By D’Ann Dreiling
Grocery shopping need not be a task, but a great exploration. The local farmer’s markets are open! Make your Saturday morning an adventure. Fresh baked goods, organic fruits and vegetables, pasture fed, chemical free meat and poultry, treats for vegans and exciting crafts are bountiful.
The 107 Market has relocated from Brookdale at 107th and Wornall, to 117th and Holmes in the north parking lot of the Red Bridge United Methodist Church. They welcome you on Saturdays from 9:30 to noon. This Old German Baptist Community from Spickard, Missouri offers delicious cheeses, fresh frozen, pasture grown, chemical free bacon, pork, beef and lamb. Their homemade oat and honey and sour dough bread are made of spelt flour. And if your children and grandchildren are on this adventure with you, beware! You may have to purchase one of the irresistible Cavashon hypoallergenic puppies. Save enough time to pick up some dog food at Sunfresh on your way home.
At 114th and Holmes in the YMCA parking lot, you’ll find freshly harvested fruits, vegetables and flowers when in season from Benedict Builders 80 acre farm, another Old German Baptist Community near Knob Noster, Missouri. Free range eggs and chicken are available as well as breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls and their famous angel food cake. Check out their homemade, chemical free soaps and sanitizers.
You’ll find an old pro at the Everyday Produce Market at 7300 Wornall. Konrad Pfeifauf has been selling fresh produce since 1985, formerly on 103rd Street near the Price Chopper. “When local farmer’s produce is not yet available”, says Pfeifauf, “I personally choose sources to get the best produce available. His shelves are lined with jellies, pickles and relishes from the Amish community in Rich Hill, Missouri. “I actually have a following for their pickled beets,” laughs Pfeifauf. Fresh salsa is delivered daily and lovely hanging flower baskets line his stall. He encourages customers to bring in their pots and he will plant them himself.
The Brookside Farmer’s Market has multiple tents and a wide variety of products. Open every Saturday morning from 8 to 1 pm, there’s something for everyone here. Looking odd among the neatly placed white tents is the Pura Vida K.C. food truck with it’s amazing açaí sorbet. Don’t miss a taste of this! Zen Donkey offers raw, organic, cold pressed juices. MD’s creates bees wax lip balm. Dream Cream has blissful vegan desserts, and Cashew Creamery presents dairy free vegan products. Fresh, fragrant and organic fruits, vegetables and flowers are plentiful at this market.