If you’re putting together your Thanksgiving dinner menu, why not celebrate with a local-centric meal by shopping at a San Antonio farmers market? Strengthening the community is important, but that’s not the only reason to buy locally. Did you know local food is also healthier and tastes better? The food sold at farmers markets is harvested only 24 to 48 hours in advance. That means your fruits and vegetables will last longer, taste better and deliver richer nutrients.
“In today’s frenetic, processed, detached and pre-packaged world, eating locally grown and raised foods that you cook at home are the best ways to be healthy, support the local economy, eat seasonally and know where your food comes from,” stated Heather Hunter, co-founder and director of Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market.
Here are three San Antonio farmers markets that you should check out this Thanksgiving.
Shopping at Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market – San Antonio, TX
The week before Thanksgiving, stop on by to pick up fresh produce perfect for the holiday meal. Items in season right now include green beans, beets, onions, pears, pecans, potatoes, pumpkins and so much more! No Thanksgiving meal is complete without these succulent, fresh picks.
What is fall without beautifully colored trees and pumpkin pie? One of this market’s vendors, Kuebena Farms, grows delicious sugar pie pumpkins. Roasted or pureed, they are the perfect side dish to add to your Thanksgiving table.
Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market is located at 255 E. Basse Road, just off Hwy 281. Come shop on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shopping at Pearl Farmers Market – San Antonio, TX
Another San Antonio farmers market is Pearl, located in front of the historic Brewhouse and extending through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway.
With a strong commitment to food excellence, Pearl is host to only the most dedicated farmers. For instance, the husband and wife who own Braune Farms often stay up all Friday night so their produce is as freshly picked as possible when the farmers market opens Saturday morning.
Stop by every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy a selection of locally grown seasonal produce, gourmet nuts, wine, meat products, fresh eggs, pastries, salsa, tamales, candy and much more. My mouth is watering already!
Shopping at Hill Country Farmers Market – San Antonio, TX
Don’t forget Hill Country Farmers Market! With five locations in the Texas Hill Country surrounding San Antonio, you’re sure to find one near you. During your time there, make sure you stop by the Community Events and Outreach table to stay up to date on upcoming markets and news.
Cooking a great Thanksgiving meal can often become a daylong event. Start your morning off on the right foot with locally roasted coffee and sourced teas from Indy Coffee Co. Hours and offerings at each location vary so check out the website for more details.
We’re lucky here in San Antonio, where farmers markets are open year-round. Thanks to the warm climate, you can find locally grown food and other goods any time of year. By frequenting San Antonio farmers markets this Thanksgiving and throughout the year, you can expect to love the food you eat more than ever before. If you would like to learn more about eating right, please contact a dietician today at BMI of Texas.
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