Farmers Market Season is upon us! Here in Portland we’re lucky to live in a city with such an abundance of local produce, so take advantage and head over to your local farmers’ market. Scattered throughout the city, and open almost every day of the week, Portland’s farmers’ markets offer a variety of organically grown fruits, vegetables and artisan products, and a chance to be part of a vibrant community. From a practical perspective, farmers markets specialize in fruits and vegetables, which are low calorie, loaded with vitamins, and much fresher than anything you’ll find at a chain grocery store. Although there is certainly a mouthwatering selection of preserves and jams, most of the food you’ll buy at a farmers market is raw, forcing you to take it home to your kitchen and figure out something to do with it. Home cooked meals are almost always healthier than packaged, or even restaurant food. One of the key advantages of home cooking is that you know exactly what’s going in. If your diet requires low fat milk, or less oil, you’re the one who gets to make that call. But practicality isn’t the only reason to hit up your local farmers market. They’re festive environments with folk bands, and face painting. They’re also a great time to connect with neighbors and friends, as well as the farmers who grow your food. Swapping recipes can really widen your culinary range, and make you more excited about cooking. The more invested you are in what you’re eating-the more likely you will be to make healthy choices. And taking the time to go to the farmers market and share the experience with others will definitely make you feel more invested in your food, your heath, and your community.

For a few of the many local farmers markets:
Portland State University: January-March Saturdays 9:00- 2:00
Shemanski Park: May-October Wednesdays 10:00-2:00
Buckman: May-September Thursdays 3:00-7:00
Irvington: year round Sundays 9:00-2:00
Woodstock: June-October Sundays 10:00-2:00
Hollywood: Year round Saturdays 8:00-1:00 (summer hours, winter hours vary)
Beaverton: February-November Saturdays 8:00-1:30 , Wednesdays 3:00-7:00 (summer hours)
Hillsdale: Year round Sundays 10:00-1:30 (summer hours)
Montavilla: June-October Sundays 10:00-2:00