There’s a great feeling of optimism at the farmers’ markets right now.  The weather has been excellent for most farmers’ early crops, customers are enjoying reunions with favourite vendors and favourite market foods, and summer’s full bounty is just around the corner.

Tender, fresh greens of every description are especially delicious right now.  Bring along a market salad to your next potluck and your friends will be impressed!

A new market launches this month, at Queen’s Quay Terminal, Wednesdays from 3-7 pm.

Heavenly days of spring are here!  Early abundance is coming to markets: asparagus, lovely greens of all description, herbs, fiddleheads and wild leeks (or ramps, if you prefer), great plants to get a head start on the garden, and more each week.  Opening day for many of the seasonal markets is this month, so check out our Map of Markets and run, don’t walk, to the freshest food in town!

Patience is a virtue, but a hard one to remember at this time of year, as spring takes off and we’re all eager for its amazing flavours.  We’re getting going now though, and farmers at year-round markets are bringing us extra-early treats:  sunchokes (jerusalem artichokes) freshly dug, baby greens from sun-warmed greenhouses, the first herb and vegetable seedlings to brighten up our windowsills, delicious and abundant sheep’s milk, yogurt and fresh cheeses, maple syrup and more.

Markets are a great place for trying new things, for both customers and producers.  As Toronto’s market scene grows, farmers and vendors are expanding their offerings to include more meats and cheeses, an exceptional diversity of vegetables, and new prepared foods that bring together local ingredients with Toronto’s international style.  Lucky us!