Farmers Market in McAllen, Tx

Our mission was to checkout farmers markets in our area. Even though we live in an agricultural area, most of the farming is done conventionally. Only a handful of farmers are growing organically or sustainably. Those farmers bring their fare to Fireman's Park every Saturday to the Grow'n Growers Market for those of us who hunger for that rare variety of caffots or freshly picked herbs. Many of the booths are run by hobby farmers (those who farm less than ten acres) and backyard gardeners, which make the market's offering that much more interesting. 

We started at the Fireman's Park, but ended up stopping by the other farmers market in front of the McAllen Public Library to say hi to our friend, Paul Bowers. He makes a delicious Prickly Pear Jelly. I bought a few as gifts for friends who live in California and New York. The jelly is a lovely amethyst color when you spread it over toast. I would like to see the farmers markets in the Rio Grande Valley grow to include more artisan crafts and items like Paul Bowers' preserves. 

We picked up some beautiful rainbow carrots and cherry tomatoes. The rainbow carrots were Eunice's favorite and were sold to us by a boy Daniel's age. It's almost a shame to use these carrots in a dish because they are so delicious.