Carrboro Market: variety w/ international feel

During my Eat Local July challenge, I've gone to a different market every week to see what's available. The Carrboro Farmers' Market, just west of Chapel Hill, NC, will delight anyone looking for a foodie market, while still having enough stalls with more conventional and even old-timey produce and prices to keep your budget from screaming out of control. I got all the wonderful produce you see below for $27.25, including a dozen free-range eggs not pictured.



What makes the Carrboro Farmers' Market stand out?

• Medicinal herbs heaped around a well-worn copy of The Green Pharmacy, with samples of purslane ("high in Omega 3!"). The purslane was delicious. I would have bought a bag, but the vendor had stepped away.


• Indian food: pour yourself a mango lassi at one booth, then stop by Chicken Bridge Bakery for their popular green-garlic naan.


• Huge variety, with good labeling. Want to try unusual varieties of peppers, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, or nearly anything else in season? Having trouble finding local whole-wheat flour, edamame, honey, and cheese too, all at one market? Come to Carrboro.

I indulged in a pint of figs and a piece of the naan that everyone was asking for. This post-market snack cost about $1.50, less than the cost of a cup of designer coffee, more satisfying, and better for you too.