I am known as the “vegetable girl” on the floor of my dormitory. If you walk past my room, you’ll see an outdated birthday sign filled with pictures of broccoli, celery, and carrots. I gained this reputation because after my trips to the farmers’ markets, I write the “vegetable of the day” on my whiteboard. I do that just incase my floormates feel that they need a veggie fix. I know what you’re thinking…isn’t that a bit much? Maybe it is, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I am by no means a vegetarian. In fact, I tend to complain if I don’t have at least two meals a day that include some sort of meat. I wasn’t always this much of an herbivore, I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and feel just fine afterwards. Every day for two years I would devour two, four, or sometimes six servings of ice cream. So whenever I used to hear people say, “You feel better when you eat better,” I would reply with an exceedingly smart-mouthed, “Yeah right.” But as I have gotten older and stopped growing, I feel the effects of an unbalanced diet.
Since being in college, I have made a conscious effort to eat vegetables as to not get stomachaches and feel sluggish or weighed down. Eating vegetables before devouring a copious portion (not quite six servings!) of Ben & Jerry’s “Everything but The…” first, allows me to prevent that dreadfully heavy feeling. Secondly, it justifies my choice to eat dessert. However cliché it may sound, you truly are what you eat.
With that said, we would all be greasy, bland, and overcooked young adults if all we ate was Market Central or Schenley Café. You know that song by Outkast called “So Fresh, So Clean?” Let’s use that as our dietary motto from now on. (Who ever thought one could get such valuable advice from André 3000 and Big Boi?) Let’s stray away from the nutrient-lacking Market vegetables that have been there for who knows how long, and get some vibrant and wholesome vegetables.
Here are my top suggestions (in no particular order) for fresh produce in Oakland and around the city! Note: make sure to check which markets/shops are seasonal.
1. Market Square: Quite the opposite of Market Central, Market Square boasts stands that sell breads, breads, wines, baked goods, homemade pastas, and prepared ethnic foods. In addition to its attractive location and its farm-fresh foods, Market Square is also a terrific spot for organic and gluten-free products. November 8th is the last day it will be open this year, so make sure you try to go!
Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
23 Market Pl, Market Square
http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/go/market-square-farmers-market
2. Farmers @ Firehouse: This is one of Pittsburgh’s most popular farmers markets, and it is filled with dozens of local farmers and growers. The majority of the meat and produce offerings are certified organic. November 23rd is its last week of 2013 – go out and give it a try.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2216 Penn Ave.
http://farmersatfirehouse.com/
3. Pittsburgh Public Market: Despite its lack of produce, this market is incredible and it’s so easy to spend hours just moseying around. I love the Strip, and this market is equally as charming. The Public Market is an indoor area devoted to cheeses, breads, pastries, wines, beers, woodwork, dairy products, olive oils, Alpaca clothing, Mexican food, and more! The best part is this one is open year round.
Wednesday-Friday, Sundays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2401 Penn Avenue
http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/
4. Groceria Merante: Another Oakland classic, this family business is known for their satisfying hoagies, affordable deli products, and delicious premade and frozen Italian dishes. But that doesn’t mean they don’t offer some of the freshest and locally grown produce in the neighborhood! Seeing as this is how the Merante’s make their living, Groceria is open all year long. It’s located at 3454 Bates St.
5. Oakland Farmers Market: This takes place just footsteps away in Schenley Plaza by the Carnegie Public Library. Despite it’s modest size, this market hosts a considerably diverse array of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Other stands here include an Italian bakery, a gourmet coffee shop, a vegan bakery, as well as miscellaneous local vendors. Unfortunately it is closed between October and May, but make sure to stop by this summer and next fall!
Fridays: 3 – 6 p.m.
Schenley Plaza
http://oaklandfarmersmarket.org/
6. Farmers Market at Phipps Conservatory: Apart from the plethora of gorgeous plants, Phipps is also a great place to purchase fresh produce, breads, honey, flowers, soaps, meats, cheeses, eggs, and perennials. Unfortunately this runs the same months (June through October) as the Oakland Farmers Market.
Wednesdays: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
700 Frank Curto Drive
http://phipps.conservatory.org/exhibits-and-events/featured-event.aspx?eventid=203
7. Farmer’s Market Cooperative of East Liberty: The oldest farmers’ market in all of Southwest Pennsylvania! This indoor market is home to chemical-free meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted gifts, freshly cut flowers, eggs, milk, cheeses, jams, plants, soil, fresh and dried herbs, free used clothing, olive oil, coffee, baked goods, prepared foods, and more! This co-op is thankfully open all year long.
Saturdays: 5 a.m. – 12 p.m.
344 North Sheridan Avenue
www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com
8. Citiparks Farmers Markets: Take advantage of what the city of Pittsburgh has to offer through Pittsburgh’s Department of Parks and Recreation (Citiparks) and their farmers markets. They conveniently offer one for every day of the week in all different neighborhoods! Along with produce, flowers, gardening items, gifts, cheeses, meats, and baked goods are also offered.
Beechview: Thursday: 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. (closed for season)
St. Catherine of Siena parking lot, Broadway Ave. & Belasco St.
Bloomfield: Thursday: 3:30-7:30 p.m. (open year round)
St. Maria Goretti School parking lot, Cedarville St. & Friendship Ave.
Carrick: Wednesday: 3:30-7:30 p.m. (open until November 27)
Carrick Shopping Center, Brownsville Rd. & Parkfield St.
Downtown: Friday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (open until November 8)
City County Building, Grant St.
East Liberty: Monday: 3:30-7:30 p.m. (year round)
Penn Circle West
North Side: Friday: 3:30-7:30 pm (year round)
Allegheny Commons Park, East Commons, East Ohio St. and Cedar Ave.
Who said you can’t get farm fresh food in the middle of the city? And better yet, during the winter months! Even if you’re not veggie-obsessed like me, having locally grown and colorful produce might make them much more appealing. If you don’t go for the produce, these markets are still a great way to explore the assortment of Pittsburgh neighborhoods as well as a way to try all sorts of treats!