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Rita Cook – Guest Contributor
Apr 26 2018
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Why should you shop the local farmers market? Well, if there is one near you, why wouldn't you? They provide access to fresh, organic produce, and you can’t go wrong with any of your purchases there. Even better: it is a good way to spend a weekend morning outdoors getting closer to the Earth and the bounty she provides.

If you are wondering what is in-season for the next few months, here you go:

May & June
Blackberries, Blueberries, Figs, Melons, Peaches, Strawberries, Basil, Mint, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Greens (Chard, Mustard), Leeks, Potatoes, Onions, Okra, Peppers, Radishes, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips

While searching for the perfect farmers market, keep these ideas in mind too.

  • Bring small cash denominations and shop early for the best selection.
  • Purchase and enjoy the seasonal fruits and vegetables when available. 
  • If you plan on buying meat, you might consider bringing a cooler or cold pack during the hot months.
  • Bring your own grocery bag or basket.

Here are some of the Dallas area’s best farmers markets, so take your pick and enjoy your weekend.

Of course, the Dallas Farmer’s Market is the biggest, and it has the perfect location right among the skyscrapers of Dallas. The Dallas Farmers Market began in 1941 and over the years it has grown into a destination for a weekend. It is Go Texan Certified, a Member of the Farm Bureau and a Certified Farmers Market by The Texas Department of Agriculture. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find at this popular market.

Weekend Farmer’s Markets

The City of Grand Prairie has a nice Farmers Market on Main Street downtown on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now until the end of November. With locally grown fruits and vegetables, tamales, salsas, baked goods, eggs, honey and even soaps and candles, this market usually has a theme each weekend. This weekend’s theme is Superhero Day.

McKinney’s Farmers Market began its season last weekend and it runs until November 17 every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. With a bygone-era feel as you browse, you can pick up organic meat, dairy, honey and produce, as well as find vendors offering sauces, canned goods, pasta, baked goods, wine and flowers.

The Farmers Market in Coppell is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until November 22 in the Heart of the city’s Old Town. It is suggested you arrive early because the residents here love their farmers market and carry bag loads of goodies away as soon as the doors open.

Frisco Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until the end of October. You will find fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, preserves and handcrafted items. You can also be proud you are supporting a small market that was started by the Frisco Noon Lions Club in 2007. It has grown to over 40 vendors now and is overseen these days by the Rotary Club of Frisco.

The Rockwall Farmers Market began in 2008 and it has been rumored to be one of the best in the Dallas area. Open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon beginning May 3 to September 27, the market is in the historic Downtown Square. Locals will find fresh produce and specialty foods like grass-fed meats, fresh baked artisans breads, farm eggs, seafood, honey, jams, pasta and tamales. A standout here is the local talent featured each week providing live music.

Waxahachie’s Farmer’s Market opens this weekend until the end of October every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every week experience a new theme, this weekend is the Grand Opening, but next weekend features a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Locals will find not only locally grown produce, but plants, jams, jellies, spices and hand made goods.

Pop-up Farmers Market

The Dallas County Health and Human Service Community Farm Stand is a pop-up stand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday in the lobby of the DCHHS building on Stemmons. DCHHS has partnered with Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center to promote consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in areas where fresh produce is not as readily available. Produce selections include fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, apples, lemons, peppers, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, onions and a host of other options depending on the season.