Tampa Bay Summer Produce Guide
Farmers' markets are gaining popularity for a multitude of reasons. Local produce is often fresher, "greener" in terms of environmental impact and some people even claim that it tastes better. Buying from local, small farmers as opposed to a huge chain grocery store can also give your local economy a shot in the arm. In most cases, farmers' markets often charge less for produce, which means you are getting better quality fruits and vegetables at a cheaper price. Before you hit up your favorite market, pick up some quick tips from Ask a Farmer: Tampa Bay Summer Produce Guide to get the most bang for your buck. Then visit one of these popular Tampa Bay-area farmers' markets for fresh, in-season produce like avocados, melons, corn, dragon fruit, mangoes, raspberries, summer squash and zucchini.
Ybor City Saturday Market
1901 19th St.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-2442
www.ybormarket.comThe Ybor market is all about locally grown produce and locally made products. In addition to fruits and veggies, you can also find sauces, breads, herbs, honey and locally prepared food. When you finish checking off your grocery list, you can also browse jewelry, artwork, bath and body products, candles and cigars — all from local vendors.
1901 19th St.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-2442
www.ybormarket.comThe Ybor market is all about locally grown produce and locally made products. In addition to fruits and veggies, you can also find sauces, breads, herbs, honey and locally prepared food. When you finish checking off your grocery list, you can also browse jewelry, artwork, bath and body products, candles and cigars — all from local vendors.
Hummingbird Gardens
10305 N. Henderson Road
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 264-1643
www.hummingbirdgardens.com
Hummingbird Gardens is located in a convenient location, right in between Carrollwood and Town n' Country. If you're after variety, affordable prices, trying new and exotic flavors, Hummingbird Gardens is the place to go. You will find not only the local and in-season produce, but also various choices like coconut, rambutans, sprouts, kale, organic nuts, Korean pears, pomelos, dragonfruit, and plenty of greens.
10305 N. Henderson Road
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 264-1643
www.hummingbirdgardens.com
Hummingbird Gardens is located in a convenient location, right in between Carrollwood and Town n' Country. If you're after variety, affordable prices, trying new and exotic flavors, Hummingbird Gardens is the place to go. You will find not only the local and in-season produce, but also various choices like coconut, rambutans, sprouts, kale, organic nuts, Korean pears, pomelos, dragonfruit, and plenty of greens.
Natural Farmers Market
4441 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 265-0923If you're serious about going organic, you can find everything you need here. All of the produce is organic as well as some prepared foods. Asian and Latin foods, such as bok choy, miso paste, Spanish olives and Cuban bread, are also on the shelves. You can even pick up some fresh organic eggs and grass-fed beef.
4441 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 265-0923If you're serious about going organic, you can find everything you need here. All of the produce is organic as well as some prepared foods. Asian and Latin foods, such as bok choy, miso paste, Spanish olives and Cuban bread, are also on the shelves. You can even pick up some fresh organic eggs and grass-fed beef.
Related: Best Vegetarian Dishes
Saturday Morning Market
230 1st St. S.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 455-4921
www.saturdaymorningmarket.comThe Saturday Morning Market is considered the "heart of St. Petersburg." Local farmers bring their fresh fruits and veggies, as well as any prepared foods like sauces, salsas and breads, to sell to eager shoppers. There are dozens of other vendors lined up along the streets selling everything from crafts and jewelry to sandwiches and sodas. Live musicians perform every Saturday. It's a shopping experience like no other.
230 1st St. S.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 455-4921
www.saturdaymorningmarket.comThe Saturday Morning Market is considered the "heart of St. Petersburg." Local farmers bring their fresh fruits and veggies, as well as any prepared foods like sauces, salsas and breads, to sell to eager shoppers. There are dozens of other vendors lined up along the streets selling everything from crafts and jewelry to sandwiches and sodas. Live musicians perform every Saturday. It's a shopping experience like no other.
Lin Farmers Market
2801 16th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 821-9999Lin Farmers Market does not have the biggest selection of produce, but the prices are unbeatable. Lemons and limes are five for a dollar, and a pint of grape tomatoes is under $2. Additionally, the shelves are stocked with all of the Asian goods you'll need, such as soy sauce, rice, noodles and tea. If you're not sure what you're looking for, the friendly staff is happy to help.
2801 16th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 821-9999Lin Farmers Market does not have the biggest selection of produce, but the prices are unbeatable. Lemons and limes are five for a dollar, and a pint of grape tomatoes is under $2. Additionally, the shelves are stocked with all of the Asian goods you'll need, such as soy sauce, rice, noodles and tea. If you're not sure what you're looking for, the friendly staff is happy to help.
Amanda Mole has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove. She believes that food provides more than just vital nutrients: it is an irreplaceable part of countless cultural and social activities. As a Tampa Bay resident for the past 21 years, she is well acquainted with the incredibly diverse range of restaurants, bars, and food festivals that the area has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
