Fresh From the Farm

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Kensington Market
More Toronto Markets

Market Research: An organized effort to gather information.

Today we’re bringing you information about actual markets (farmers’ markets, that is) which brings a whole new meaning to the term. Here’s a list of our top picks for farmers’ markets in and around the GTA.

You might already know that we love the St. Lawrence Market, delve into Dufferin Grove’s offerings and rally around Riverdale’s local market fare. We get a kick out of Kensington, but we also have a few more fun options to add to your market list.

Markets by the Bluffs
If you’re anywhere near the Beaches, then you’ll want to check out the BirchCliff Village Farmers’ Market and the Guildwood Village Farmers’ Market (and you might want to check them out even if you’re not that close to the beaches). They are summer markets that follow the mandate “homemade, handmade, earthmade” and are very community-focused in nature. Alongside fresh produce, meats, cheeses and fresh baked goods, there are ready-made meals to enjoy. You’ll find some beautifully handcrafted goods such as Métis art, pottery, jewellery, natural soaps and more. We aren’t bluffin’—these two markets are worth a visit.
(Guildwood Village Farmers’ Market is open Thursdays from 2–6:30 pm and BirchCliff Village Farmers’ Market is open Fridays from 3–7 pm)

Downsview Park Farmers’ Market
While you may be familiar with the large park just south of Sheppard that hosts a number of fun family activities, you may not realize that there is a farmers’ market located at the north end. It’s always filled with fresh veggies which you can often buy in large quantities (we mean large as in ‘baskets’), should you be cooking up bigger batches. The prices are very reasonable and the selection, diverse. There’s usually a great deal on berries all summer and you can enjoy roasted corn and fresh coconut or cane juice at the vendors just outside the market.
(Downsview Market is open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm year round) 

St. Jacobs’ Farmers’ Market
If you’re looking for a different kind of day trip, then head out to St. Jacobs country, just outside of Kitchener/Waterloo. It’s chock full of Mennonite-made goodies (we love the homemade horseradish, fresh baked goods and maple syrup), as well as a great range of produce, organic meats, and more from farmers around the area. In the summers, enjoy the outdoor craft and flea market area (with to-die-for food vendors including maple-salmon sandwiches and fresh-cut fries), the various buskers and pony rides for the kids. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mennonite country. Make sure you take a trip into the town of St. Jacobs where you’ll find more fab stores such as the old-fashioned broom-maker’s shop.
(St. Jacobs’ Farmers’ Market is open Thursdays and Saturdays, 7 am–3:30 pm)

Field Trip
If you can’t bring the farm to you, then why not bring yourself to the farm? Thanks to a unique initiative started by nutritionists Sarah Dobec and Megan MacMillan, city folk can meet up with the farmers that provide us with wonderful produce, learn how it’s grown and enjoy a field trip to the country at the same time. Field Trip offers full-day excursions, each one focusing on a select farm (chosen by you from their list) with a percentage of the ticket price going back to support the farmers. Even savvier, kids under 5 are free. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids that food doesn’t all come from a styrofoam tray.

The results of our market research are unanimous: fresh plus farm equals yummy.

Tested by Ally (2), & Robyn B., Toronto