A day at the farmers market

One of the great things about ISLA Living is having the benefit of year-round farmers markets. These weekly or monthly events are bursting with great, healthy finds for you and your home, and (bonus!) when you buy from independent farmers and producers you are supporting the local economy.

Juicy-juicy watermelon straight from the ISLA's mountains.
Juicy-juicy watermelon straight from the ISLA’s mountains.

Farmers markets used to be the norm a few generations back when it came to shopping for groceries. Most of our grandmothers already stocked up at fancier, air-conditioned supermarkets; and with that, local markets nearly became extinct. However, the recent public awareness of how consuming local produce is not only healthier for us but also for economic growth has brought on a rebirth of the farmers markets.

Millennials are more conscious of what they put into their bodies and more sensitive to responsible consumption. This shift in thought has sparked a new generation of urban farmers and makers that put their creative spin on everyday items, making for interesting new products such as herbal organic homemade soaps and native wood sunglasses.

This week we stopped by the Mercado Urbano, which is held the first Sunday of every month at the Ventana al Mar in Condado. Stopping by to get your weekly fix of luscious, organically grown fruit and vegetables is the #1 reason to get up every weekend and stop by the nearest one. However, my favorite part is getting the chance to discover those new vendors that come up with unusual food combinations, and hip artists creating unique products.

Here is a tour of the latest and greatest at Mercado Urbano…

Viandé revives your grandma's plantain soup (and many other varieties)  and makes it easy to store and have whenever the craving strikes.
Viandé revives your grandma’s plantain soup (and many other varieties) and makes it easy to store and have whenever the craving strikes.
Antojitos de Mangó: These guys know everything about mangoes!  From jams to candy and even butter, they will make just about anything with the tropical fruit.
Antojitos de Mangó: These guys know everything about mangoes!
From jams to candy and even butter, they will make just about anything with the tropical fruit.
Sangría Verberena is made with various native fruits. I had the acerola (Caribbean cherry) and passion fruit - both were delicious!
Sangría Verberena is made with various native fruits. I had the acerola (Caribbean cherry) and passion fruit – both were delicious!
TAI, Natural body scrubs made with sea salts, epson salts, brown sugar, and  fair-trade organic shea butter.
TAI, Natural body scrubs made with sea salts, epson salts, brown sugar, and fair-trade organic shea butter.
Island Basics make naturally scented homemade soaps with aromatherapy effects and essential oils for your skin.
Island Basics make naturally scented homemade soaps with aromatherapy effects and essential oils for your skin.
Harinas de Lares make gluten free flours with native vegetables, such as plantain, bananas, and yucca. I got the sweet potato flour and can't wait to try it!
Harinas de Lares make gluten free flours with native vegetables, such as plantain, bananas, and yucca. I got the sweet potato flour and can’t wait to try it!
A look at Mercado Urbano in Ventana al Mar, Condado
A look at Mercado Urbano in Ventana al Mar, Condado

Leave a comment