To Market to Market…

Let’s enjoy a cup of coffee together this morning talking about Farmer’s Markets…all around the world.  What’s the largest outdoor market you have ever been to?  Does it compare to any of these?  Do you stop and enjoy wandering through Farmer’s Markets when you come across one? My wife and I lived in Paris for a year, many years ago…and our apartment was around the corner of a local, weekly market.  We have shopped many markets in France…loved them all.

I have personally experienced a few very memorable markets that include the world famous fish market in Tokyo (Tsukiji Fish Market), the largest fish and seafood market in the world. The Chichicastenango Market is an enormous open-air market in Guatemala where the streets overflow with highland fruits, like mamey sapote, jacote, and granadia fruit. I remember the incense pouring from in front of the local church steps. For me after Chichi, an all time memorable favorite has to be Otavalo in Ecuador up on the equator. Otavalo is one of the most colorful markets and largest that any visitor will find.

The UK has several fine markets. Paris has it’s share of fascinating open air markets generally twice a week.  The top markets in Paris include several that we have wandered through. There are however three areas where there is a daily market where the locals can shop for fresh produce. Having spent a year in Paris one that remains in my mind is called the “Mouff” or Mouffetard Street Market.

Senior Citizens Enjoy Farmer’s Markets

I plan to take in the Hilo Farmer’s Market, an indoor market on Hawaii’s Big Island. This market sells the world’s best selection of Hawaiian produce, from passion fruits to mangosteens to aquacultured seaweed. My wife and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on the Big Island and we plan to enjoy some of that high quality Hawaiian produce.

Travel & Leisure rates 12 of America’s Best Farmer’s Markets. Have you happened across any in America during your travels?  AskMen has their Top 10 with photos and a short description of each. US News lists eleven of  America’s best Farmer’s Markets, starting with the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market in San Francisco.

As you can see, there can be no consensus on the very best. You choose and I encourage you to stop whenever you find a Farmer’s Market and enjoy the local and fresh produce.  jeb