Prince Edward Island farmers' markets

Like peanut butter and jelly, Prince Edward Island and potatoes just seem to go together. And they do -- there are more than 30 varieties of potatoes growing on the Island, including Yukon Gold, Century Russet, Chieftain and the popular Russet Burbank. At farmers' markets on PEI, you can choose your favourite, straight from the farm, before it's made into French fries and shipped all over the world.

While potatoes may get the highest profile of Island-grown produce, the spud is certainly not all there is to offer. Take your pick of red-soil grown asparagus, shallots, Chinese cabbage, garlic, ginseng, radishes, rhubarb and much more.

Buy some of your groceries at these markets:

Charlottetown Farmers' Market
100 Belvedere Avenue
P.O. Box 2738, Charlottetown
PE, C1A 8C4
Phone: 902-626-3373

Open: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (year-round) and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (July and August)

With more than 60 stalls offering brightly coloured Island produce, handmade crafts and enticing international cuisine, you could happily explore -- and eat -- an entire day away. Thanks to a partnership with the PEI Association for Newcomers, designed to help new immigrants get started in the food industry, the market also boasts African, Indonesian, Thai and Polish cuisine among its many ethnic food stalls -- all are available to take out as well as eat in.

For those looking for more traditional market fare, there are plenty of Island-grown vegetables, including potatoes, leeks and asparagus and meat, ranging from beef to buffalo. Handmade crafts, such as knitwear, stained glass and pottery round out the market's offerings.

Spring Street Farmers' Market

250 Water Street

Summerside, PEI

902-854-2353

Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, you can find the Summerside Farmers' Market inside the Historic Holman Building (at the back entrance of Dominion Square). Stop by early to grab breakfast before you peruse local produce, meats, baking and crafts.

Victoria Farmers' Market

10 Russel Street

Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI

(902) 566-2249

If you're looking for organic food, this market is the place to stop! Stock up on local strawberries, vegetables, herbs, jams, jellies and pickles, then fill up on local seafood and sausage before you head home to cook up your wares.

The Victoria Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kensington Farmers' Market

62 Broadway Street N.

Kensington, PEI

(902) 964-2582

From July to September, you can stop in to this wonderful market, located in the historic rail shed at the Kensington Railyards, and pick up everything from fresh fruits and veggies to fish and meat. Stop in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. any Saturday during the summer and stock up on top-notch local food.

Bloomfield Orchard Farmers' Market

38565 Highway 2

PO Box 8, O'Leary, PEI

Locals can't wait for July 4th to roll around when the Bloomfield Orchard Farmers' Market opens. A group of area farmers gather to share stories and food alike. Each farmer has a speciality, whether it be apples, preserves, cut-to-order pork or fresh fish, so stop in and try them all!

From highway-side stands to multi-stall markets, you can pick up farm-fresh vegetables and fruit across the Island, along with baked goods, preserves and handmade crafts and gifts.

See the entire range of Homemakers.com's Canadian farmer's markets series, mapped out with Bing.com's maps by clicking here.

Once you've finished your market shopping, try some of our favourite farm fresh recipes.

Prince Edward Island farmers' markets