Farmers Markets: A great way to explore the city, get healthy, and support a good cause

The following is a guest post, contributed by Paulo Vallejo of the IStyleU blog.

Summer is definitely here. Well, outside of the rain we had this weekend. Nevertheless, shopping at your neighborhood farmers market is a worthwhile activity. What exactly is a farmers market? Essentially, it is a place where local farmers commune to sell fresh meat and produce, a lot of times organic. More recently, its also been a place where local artisans sell their craft to the public.

You’re probably wondering why should buy your food from the back of someone’s truck than going to your local grocery store. People who frequent Farmers Markets do so primarily because of the freshness of the products that are being sold there. The local produce is usually picked inside of 24 hours. You see it ripe, fresh, and full of flavor. Most supermarket food are picked, packed and shipped for weeks and sometimes months before it gets to your plate. Farmers markets also allow you to connect with your community. You get to meet local chefs, artists, and food connoisseurs. And most importantly, not only do you get to eat healthy but also give back to the local economy.

So what are some of the best farmers markets in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland? Here are my favorites:

Trout Lake Farmers Market (E.15th and Victoria, East Vancouver) – I find the quality and variety of the produce and dairy products here to be one of the best in the city. If you like goat cheese, this is the market to go to. Open Saturdays 9am-2pm. May 16-Oct 10, 2009.

Main Street Farmers Market (Station Street at Thornton Park, Vancouver) – This is a great weekday only market. If you’re coming home from work and need something fresh for dinner, this is the place to go. I was there last week and they had a great selection of fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish. Wednesdays, 3pm-7pm. Open from June 10-October 21, 2009.

Ambleside Farmers Market (On Bellevue between 13th and 14th streets, West Vancouver) – If you like to try some spiced jams, home made curry sauces, artisan bread or a cold glass of yerba mate tea, you’ll definitely enjoy this market. There are also some great artisans showcasing their crafts. Open Sundays 10am-3pm, June 7 to October 25, 2009.

To find a Farmers Market in your neighborhood, visit the BC Association of Farmers Markets and Vancouver Farmers Markets websites.

Guest author bio: Paulo Vallejo is a Vancouver-based style artist whose work graces various print media in fashion and advertising. He’s also a freelance writer who pens on topics around personal style and the latest fashion trends across the globe, as well as a personal shopper who works with individuals to define their image and create their unique style.