Barrhaven Foodies rejoice! Fresh local vegetables are now available at local markets

It’s been a great growing season for local farmers and Barrhaven retailers are beginning to source fresh veggies and fruits from local growers. Whether you’re heading out to your favorite restaurant or roasting some local greens on the BBQ, the next few months brings the promise of tasty fresh  produce.

Here are a few places where you can source some great locally grown greens.

North Gower Farmer’s Market

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Maybe my expectations were too high. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the North Gower farmers market and was looking forward to visiting it for the first time. I must admit I have mixed feelings about recommending a trip to this farmers market. On the one hand it’s a beautiful country market with great food and lots of arts and crafts for sale. Unfortunately the price of the produce at this Farmers market are higher than what you’ll find at your local grocery store. This might be because many of the products on offer are of the organic variety.

The vendors at the North Gower farmers market are evenly split between those selling arts and crafts and those selling food and produce. If you’re seeking unique crafts or organically grown greens, this might be worth the 15 minute drive from Barrhaven. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re hungry and looking to sample some fresh local food. I highly recommend trying one of Frank’s butter tarts while you’re there – they are positively sinful!

This market is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is a popular North Gower landmark, therefore they must be doing something right. But I can’t shake the feeling that this destination would be even more attractive to Barrhaven residents if it featured more produce vendors with better price points.

The Ottawa Parkdale Market

This is my favorite Ottawa area market and it’s also a 15 minute drive from Barrhaven. This is a true farmers market in every sense of the word. Lots of fresh locally grown produce at incredible prices. They also feature a very nice selection of plants and hanging baskets in the spring.

As a bonus, they’re located in the heart of Westboro, which means you can combine your excursion with some shopping and dining on Wellington and Richmond roads. Nothing beats Absinthe Restaurant for lunch and strolling the many eclectic Westboro shops. To pair your greens with some quality meats, make sure to drop by the Saslove butcher shop. I particularly enjoy their Chipotle beef brochettes!

Ross’ Independent in Barrhaven

Barrhaven may lack a true farmer’s market, but leave it to Ross’s Independent to try and fill the void. And when Ken Ross takes on a project, he really pours his heart into it. Note the vintage tractor and barn wood decor that now graces their front entrance. Gotta hand it to them, they know how to market their store.

So is there any substance behind this fancy country decor? Well as it turns out, yes there is. In fact, quite a bit. You only have to take a few steps into the store to realize that the staff at Ross’s Independent have sourced lots of local greens and berries, and are selling them at amazing prices. And if you need to pair them with some nice pasta or meats, look no further than their deli department which features some really good prepared meals (most of which are cooked fresh right in the store!).

So now it’s your turn? Where do you turn to for fresh greens in Barrhaven. Let us know in the comments section.