CUISINE
Eckert's Family Farm Markets
Eating Up Summer
By Suzanne Corbett
L
ocavores, rejoice! Farmers' markets are overflowing with
what you crave - homegrown produce, locally produced
foods and social interaction.
Farmers' markets are prime locations for selfies and
Instagram posting, while one fills baskets and bags with
the pick of the crop and connects with friends. It’s a shopping tradition
- minus the selfies and Instagrams – that civilizations have embraced
since recorded history.
No surprise to this history foodie, considering how markets
have always provided a gathering place to shop and socialize, which
locally speaking, includes everything from St. Louis’ earliest colonial
community marketplaces to 20th century malls. Of course, times
have changed, and malls and mega-supermarkets have faded. Yet
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GAZELLE STL
through their decline, gathering around community farmers' markets
has survived. Thanks to the farm-to-table movement, weekly pop-up
farmers' markets continue to expand, defining a community’s culture
and local flavors beyond the seasonal tomato crop - markets that offer
opportunities to explore and enjoy the area through farm vendors,
organized activities, entertainment, and of course, their food specialties.
Farmers' markets are now at their peak. Nearly 20 assorted farmers'
markets and farm stands dot the landscape across the metropolitan
area. Chances are, there’s a pop-up market in your neck of the woods.
Check the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s AgriMissouri
program (agrimissouri.com) for a complete list of farmers' markets and
farmsteads.
Or check out one or more of my favorite community farmers'