articles about Farmers Markets

Farm to Market Report: Weekend of October 27-28

Is anyone else sulking at the fact that Halloween is smack dab in the middle of our workweek? I know it might be hard to enjoy a costume party when you have to be up at the crack of dawn the next morning, but I have some good news for you. This weekend is shaping up to have perfect weather, and plenty of farmers markets are still open and full of fall activities that will be the perfect place to let your inner child run wild. It might be a few days early, but you can still celebrate Halloween in style. Throw on a costume to do all of your fresh produce shopping… you might just win one of the costume contests listed below.

Coppell Farmers Market: Several farmers are planting fall produce exclusively for the market, so there are plenty of options. Pumpkins, winter squash, summer squash, tomatoes, okra, chard, cucumbers, green beans, fresh herbs, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, onions, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and hydroponic greens will all be available.

This is the last week for the October granola and cake ball flavors of the month, as well as the Halloween cake balls. Free hot coffee will be served near the back picnic tables.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of October 20-21

Looking for the perfect way to spend this fall weekend? A number of farmers markets have been hard at work organizing their fall festivals and the time is finally here! Start off your Saturday morning in a festive spirit and head out to your local market to pick up pumpkins for carving and wreaths for hanging. The perk? All of these festivals have plenty to keep your little ones entertained while you stock up on kitchen necessities.

Celebration Farmers Market: This Saturday is Celebration’s popular Holiday Feast. The event will be held in the store from 11-1, and shoppers will be able to sample turkey and other holiday feast fixings. All orders placed in the store during the feast will be 10% off.

Don’t forget, the Market store also carries products from many of Celebration’s outdoor market vendors, so folks can still stop in and buy tamales, fresh salsa, jams, pastured eggs, and more year round.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coppell Farmers Market: This Saturday Coppell is hosting a Food Day for Kids to celebrate a healthy, affordable, and sustainable way of living. The DFW Truck Farm will be there with a mini farm in the back of their truck for children to practice growing activities. Chef Victoria Hooker will also working her magic and cooking with the kids and teaching them creative ways to utilize fruits and vegetables. Vendors will have child size portions so kids can help their parents and do their own shopping at the market.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of October 13-14

Seriously, enough with these bipolar temperatures. One minute I am shivering on the walk to work, and the next I am peeling off my sweater and ordering iced lattes. If you are a summer enthusiast you’ll be excited to hear that temperatures look to be on the rise for the coming weekend. But don’t worry, I have the perfect remedy for us cold weather mourners! The Tamale Company is giving away coupons for their famed pumpkin tamales (aka “gluten-free handheld pumpkin pie”) at select markets. Click here for a coupon that you can use online or at any farmers market.

Market news is a little slow this week, but that doesn’t mean there will be any shortage of vendors. Head out to your farmers market of choice because (fingers crossed) these warm temperatures won’t be around for long.

Coppell Farmers Market: Come out this weekend to get your knifes tuned up before you are bombarded with holiday cooking. Jack Gresham from Mobile Knife Sharpening will be on site for all your sharpening needs.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of October 6-7

Can you believe it’s already October? Where has this year gone? Before you know it, it’ll be December and we will be yearning for warmer days and summer produce. This weekend looks to be our first real taste of fall with Saturday’s 57-degree high. Throw on a jacket, grab a coffee, and take advantage of the cool weather in store. Get out to your local farmers market before they close their doors for the season.

Celebration Farmers Market: This Saturday will be Celebration’s last regularly scheduled market of the season.  It looks like this will be a special one with pet adoption representatives back with more animals! Regular vendors will make an appearance with local honey, canton produce, organics (peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers), Texas olive oil, cookies, and much more.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Love Letters from Dallas Food Trucks to the Arts District’s Veletta Lill

Amazing Progress in the Dallas Arts District

On September 19th, a collective “oh, nooooooo” went up from the many food truck owner/operators who have parked in the Dallas Arts District.  On that date, it was announced that their leader, their protector, their mentor, Veletta Forsythe Lill, the Executive Director of the Arts District would leave after her post. Lill spent the last four years overseeing significant changes in the Arts District. She also spent eight years on Dallas City Council.  Since the food trucks first started showing up in the Arts District in mid-2011, Ms. Lill has carefully vetted each one to ensure that visitors were receiving the highest quality fare.  I’ve seen her work tirelessly, even during vacations, to ensure agreements among the food trucks, permits departments, and Dallas City Hall.

