Houston Farmers Markets

We have several Farmer Markets right here in the middle of the city, which bring in local organic produce every Saturday. Bring your backpack to carry what you purchase, and let's shop the markets on our bikes!

   

  We meet and then take an easy tour of 3 to 5 markets around the city. We use side streets, trails and residential roads for this 8 to 12 mile ride.

    Not only will you learn the markets and get some exercise, you’ll see beautiful areas you never knew existed in Houston and take home a bounty of beautiful produce, breads, sauces and jams!

-Upcoming BCO Farmers Market Bike Rides-

All Rides start at the Houston Farmer's Market in the Rice University Stadium at Greenbriar between University Blvd and Rice Blvd. More information can be obtained from following the links in the dates below.

September 11, 2010 at 8:00 am

October 2, 2010 at 8:00 am

December 11, 2010 at 8:00 am

More Market Rides to be posted soon!

Houston's Organic Farmers Markets:

	Houston’s Farmers Market www.houstonfarmersmarket.org Saturday Market - 9am to 1pm Tuesday Market - 3:30pm to 6:30pm Location: University Blvd & Greenbriar - south side of Rice Stadium, entrance #9, off of University Blvd www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html
			Clear Lake Shores Farmer's Market Website 1st & 3rd Saturdays: 8:00am - 12:00 pm Location: at FM 2094 & Clear Lake Road
	!!NEW!! Discovery Green Farmer's Market!! NEW!! Website Sundays- 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Check the calendar - this may change) Location: at the new Discovery Green Park downtown (across from the GRB)
			Midtown Farmers Market Website Saturdays - 8am until Noon Location: at Monica Pope's t'afia, 3701 Travis Street
	Bayou City Farmers Market Website Saturday Market - 8am-noon Location: 3000 Richmond St. - just north of the intersection of Richmond and Eastside, behind office building. (Eastside has a stoplight and it's in between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway)
			Central City Co-Op Website Every Wednesday Location: Grace Lutheran Church at 2515 Waugh St.
	Katy Farmers Market at LaCenterra Website Every Saturday 8 am to 12 pm Location: La Centerra ~ Heritage Square 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy
			Bay-Fest Farmers Market Website Saturdays (except holiday weekends) 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm Location: Hardesty Avenue & 5th Street in Old Seabrook
	Fresh Foods Market at Armand Bayou Nature Center Website Alternating Saturdays from 11:00am-2:00pm Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, Texas
			Highland Village Farmer's Market Every Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm Location: 4055 Westheimer Rd; Houston TX Website

 Clear as mud: the organic truth
by Michelle Smith and Natalie Davis

 Lots of folks, hoping to enjoy the benefits of higher-quality, higher-nutrition foods, make the choice to go organic. More than 60 percent of Americans - nearly twice the number in 2004 - purchased organic food products last year, and organic foods are among the fastest-growing segments of the food industry. We've all been told we should buy organic. But how many of us really know why?

 
What does organic really mean?

Organic food is not just about a product; it is a philosophy in which the process of production is as important as the final result.

Organic growers rightly believe that a farm is a diverse ecosystem, that soil is a living organism to be nurtured and that farming practices need to be concerned about the long-term health of workers, consumers, the surrounding water supply and the animals living within the habitat.

Why should you eat organic?

Not only is organic food proven to be healthier, with higher levels of vitamin C, iron and calcium, it also tastes better. Because those carrots aren't forced to grow quickly in time for the Sunday dinner rush, they can develop a depth of flavour not found elsewhere.

The lower water content (non-organic foods change structure through the use of agro-chemicals and retain 26 per cent more water) not only contributes to that flavour but may also mean that, pound for pound, organic food is really the more economical option.

And it's good news for those of us striving to be 'green'. The organic farming method produces less waste, and therefore less carbon dioxide into the environment. It also goes hand in hand with a higher standard of animal care and supports farmyard wildlife.

Is this just a way to charge more for a bit of dirt on my carrots?

Number one on any naysayer's list is the price of organic food. Studies show that your organic basket could cost up to 63 per cent more. And don't expect to buy exotic favourites all year round. Even if you can get your hands on an elusive boysenberry, chances are it will have clocked up thousands of air miles to get here.

Just take a look at the long lines you're likely to find in your local natural-foods market: It still amazes me to see just how many people willingly shell out top dollar for some sort of nebulous guarantee that we're buying better health for ourselves and our families. Are we making a smart choice?

A new study of US Department of Agriculture data conducted by Washington, DC-based Environmental Working Group that says particular fruits and vegetables contain substantially lower amounts of the pesticides and contaminants routinely found in conventionally produced items. Fewer chemicals equals lower health risks, making these purchases smart ones. 

If you think the organic thing is for you, want to check out all the rave, or just want to bike around in Houston, come with us as we shop the local farmers markets on our bikes!

RSVP on our calendar