Newfoundland and Labrador farmer's markets

You'll find a wonderful blend of history, culture and agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador cuisine. Traditional dishes showcase the island's Irish, Scottish, Aboriginal, English and French ancestry with ingredients that thrive in the province's rocky terrain.

Farmer's markets flourish across the island, from an open-air multi-stall market in St. John's to smaller one-farm stands in rural communities. You can find provincial treats such as partridgeberry syrup and wild bakeapple preserves alongside wares from local artisans and bakers. Fresh produce is widely available across the island but, in true laid-back Newfoundland fashion, it's rarely advertised.

Seafood and fish -- especially cod -- are big here and root vegetables, such as potatoes, turnip, cabbage, carrots and beets, are staples. You'll find moose meat on many menus, prepared in various ways, from fried to stewed. Visitors to the Rock can experience a taste of Newfoundland in dishes like fish and brewis (hard bread), Jigg's dinner (a traditional meat and potatoes dish), moose stew and figgy duff (pudding).

Here are a few farmers' offerings to check out:

Lester's Farm Market
173 Brookfield Rd.
St. John's
Phone: 709-747-3276
Website: www.lestersfarmmarket.com

Open: Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (June to December)

Lester's Farm Market is a great way to make grocery shopping a fun experience for the whole family. In addition to bedding plants and an expanding selection of flowers, you can pick up your vegetables here, along with farm-fresh eggs and lamb from neighbouring farms. Kids will enjoy miniature ponies and goats in the petting barn and the corn maze, while grown-ups can kick back in the dairy bar with an ice cream cone. Be sure to take advantage of the strawberry U-Pick in July and check out Pumpkin Fest in October.

Cormack's Farmer's Market
Viking Trail
Deer Lake, A8A3M2
Phone: 709-635-2319

Open: Daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (June to August)

This Deer Lake market, located in Western Newfoundland, offers fresh produce, including potatoes, carrots and beets, all summer long. Long thought lost to the world of low-fat diets, fresh cream and butter are available here. Pick up vegetables and fresh cream; add some salt beef and you've got the makings for Jigg's Dinner, a Newfoundland favourite. Newfoundland crafts, including handmade quilts and giftware, are also on offer.

Riverbrook Farms Country Market
325 O'Connell Drive,
Corner Brook, A2H 7V3
Phone: 709-639-3276

Open: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, Monday to Saturday; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays (June to December)

Riverbrook Farms is one of the largest vegetable farms on the West Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and is one of several farms the province supports as part of an initiative to deliver fresh produce to customers.

The market bears the fruits -- and vegetables -- of the farmer's labours: squash, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, cabbage and more. Indulge your senses with fragrant fresh-cut flowers and melt-in-your-mouth homemade fudge. The Gillams, Riverbrook Farms owners, also import Moo-Moo's ice cream from St. John's.

Visitors, whether your destination is Confusion Bay, Heart's Content or Nick's Nose Cove, keep an eye out for fresh produce. If you drive by a roadside sign or stand, pull over and see what's on offer. You'll likely get to pick up some farm-fresh veggies and experience the famous Newfoundland hospitality from the vendors.

See the entire range of Homemakers.com's Canadian farmer's markets series, mapped out with Microsoft's Live Search Maps by clicking here.

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Newfoundland and Labrador farmer's markets