One of the best parts of summer is the abundance of fresh produce that is available. Canada's cold climate might be great for winter sports, but it also means that our seasonal produce is limited during the winter months. Maybe that's why I get so excited when I visit a farmers' market.
On Wednesday I decided to check out the Square One Farmers' Market at Celebration Square in Mississauga. This market has been organized by the Mississauga Central Lions Club since 1975. In that time they have raised over five million dollars through the market, which is regularly given to community organizations such as Big Brother & Big Sisters of Peel.
I love looking at all the beautiful fruits and vegetables. Those bright colours tell me that they're packed with nutrition, and they smell amazing too. Actually, everything smells a thousand times fresher than what I usually find in my local big box grocery store.
One thing to note about farmers' markets is that you usually have to buy in bulk. Many vendors cannot sell you just one apple or two potatoes. If a bushel of eggplants or a big basket of potatoes are too much for you, then you might want to shop with a friend. That way you can split the produce and the cost. Win win!
I bought a basket of strawberries when I visited, and they were perfectly sweet and tangy. The ginormous imported strawberries that I usually buy from the grocery are bland and watery compared to these. There really is something to be said for eating what's in season when you can.
I went late in the day, and some of the vendors had already packed up. Luckily, Jamies Cracked Corn was still operating and I was able to buy some of his yummy kettle corn. I love making popcorn at home, but fresh kettle corn is an experience in itself.
In less than an hour my mom and I had purchased leeks, potatoes, eggplants, strawberries, blueberries, onions, peaches, beets and kettle corn. Not bad! I already ate some of the berries with a splash of cream and some maple syrup (yum!). I think we're going to make soup with the potatoes and leeks, and we will probably roast the eggplants and beets. The peaches are probably best just eaten as is 🙂
If you want to check out the farmers' market at Celebration Square, you can visit on Wednesdays, from July 23 to October 29, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also find the market on Sundays at 3 Robert Speck Parkway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also, there are all kinds of events happening at Mississauga's Celebration Square, including free outdoor yoga classes! To check out the full listing of events and activities, visit mississauga.ca.
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