Is it or isn’t it safe to go out to eat amid a global pandemic? Sometimes a great restaurant is worth the risk. Other times, it’s easier to sidestep the question altogether by eating in. But dining at home doesn’t have to be disappointing if you choose quality ingredients. Source a winning meal by hitting up a farmers market rather than a humdrum big-box store. Here’s how to do it most effectively.
What to expect
Fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy sourced from farms in Nevada, California and Utah. The produce is generally high-quality, organic and a labor of love. Additional vendors sell breads, pastries, sauces, honey, crafts, jewelry and more.
What’s in season
Finding foods that didn’t cross a continent to reach your basket is one of the true joys of a farmers market. You’ll get fresh, flavorful produce that was picked at peak ripeness, not bred to best withstand the long journey. The key to being a locavore: eating produce that’s in season. Right now that means stone fruits like peaches and plums; watermelon; cucumber; zucchini; eggplant; summer squash; tomatoes and berries.
Farm boxes
Many farmers markets, like Fresh52 and Intuitive Forager, offer curated food boxes with a variety of seasonal produce. Food boxes offer convenience and are often cheaper than purchasing the items individually.
Pick your own
Most farmers markets are set up like traditional produce sections, but two local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations—Vegas Roots Community Garden and Gilcrease Orchard—offer a unique take on farm fresh. Instead of browsing store aisles, shoppers pick produce themselves off trees and other plants.
Where to shop
Country Fresh Farmers Market
• Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., Thursdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fresh 52 Farmers’ & Artisan Market
• Inspirada, 2000 Via Firenze, second and fourth Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sansone Park Place, 9480 S. Eastern Ave., Sundays 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gilcrease Orchard
• 7800 N. Tenaya Way, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 7-10 a.m.
Intuitive Forager Farmers Market
• 300 N. Casino Center Blvd.,
Fridays & Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Las Vegas Farmers Market
• Bruce Trent Park, 1600 N. Rampart Blvd., Wednesdays, 2-8 p.m.
• Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Saturdays
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Floyd Lamb Park, 9100 Tule Springs Road, third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Galleria at Sunset (inside ground level near Dillard’s), 1300 W. Sunset Road, Fridays 2-7 p.m.
• Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway, Fridays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Sundays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Water Street, 240 S. Water St., Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Skye Canyon, 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Drive, Thursdays, 2-8 p.m.
Vegas Roots Community Garden
• 715 N. Tonopah Drive, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
