Why shop for produce at your typical supermarket when you can take a trip to the farmers market with your family and friends? You can’t go wrong — it’s both fun and interactive to buy your produce there. Not only can you learn from farmers and food artisans about where your produce comes from, you can also savor the diversity and get creative. There’s a variety of delicious flavors that have never met your taste buds before. Cook meals for your friends and family with fresh ingredients you handpicked at your local farmers market. Here are a few places to visit in South Florida, and luckily for you, these are open year-round.
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
19200 SW 344th St.
Homestead, FL
(305) 246-1592
Robertishere.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
If you’re looking to be adventurous in the kitchen and explore new flavors, this is the spot for you. Best known for creamy delicious fruit smoothies and shakes (ranging in price from $7.25 to $10.50), Robert Is Here also sells exotic tropical fruits, natural honeys, jams, marmalades, sauces and chutneys — the list goes on. As you cruise inside, you can relax on the patio where a selection of animals reside, including tortoises, cows, goats and even an emu.
Redland Market Village
24420 S Dixie Hwy
Princeton, FL
(305) 257-4335
Redlandmarketvillage.com
Hours: Wednesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Redland Market Village is largely known as a flea market with a range of vendors, plus produce and food stands serving Central and South American dishes such as tacos, arepas ($2), baleadas, tamales and delicious drinks like horchata and maracuya. It includes an extensive seafood and meat area, over 22 international food trucks, live entertainment and a family-friendly atmosphere with pony rides for kids. Vendors also sell clothes, accessories and jewelry there. It even has a pet store! In this market, the Latin culture is evident in the food, music and people.
Pinecrest Wayside Market
10070 SW 57th Ave.
Pinecrest, FL
(305) 661-6717
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day
The Pinecrest Wayside Market has various stands that serve fruits, produce, homemade pies, cookies, muffins and the seasonal cinnamon rolls from Knaus Berry Farm. But the reason people walk into this market is the delicious and creamy strawberry milkshakes (range from $4.50 to $5.50). Now you may think: What’s the hype about these milkshakes? Well, it is evident by the sign out front (see the photo above). Served since 1948, the milkshakes are made with fresh strawberries, nonfat yogurt and no added sugar. You’re in for a strawberry treat! These are simple yet perfect concoctions that give you the guilt-free pleasure during a hot day. Give in and indulge with your friends. You won’t regret it.
Farmers Market at Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave.
Coral Gables, FL
(305) 318-6148
Hours: Sundays 8 a.m to 2 p.m
Searching for parking seems to be a mission at farmers markets on weekends, but not at Merrick Park. Here you and your friends can arrive by bike and enjoy free bicycle parking. There’s no need to stress about paying for an extra hour when you’re enjoying your visit here. Open on Sundays right in front of city hall on Biltmore Way, the farmers market at Merrick Park welcomes everyone and offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and even ginger shots. They also have an açaí bowl stand. The açaí bowls ($10.50) are made fresh and can be topped off with your choice of fruits and a sprinkle of chia seeds, granola or coconut flakes.
Coconut Grove Organic Market
3300 Grand Ave.
Miami, FL
(305) 238-7747
Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A hidden gem in Coconut Grove, this market should be next on your list for exotic treats. It is a vegan-friendly environment known for fruit pies ($6.25) made with fresh fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, papayas and mamey on a crust of dates, nuts and spices. Surprise yourself with exotic fruits from all over the world such as durian, jaboticaba and wait for it … red bananas. They also have an all vegan and organic deli that includes Nori rolls, tacos and tostadas in Asian, Mexican and Italian flavors. The pizza is made with handmade pesto. To top it off, the market has ice cream with no dairy and it’s famous raw chocolate frozen tiramisu. You’ll leave here with all things sugar, spice and everything nice.