I thought Executive Director to revitalize the Dallas Farmer’s Market would be a great new challenge for Ms. Lill.  Jump for Love Letters from a few of the food truck owners, where Randy Wolken pleads for Mayor Lill. Continue reading "Love Letters from Dallas Food Trucks to the Arts District’s Veletta Lill"

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of September 29-30

Does anyone else get excited when there are five Saturdays in one month? There’s something special about an additional weekend to be out and about, and I can’t think of a better way to spend this weekend than shopping for some delicious food for the coming week. I am trying to get in the habit of using my fresh ingredients on Sunday evenings to prepare meals for the week. Once Monday evening rolls around, all I want to do is watch Law and Order marathons, and the last thing on my mind is cooking. Does this ring a bell? It looks like rain this weekend, but hopefully that means temperatures will cool off and shopping outside will be more enjoyable.

Celebration Farmers Market: There are two Saturdays left in Celebration’s regular season, so go while you can. Having difficulty eating gluten-free? The Market store will be offering samples of locally made gluten free cheese breads, sold frozen. Flavors include jalapeno, bacon, sundried tomato, cheddar cheese, and basil.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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F2T Fort Worth is Set for October 7

Fort Worth chefs are joining forces and creating an event to celebrate local food and farmers: F2T Fort Worth. The farm-to-table talent includes Chefs Lanny (Lanny’s Alta Cocina) Lancarte, Molly (Ellerbe Fine Foods) McCook, and Jon (Bonnell’s Fine Food,Waters) Bonnell. The four-course meal with music by Bonnie & Nick Norris Band will take place on the gorgeous Ranch at Clear Fork along the Trinity River on part of the remaining 850 acres of the historic Edwards Ranch. It all takes place on October 7. More info and tickets here.

Dallas-Area Farm to Market Report Weekend of August 18-19

This week’s report was filed, in alphabetical order, by Lesley Mann Lynch. Go. Shop. Report.

Take advantage of the heat reprieve we’re getting this weekend (highs in the low 90s) and go roam your local famer’s market. Scattered showers are predicted, but don’t let that keep you indoors. Most of the markets are running at full speed rain or shine. August is the month that many local fruits are winding down, so run, don’t walk, to get your fill of the peaches and melons!

Celebration Farmers Market:

This week you should find fresh TX peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, peppers, melons, corn on the cob, red beets and fresh-hulled peas, some organic tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, cookies, tamales, and Mozzarella Company cheeses, among other spoils. To go along with your vegetables, pick up almost any cut of pork that you can think of from Holleman Farms. This isn’t just any type of pork, it is Red Wattle Pork, a breed that produces extra lean meat. Sadly, Cita’s Salsa will be absent, but In A Pickle will be back with their famous bread and butter pickles and their other pickle varieties.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.

Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Continue reading "Dallas-Area Farm to Market Report Weekend of August 18-19"

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 11-12

Whether you’re a regular market-goer, or you’ve never ventured outside the produce section at Tom Thumb in your life, it’s a great week to hit the markets. The USDA has designated August 5–12 National Farmers Market Week in order to raise awareness of the country’s nearly 8,000 markets, the asset they provide to every community, and the key role they play in supporting local food systems. I’ll raise a glass of lemonade to that.

Coppell Farmers Market: Salsa is high demand in the summer time, and you’ll have a variety to choose from. Jill Holden of Sundance Farms, Pat Gaines with Hiram Farms, and professional chefs Victoria and Robby Hooker, of Two Chefs will all have their special recipes this weekend. If you prefer to make your own, there should be plenty of Jalapenos for the purchasing.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 4-5

August is here, and it’s brought with it the possibility of burning your hands on your steering wheel and warm water from the cold water tap. Ah, life in North Texas. About the only living thing that loves this heat is okra. You’ll find okra on just about every produce table at every market in town. If you’re not an okra fan, fear not. The variety at individual markets has suffered a bit, but you can still get every locally grown summer fruit and veggie you’d like. You just have to know where to go, and when to get there.

