Seattle Farmers Market
Over a period of years, the role of the small farmer has become increasingly obscure. The main reason is the presence of the 'middle man' in the merchant consumer agreement. Simply put, the middle man reaps the fruits of the farmer's or manufacturer's labor. Farmers markets date back centuries and are considered one of the oldest forms of trade. They eliminate the middle man and create a scenario where the farmer can directly sell his goods to the consumer. This ensures that the farmer, while making a substantial profit, provides the consumer with his money's worth. These large markets are a safe haven for those farmers to sell their goods to consumers without having to worry about the burden of a middle man. In the city of Seattle there are numerous farmers markets which are frequented by many locals. The prices while cheaper than those at supermarkets (due to the obvious absence of the middle man) also ensure cleaner and fresher products. The Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance recognizes seven farmers markets in Washington. They are the Broadway, Columbia City, Lake City, Magnolia, Phinney, University District and West Seattle.
Open every Sunday from May 10th till December 10th the Broadway Sunday Market is located in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill. This convenient locality is buzzing with activity every Sunday between May to December with the very best of seasonal goods, from fruits, vegetables, poultry, and flowers. Additionally, you would find sea food, honey, jams and preserves, and organic and pasteurized meats. Seattle Farmers MarketFor those living in and around the Capitol Hill area interested in a day of live music and lots of bargain grocery shopping, the Broadway Sunday Market is an unbeatable option.
Seattle's Rainier Valley is home to the Columbia City Farmers Market and features farmers from in and around the area of Washington State. With its inception in 1998, this market is a place where parents can leisurely go about their shopping while their children can occupy themselves in the children's play area. Not only does it provide fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, it also has poultry, pasteurized organic beef, baked goods, jams, sauces, nursery stock, nuts and seafood. Although closed for the season, it has relocated at the Columbia Plaza and will be open on Wednesdays till the 21st of October.
Every Thursday from the beginning of June till mid October the Lake City Farmers Market is the place to be for all grocery needs. For weekday shoppers who favor fresh organic goods, this market's convenient location makes it a favorite for shoppers from other neighborhoods too. With free underground and public parking on the streets adjoining the market, it is convenient for those quick shoppers. Cooking demonstrations, children's play area and live music are but some of the perks of shopping here. Consumers are greeted by an array of the region's best fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, greens, preserves, baked goods, cheese, milk, sea foods, and pasteurized meats.
A visual and aromatic splendor greets consumers at the Magnolia Farmers Market which is a clear favorite amongst shoppers in Seattle. Rows and cartons overflowing with the freshest fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries, this market is open on Saturdays from mid May till the beginning of October. Similar to the other farmers markets this too offers free cooking demonstrations, children's play area, and live music, to keep the throngs of shoppers entertained every step of the way.
Just two years old, the Phinney Farmers Market is relatively new on the circuit. It is home to farmers who bring seasonally ripe produce from Puget Sound and Eastern Washington. The market offers an unbeatable selection of fresh baked goods, seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, jams, preserves, sea food, organic meat, and flowers.
The University District Farmers Market and the West Seattle Farmers Markets are open on Saturdays and Sundays respectively. They offer a wide array of fresh goods at affordable prices and are also 2 of the oldest farmers markets in Seattle.
Although not all products available in supermarkets are available in farmers markets, comparatively speaking, farmers' markets offer the freshest produce at the cheapest price. While the consumer gets value for money, the vendor is assured of his toil's due.
