Finding Natural, Local Foods in Northwest Florida

Few things taste better than a juicy, red tomato fresh off the vine, or a sweet, red strawberry picked at its peak. Here in Northwest Florida, we're lucky not only to have a growing season that lasts nearly year-round, but a variety of great local markets where you can find food that's truly farm- (or backyard-) fresh.

My favorite spots for fresh-picked, locally grown produce include:

Ever'man Natural Foods. This well-established and popular food co-operative at 315 W. Garden Street in Pensacola offers some seasonal, locally grown produce in addition to a variety of organic fruits, vegetables and salads. The store also features a small deli; bulk dry beans, pastas, soup mixes, grains, spices and snacks; a wide selection of natural and organic soups, breads, milk, cheeses, meats, beer and wine; natural vitamins and supplements; health books and magazines; and even natural pet foods and household cleansers. Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Ever'man also hosts a variety of heatlh-education, support group and wellness programs each month, including classes on herb gardening and gluten-free living.

Bailey's Farmers' Market at 4301 N. Davis Highway in Pensacola. Here, you'll find locally grown produce at great prices. Besides a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, Bailey's offers bruised and overripe fruit and vegetable bargains, a deli serving Boar's Head meats and cheeses, and a garden section with everything from small pots of herbs to large, ready-to-plant palm trees.

The Flea Market of Gulf Breeze. This open-air flea market across the street from the Zoo of Northwest Florida features a real potpourri of items: die-cast cars, clothing, pet turtles, garden plants, jewelry, leather goods, Avon products and more. For locavores, though, the number-one stop is the produce section at the market's main entrance. Here, you'll find locally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts and other foods. Remember to visit on the weekend: the flea market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The soundside farmer in Navarre. Tucked into a woodsy area just south of Highway 98 (the main east-west thoroughfare in this part of the Panhandle) and just west of the Navarre Beach Bridge, this little farm patch produces awesome and juicy red tomatoes, along with firm green tomatoes for frying, seasonal greens, watermelon, fig trees and even birdhouses. The farm's hours are erratic, depending on the weather and the season, so watch for the roadside sign indicating when the farmer is in.

Sunset Produce. Don't be deceived by the small size of the building: this little market at 1950 W. Highway 98 in Mary Esther has plenty to offer. You'll find, depending on the season, juicy, sweet honeybells; bright, red tomatoes; ripe and fragrant peaches; pecans in the shell; pumpkins; onions; sweet potatoes and more. The store also sells Amish cheese and butter, fresh eggs and locally made preserves, chutneys and fruit breads. The market closes for about one month in the late fall, but is otherwise open daily.