Come summer in Toronto, farmers markets are as common as Starbucks locations, which means that buying those Argentinean blueberries is all the more shameful. Herewith, the city’s finest farmers markets.
Historic St. Andrew’s Market
This market opened in 1850, shut in 1937, and then reopened in June. Now, condo dwellers come for Bee’s Universe honey (buckwheat, clover, wildflower) and special events, including this Saturday’s crostini class. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Maud St. and Adelaide St. W.
Evergreen’s Brick Works Farmers’ Market
This converted brickyard offers kid-friendly programs like eco-crafts and wildlife-friendly gardening. But the food – including Fun Guy Farm’s shiitake mushrooms and Montforte Dairy’s sheep’s milk cheeses – is the real draw. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 550 Bayview Ave.
The Stop’s Green Barn Market (Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Wander around 10,000 square-feet of maple syrup, grass-fed ewe, organic ram fleece and endless produce. Highlights include Oikos Tea’s overwhelming selection and Stoddart Family Farms’ duck and heirloom cattle offerings. Saturdays, 9 a.m. –1 p.m., 601 Christie St.
Bloor-Borden Market
Live sax players and fiddlers draw Annex academics – and pooches – to this low-key market. Challah from Monckton Organic Farms and Bakery is out of this world; so, apparently, are their pet treats. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., E. side of Lippincott St.
Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market
Three good reasons this year-round market is a foodie favourite: Sweet potato bread from Alli’s; cattail hearts (a veggie similar to hearts of palm) from Forbes Wild Foods; and Tim Clément’s organic, seasonal crêpes. Thursdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., 875 Dufferin St.
Image courtesy of Juniper Trees.