Celebration Farmers Market: Reeves Farm, Josh Heddin Farm, and Joy Farm will all be here Saturday. The list of available produce includes tomatoes (smaller varieties that are less heat sensitive as well as some unusual heirloom varieties), cucumbers, okra, squash, peppers, melons, corn on the cob, red beets and fresh hulled peas, some organic tomatoes, cucumbers, and white and black eggplant. As usual, Holleman Farms will have pastured eggs and whole chickens, as well as the ever-popular Red Wattle pork. Evidently, chickens get lazy with the laying in the heat. With hens laying fewer eggs, you’ll have to be up when the rooster crows if you want any. Come early! They’ll go fast.

Jump to locate your favorite local produce and artisan foods.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 28-29

The heat is on in North Texas, and no one knows it better than local farmers and growers. Berries are becoming scarce, while certain herbs (such as cilantro) are dwindling or have vanished. Peaches and tomatoes are still around, but if you have your heart set on them, come to the market early. Even grocers who usually have a good variety of local produce have to look outside North Texas this time of year to maintain a selection. This means that farmers markets are your best source for produce that is truly local and grown naturally: outside, in the dirt. Most markets have a limit on the number of miles produce can be trucked or shipped and still be called “local,” so you know you’re getting the freshest produce grown right here at home, and that you’re truly supporting local small businesses when they need it most. Take heart, lovers of local lettuce. Summer produce such as cucumbers, squash, melons, okra, onions, and peppers are still readily available and waiting for you at local markets all over the metroplex. If you’ve suffered a recent disappointment upon discovering your favorite veggies have vanished from under the market tents, here are two great charts, provided by the Dallas Farmers Market and The McKinney Farmers Market, that will tell you how long you have to hold out until they return, and what you may find to sub in that’s available now. Without further ado, here’s the list of what’s tasty around town this weekend.

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Another Reason Why We Love Tom Spicer

Deep in a forest beyond the douchiness of Dallas lives free spirit, forager, and my fellow Firesign Theater fan, Tom Spicer. He’s the head fiddlehead over at Spiceman’s FM 1410. Today he sends this gorgeous photo and a note. I quote:

Do you… verjus? Harvested early this morning at Spiceman’s FM 1410 garden, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that I bare rooted from canes brought to me from Benziger’s biodynamic vineyard in Sonoma County, CA. by my dear friend, Beat Kotoun of Korbrands Wine importers/marketers.3 years later, we are basking in their glow and so can you @ $10# CHEERS    Spiceman, aka “Larence of Lakewood”

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 21-22

Root beer floats, cooking demonstrations, and classes on everything from pickling to catching rain water await you at local markets this weekend. 

Celebration Farmers Market: Holleman Farms will return from vacation this week with Red Wattle pork, as well as their standard offerings of fresh eggs and whole chickens. Jerry from Joy Farm will have tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and of course, Texas peaches. Get them while you still can. If you notice any of your favorite regular vendors are missing, stop inside the market store. Many of them leave their products for sale when they can’t make it to the farmers market.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grapevine Farmers Market will be getting some interesting melons in for the weekend. Look for Pecos cantaloupe, locally grown Israeli melon, and orange flesh honeydew. Market Organizer Jack Morehead advises that this year’s Texas peach season started early, and will finish early. Freestone peaches will be here this weekend but not for much longer. Freestone peaches separate from the pit easily. You’re less like likely to tear the meat, which makes them great for grilling, entertaining, or anything you might want a nice presentation for.

