By Kathryn McLean
September often feels like the end of summer. Labour Day weekend, back-to-school, and the (sometimes) cooler weather signal summer is coming to a close.
On the bright side, however, many vegetable gardens are in full harvest! Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, peppers, herbs, kale and lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes…all of these and many others are still being grown and harvested. Not to mention melons, orchard fruit like peaches, apples, and berries. And with that, the farmers’ market season is not over yet!
Most farmers’ markets operate until sometime in October, and some continue year round.
While we don’t have a West Rouge farmers’ market, there are lots of options nearby.
Many are listed on the Ontario website, farmersmarketsontario.com. You can search by area, as well as days of the week, as there are markets operating each day. This gives vendors more than one opportunity to sell their goods. Please know that while the Ontario website lists lots of markets, there are also many other neighborhood markets that aren’t registered to the site.
Most farmers’ markets sell fresh produce, and other foods such as eggs, meat, cheese, and honey. Many also have vendors selling prepared items like jams, chocolate, baked, or hot foods prepared on-site. Some market vendors sell other goods such as candles, soap, jewelry, art, etc. Most markets feature live music, or guest performers, as well as a tent from the city providing information about other events.
One of the things that I really enjoy when visiting a market is the mix of vendors; there’s often a specialist. In the past I’ve come across a chocolate maker who owns and runs a small business focusing on high end chocolate. We discussed the specific flavours and notes in the different bars he produces, and how they vary depending on where the cacao was grown.
I’ve visited many farmers markets throughout the GTA over the years. Here’s a list of some nearby options, as well as larger standouts.
Pickering Farmers’ Market (Pickering: www.pickering.ca)
Pickering’s market operates Tuesdays. This market is a mix of fresh produce from farm vendors, and prepared food items. There are also many vendors offering non-food items including clothing and soap.
Both Ajax and Whitby have weekday markets; I have seen them but never stopped in.
The Uxbridge Farmers’ Market (Uxbridge: uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca)
The Uxbridge market operates on Sundays, with lots of vendors selling fresh produce. When I visited last, there were also tents with honey, coffee, French pastries, sourdough bread, and prepared foods like peameal bacon sandwiches made to order.
Wychwood Barns (Christie & St. Clair, Toronto: thestop.org/farmersmarket.ca)
This market is run by The Stop, a not for profit community food centre. Many vendors sell fresh produce, but this market also offers artisan items such as sweet and savoury baking and breads, and prepared foods. The Wychwood Barns market operates on Saturdays, year-round.
Evergreen Brickworks (DVP & Bloor St. /Bayview Ave., Toronto: evergreen.ca)
Evergreen market is open on Saturdays, selling fresh items and many prepared ones as well.
In my experience, even the small markets are worth a visit. There’s always something interesting to see, and it’s so nice to interact directly with growers and producers.
It’s not too late to check out a market or two this season; try to visit one yourself.