Midtown Farmers' Market: Fresh & Friendly

Peaches glow in the sun at the Midtown Farmers’ Market in the University City Loop

It’s the Growing Season

I recently made an early morning run to the farmers’ market for some pink tomatoes, an item my gardening friends and family have found hard to keep me supplied with this season. But no matter. It’s August now and local outdoor markets are in full swing.

One such is the Midtown Farmers’ Market, a.k.a. the U-City Farmers’ Market. On their website, they have a catchy phrase describing their weekly get togethers in the park lot just off Delmar. “Our market is where farmers gather, friends meet and the Fresh Food Festival begins.” Sounds like a fun group.

A Market View

The Lure of Fresh Food

Like the difficulty of eating just one potato chip, it’s hard to go to the market for just one item. I found my pink tomatoes, but also some nice yellow ones. On my way to the car, I was overwhelmed by the aroma and feel of some plump peaches, perfect for that cobbler I’ve been meaning to make.

Then I spied a bag of green beans that would be a perfect mate for the ham hock I had in the freezer. I couldn’t pass up a few organic apples or the large slice of cake from Winslow’s Home, that was just right to share with my weekend guest.

Organic and Local

For those particular about their fresh produce, it’s good to know that Midtown is a growers’ only market. That means the sellers have to raise, or produce, the meat, eggs, honey, breads, cakes, cheeses, herbs, nuts, fruits and vegetables they offer. Even soap, jewelry and art objects are handcrafted. Bonus points to Midtown for having so much organic produce.

What the market lacks in size, it makes up for in convenience and relaxed, friendly shoppers and sellers. Parking is a breeze since the stalls are set up in a large park lot. There are other bonuses, too, such as yoga, live music, and children’s activities.

A Sniff of Yesteryears

Outdoor markets bring back tastes, sights, sounds, smells and even the feel of a bygone era. I’ve spent many a Saturday morning at the Eastern Market with my parents, tagging along as they pinched peaches, sniffed cantaloupes, or haggled over the price of a live chicken. Then, even as now, wise shoppers attempted to put the best and freshest food on the family table. It’s good to know there are conscientious producers and consumers on that same quest today.