325 S. Main Street
Thursday – Saturday,  8:00 am – 4:00 p.m.

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Shopping at the Eco Co-Op’s Second Pop-Up Market Cures Midweek Blues

The Dallas Eco-Op's Pop Up Market

Wednesdays are usually a drag, which is why I looked forward to visiting the Dallas Eco Co-Op’s second Pop-Up Market from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. yesterday. 14 vendors gathered inside the Eco-Op’s building inside 10137A Shoreview, bumping elbows with each other as the community bought cucumbers from Paul Quinn Farm, the best pimiento cheese from We Me Dallas, and tasted cherry lemonade cookies by Paul Wackym. Recycle Revolution even had a booth outside in case you wanted to get rid of your old computer parts.

The market is tiny and you can cover the entire ground in five minutes if you’re rushed, but market organizers Chad Julka, Trish Percy, and Susie Marshall of the Dallas Eco-Op hope that the market will expand and outgrow the Eco-Op building one day.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 14-15

Celebration Farmers Market: I have good news and bad news from Celebration this week. There were some inquiries as to whether Holleman Farms made it last week at all, or would ever make it with the Red Wattle pork. The good news is that they did make it out with the pork last week and it was extremely popular, so it will return. The bad news is that if you loved it, and want more, you’ll have to wait. They’ve left town on vacation and won’t be at the market at all. They’ll be back next weekend with the Red Wattle pork, and all the farm fresh chicken and eggs that they usually have. Do not despair. Jerry from Joy Farms will have all his usual produce and herbs, including pepinex seedless cucumbers, fresh basil, tomatoes, fireball peppers, and squash. Mozzarella Company will have fresh and pecan smoked mozzarella cheese to soothe your porkless soul.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Frisco Farmers Market: Mary B Cakes will be out with her fantastically moist loaf breads including my beloved bread pudding loaf – available for a limited time. After having tried nearly all of them (and then running five miles to stave off the guilt), I came to realize that what I like about her loaf breads is that with the exception of the chocolate flavor, they’re not too sweet to have for breakfast. Even the Madagascar vanilla makes a nice compliment to a bowl of fresh fruit which can be easily obtained from D-Bar farms. Strawberries are still in and melons are plentiful enough to cause concern that one might roll over on their table and squash squash. Buy a melon and save a squash, or just buy squash, slice them, and toss them into a skillet with some butter over medium heat until the middles are translucent and the edges are slightly brown. Dust lightly with sea salt and enjoy as a side item with dinner. Not only is that the easiest side item you’ll ever make, it’s a much better fate for a squash.

6048 Frisco Square Blvd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 7-8

The Independence Day festivities continue at some of the markets around town this weekend.

Celebration Farmers Market: The pork saga at Celebration Farmers Market continues: Holleman Farms missed the market last week due to car trouble, but their transportation woes have ended. The Red Wattle bacon, ribs, roasts, chops, and several types of sausage will be in this week as well as pastured chicken and eggs. In A Pickle will return with their sweet and spicy dill pickles and fresh jams. Peach chocolate jam makes its debut at the market (and maybe anywhere) this week for those who love a little adventure with breakfast. Jerry from Joy Farms will have more small batch organic produce and herbs including fireball jalapenos and lime basil.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coppell Farmers Market: Good Spices has added a Sweet and Sour Lime seasoning to their lineup, as well as Sweet Chili Southwestern flavored almonds. July is here, and with it comes a new cake ball flavor of the month from Aray of Cakes. This month’s pina colada cake ball is rum and vanilla cake with coconut flakes, dipped in a vanilla icing and topped with coconut shavings. I love coconut enough that you won’t catch me complaining that the “pina” part of the equation is missing.

All the usual farmers will be out this weekend, though they’ll have some unusual produce. Highlights include poblano peppers, bi-color beets, burgundy okra, yellow zucchini (it’s sweeter than the common green zucchini), and long eggplant.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Summer Schedule For AIWF Dallas Farmers Market Cooking Classes

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Texas produce. That double incentive to take a class at the Dallas Farmers Market and load up on supplies before you leave. Here is the summer line-up for classes.

