The Lesser-Known Facts About The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

Over the past several years there seems to be more and more buzz about farmers’ markets.  In spite of growing popularity of farmers’ markets, there are many myths that continue to persist preventing folks from coming out to experience all that a modern day market has to offer. Here in SLO we are fortunate enough to have the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market that began long before the buzz and has stood the test of time.  While some key elements remain unchanged, The Market continues to evolve challenging many of the myths that may have once been true.
There are still many people who assume that shopping at The Market will break the bank opting for grocery stores to save on funds.  There has actually been research done that suggests just the opposite.  Right here at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market you can get a bundle of kale or spinach for one dollar, which is about half of what you would be charged at most grocery stores.  The Market also offers an array of nuts that you can buy in bulk starting at six dollars for a half pound.  Another budget-saver at The Market, you will not find at a grocery store, is being able to check with farmers when you make your purchase to see if they have any greens they are discarding (like beet greens or carrot tops).  As the old saying goes “Someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Lastly, anyone who has been to The Market can also attest to endless samples passed out by our loyal vendors. Depending on your appetite the samples alone may just save you the cost of a meal and it will definitely offer more variety than a pot roast.
Another myth the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market certainly disproves is that you can only find fruits and veggies at markets.  You can find eggs, milk, and cheese, as The Market continues to grow into the side streets, so will this selection.   With the addition of new specialty items the hope is most visitors can check off their entire shopping list while enjoying the atmosphere Downtown.  Another challenge to this myth is the presence of food vendors who are there to share a sampling from their menus.  For the meat lovers out there The Market offers nine different barbecues each week and a variety of fish preparations.  You can also get a sampling of international cuisine from vendors like Oasis, Mama’s Meatballs or Le Ciel Crepe Cafe.  Many chefs rely on local farms for their produce and having the restaurants present with the farmers at The Market really highlights this connection in the community.
It is also believed by some that cooler months lack variety and availability of produce.  Another myth that can be busted by coming out to see what fruits and vegetables actually thrive in the cooler months.  It is not uncommon for farmers at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market to educate shoppers on the seasonally shifting varietals.  Though we all have at least one or two summer produce items that we miss during the cooler months, it is also an opportunity to try something new. Most importantly, you can support the folks who continue to work through the tough weather to bring all of this to you. Hopefully, this has helped to clear up some of the myths that are out there but if you are not convinced, come on out to The Market on any given Thursday night and see for yourself what all the hype is about and Discover Local Flavor.