As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been visiting farmers markets in the Pittsburgh area recently.  In the coming weeks, I’ll be starting a weekly farmers market feature here in which I’ll review two to three markets, giving the pros and cons of each.  Today’s post features the Bloomfield Citiparks market, the East Liberty Farmers Co-op market, and the Farmers at Phipps market.  For a comprehensive list of area markets, see the recent Post-Gazette article with interactive map.

Bloomfield Citiparks Market: This is a decent sized market located next to the Immaculate Conception School in Bloomfield (Thursdays from 3:30-7:30 pm).  Parking is very limited here (all metered) and I had to park a few blocks away, but the walk was very much worth it!  There are plenty of fruit and veggie vendors, plus a goat cheese/feta cheese/goat milk stand, an organic produce vendor, lots of options for fresh flowers, and a biscotti vendor (plus more that I’m probably forgetting).  If you’re in the mood to munch, there are a few options: a pierogi stand (available hot to eat right away or cold to take home), a Greek-ish stand with gyros and sausages, and an Italian ice vendor.  This is where I got my $4 peaches for my peach cobbler- yum!

East Liberty Farmers Co-op Market: This is an indoor market located next to Home Depot in East Liberty (Saturdays 5am-noon).  Now, when I saw that this market was open at 5 am I gawked.  Do people really shop at 5am on a Saturday??  After visiting it, my conclusion is that they must.  I didn’t get to the market until nearly 11:30 and it was pretty much wiped out.  There also seemed to be lots of empty vendor stalls, as if some had already packed up.  Things seemed to be picked over, too.  So, if you want to visit this market, be sure to do so early in the day!

Farmers at Phipps: This is a relatively small market (about 6 vendors) that takes place Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30 pm on the lawn of Phipps Conservatory.  The emphasis at this market is organic and naturally grown produce and meat.  There is a considerable amount and variety of meat available here (beef, pork, chicken, duck), and I can see myself returning here just to buy meat.

Next week: Oakland Market, East Liberty Citiparks Market, and more!