July 14, Chef Jeff Moschetti, Jasper’s–Plano, Theme:  “Backyard Grilling”

July 21, Chef Mark McDaniel, ReMARKable Affairs Cafe, Theme:  “The Thrill of the Grill”

August 4, Chef Scott Gottlich, Bijoux Restaurant, Theme:  “Summer Bistro Cooking”

August 11, Chef Gerard Thompson, Rough Creek Lodge Restaurant, Theme:  “Rough Creek Comes to the Market”

August 18, Chef Jay Jerrier, Il Cane Rosso, Theme:  “Il Cane Rosso Cooking”

[Note: Happy to learn the whereabouts of Jeff Moschetti]

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of June 30-July 1

St. Michael’s Farmers Market: New this week! Look out, Park Cities and Preston Hollow residents. You already have the fabulous Celebration Market, and beginning Saturday, a new stop for local produce and artisan foods (decisions, decisions).  St. Michael’s will look to specialize in sustainable, natural and organically grown produce from smaller farms like Rae Lili Farm in Cooper, Texas. They’ll have some of the more obscure produce such as Swiss chard and mini-cabbages. They’ll also have fresh eggs. EMA baking company will be there with some awesome homemade biscotti under the brand name Martin’s Biscotti. They’re one of my favorite vendors from the White Rock Local Market, which is only open twice a month. Now you can get their amazing curry coconut biscotti on a weekly basis.

8011 Douglas Ave.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Celebration Farmers Market: The pork plan didn’t pan out for last weekend but Holleman Farms is (really) going to debut their Red Wattle pork this weekend. Red Wattle are native to Texas and are one of the leanest species of hog.  I know, I know. You’re doubtful after last week’s disappointment, but Fourth of July is Wednesday and they’ve promised us ribs, roasts, chops and bacon at the very least. The Celebration Farmers Market pork forecast also calls for a 50 percent chance of sausage. Joy Farm will have two kinds of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, and as well as indigo rose tomatoes.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of June 23-24

Celebration Farmers Market: Joy Farms will have all the same great organic produce this weekend including some great pickling cucumbers. Neighbor Kathleen’s Art Bakery will be there selling fresh-baked pastries and breads. Skip breakfast and try one of their gooey sticky buns. Holleman Farms regularly sells pastured beef, chicken, and eggs here, but this week, they’ll add pork to the lineup. Tip: don’t forget to stop in to the Celebration Market Store before you leave. If you have a favorite artisan food vendor that isn’t at the market, they keep many of their products just inside.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coppell Farmers Market: It’s always sad when your favorite local produce goes out of season and you know you’ll have to wait until next year to enjoy the same fresh flavor. As spring rolls into summer, many of the local markets are helping you battle the seasonal produce blues with instruction on how you can preserve what you buy now for enjoying at a later date. This Saturday at The Coppell Farmers Market, Village Baking Co. Owner and Founder and Chef Clint Cooper will be giving demonstrations on canning tomatoes (you can use the process to can anything) and making preserves. His timing couldn’t be better, as the spring berries are moving over to make room for summer melons this weekend.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of June 16-17

Our Farmers Market gal, Erin Ahlfinger

Nearly anyone shopping farmers markets this weekend can prepare to be entertained. Chances are you won’t have to go far to find festivals, cooking classes and demonstrations, and foodie fun.

Celebration Farmers Market: Joy Farm is back with some unique organic produce including Armenian cucumbers, sweet orange paruche and yellow currant cherry tomatoes, goldenrod, and black zucchini. If you’re on the market for sweet treats, Stephanie’s Premium Bakery will be out this weekend. She makes amazing citrus shortbread, but what you really want to try are her Triple C cookies (cherry, chocolate chip and chili flake). The spice of the red chili makes a late entrance behind the velvety chocolate and tart cherry, right about the time you start to think “these aren’t spicy.” Gotcha.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coppell Farmers Market: This Saturday is Vendor Appreciation Day. Vendors will be provided breakfast before the market and customers are invited to show their favorite vendors and producers some love. Melons of all kind will be taking Coppell by storm this weekend. Pick out a juicy one while you listen to live bluegrass tunes by the Horny Toad Rangers.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Continue reading "Farm to Market Report: Weekend of June 16-17"