Local Adventure #1: The Owen Sound Farmers' Market

I can't think of a better way to kick off a summer of local adventuring than going to a farmers' market. Local? Check. Adventure? Yup. If, like me, you equate food shopping with going to a big box supermarket where you can mindlessly comb the isles and not talk to a soul, a farmers' market really does become a world of adventure.

Perusing the Owen Sound Farmers' Market

I admit to a few farmers' market fails in the past. After resolving to buy more local produce, I'd trudge to the market with my canvas bags, a tinge of self-righteousness and no idea what the heck I wanted to buy. I'd end up leaving with a bushel of lettuce, a pastry of some sort and an urge to walk the sanitized, pre-packaged isles of Loblaws.

But not this time. If you're a farmers' market newbie, July is one of the best times of year to pop your locally-grown, seasonal cherry. The produce is plentiful and the weather is idyllic. The Owen Sound Farmers' Market is a great place to experience the sights, smells and tastes of an authentic market (beware of imposter markets that merely present non-local produce in a farmers' market-esque venues). 

Based in an agricultural heartland, the Owen Sound Farmers' Market is the real deal. It's a great place to meet local farmers and get freshly-harvested food. 

Here are a few tips to make the most of your farmers' market experience:


1. Have an idea of what's in season. My goal was to get strawberries. Those small and sweet, ripe and red little jewels you can only buy in July. The strawberries that actually taste like strawberries.

Delightfully ripe Ontario strawberries

2. Don't be afraid to try something new. I bought a pound of ground beef from a farmer who raised grass-fed highland cows. Mixed with some rosemary, salt and pepper, it made a great burger. 

3. Talk to people. These days, there's something magical about knowing the people who produce the eggs you buy. It's a nice change of pace from dashing in and out of the supermarket. 

Irresistible baked goods

 Have you been to any great farmers' markets? Any tips to share?