Can I get three cheers for the fact that the Farmers’ Markets are opening all over the place? The Ottawa Farmer’s Market has been open for a few weeks but recently my local one within minutes from my house has opened as well.
There are two in the area that I go to each year – the Orleans Market and the Cumberland Market. The kids love both because they know we’ll end up getting some baked goods (and let’s be honest, I love that too). But they really enjoy going to the Cumberland Market because there is ball field and park right beside it. So we try to make a full morning of our trip.
Usually I like to buy berries (when in season), eggs (love fresh, local free-range eggs!!), some greens (kale! spinach!), bread, coffee sometimes, baked goods always and sometimes lamb keftas (kebobs) from a local lamb farmer.
Here’s what I bought the other day:
What I love about the market is I never know what I’m going to until we go and see what looks beautiful and fresh and tasty.
I highly recommend bringing the kids (although, it is more fun to go alone sometimes!) but here are some reasons to bring them:
a) It’s a great opportunity to speak to the kids about where the food is coming from. Gardens, farms, and they can speak directly to the farmers themselves.
b) It’s always nice to walk around outside!
c) I find it gets them excited about food. They ask questions – ‘what’s this? what’s that’? and when I cook with the food I buy they are more willing to try and taste it!
Have you been to the Farmers’ Market yet? What are your favourite things to buy at the Market?
