There’s no comparison between the taste and juiciness of a home-grown tomato and a grocery store produce aisle version. Slicing into a tomato from the farmers market means you’ll get that same juicy taste that makes your BLT sandwich or fresh marinara sauce sing.

If you don’t have a green thumb nor have the time to plant and care for a veggie garden, you’re in luck. Fort Bend County has numerous farmers markets to choose from. You’ll find everything is fresher when you shop the farmers market and this is because, in many instances, the produce, fruit, and flowers were harvested hours before being put on the display shelves. The market vendors take pride in bringing you their finest selection—at its peak.

It’s a great feeling to visit regularly for a vast selection of freshly picked fruits, vegetables, flowers, jellies and jams plus a wide selection of other local in-season selections such as bakery items, honey, olive oils, artisanal goods, and soaps. Frequently, you’ll notice the prices are less expensive than shopping your local grocery store.

Before Heading to a Farmers Market

Before sending you off to the farmers market I must share these savings tips with you.

Ordering Ahead

Ask your favorite market vendor if you can order ahead. Your order will be prepared and ready for pick-up. Oftentimes vendors will be happy to load your order into your vehicle. Some vendors may have a website or email list where they feature the weekly specials and can take advance payment online. You may even be able to snag some discounts by placing your orders ahead.

Overripe Savings

Will you be shopping the market for the fruits and vegetables to be used right away? Such as that evening’s dinner? Don’t hesitate to buy overripe produce. The flavor will be at its peak and you may get everything on your ingredient’s list at reduced prices. Tip: If you’re making sauces or jams, you could even ask the market vendor about purchasing the bruised (or ugly) produce. The original sight of the berries won’t impact the flavor of jam. A bruised tomato has little impact when mashing tomatoes for fresh marinara.

Deals for Buying in Bulk

Larger purchases of fruits and produce, which could be shared across multiple family households, could come with a price break. Vendors at the farmers market are often happy to sell the day’s inventory instead of having to pack up what’s left to return it to their farm at the end of the day. Make a list of what to shop for and ask your family and friends about combining their needs with your purchase order.

Possible Extra Savings

Did you know that if you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits you may be eligible to use these benefits at the farmers market? Some vendors may even match what you spend. Ask your favorite market vendors how they handle SNAP benefits.  

Spotlighting Several Local Farmers Markets

Now, that you have some savings tips in your pocket, let’s head to the markets:

Farmers Market Partners Missouri City, 5855 Sienna Springs Way

Open every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. With nearly 60 vendors ranging from fruits and produce to baked goods and confections plus meats, special treats, and essential oils.

Fulshear Farmers Market, 9035 Bois D'Arc Lane, Fulshear

Open every Saturday at 9:00am. Offering a vast array of produce and food products grown or produced within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear. The lineup includes seasonal vegetables and fruit, fresh seafood, artisan breads, a wide variety of meats and poultry, plus eggs and bakery items.

Imperial Farmers Market, 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land

Opens at 9:00am every Saturday. This market features a great selection of fresh produce and handmade artisan crafts.

Pavlock Farms, 210 Huntington Rd., Rosenberg

Opens at 9:00am Monday-Saturday. This family-operated market has been serving the area since 2006. They carry over 50 farm fresh fruits and vegetables plus an excellent line of homemade jarred products.

If you are up to driving into the city, check out some of these options:

Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston

This is one of Texas’ largest farmers markets—supporting over 100 local Houston farmers market vendors. All farmers and producers in the market come from within 180 miles of Houston, offering the freshest, local produce and meats available.

Memorial Villages Farmers Market, Hunters Creek Village at First Congregational Church, 10840 Beinhorn Road

Every Saturday Rain or Shine 9am - 1pm. The goal of the Memorial Villages Farmers Market is to build a quality relationship between farmers, artisans, and the community at large. Features high quality vendors, live music, playground and Children’s activities, pet friendly, guest lectures, food demonstrations, and has ample parking.

I invite you to come out and support local farm families when you choose to shop the farmers markets. You can trust you’re getting something fresh and grown in-season. You’ll love the variety as the offerings change with the changing growing season. Perhaps I can help you find a home minutes from the farmers markets. I’m here to help however I can. Reach out any time.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.