Tampa Bay Farmers Outlet

I will definitely be back to this farmer's market!!!!! I did notice that the vendor who had a street view were definitely higher than the vendors in the back. The vendors in the back were also less pushy. I really enjoy being able to just look around and not have someone breathing down my neck. I believe the lady that helped me in the back vendor booths name I believe was Samantha was just a joy. Made the whole experience just that much more enjoyable. I didn't haggle prices, I mean really $5 for a case of tomatoes....CASE!!! All of them large and tasty. The whole box. Granted you will have to give some away or can them but wow. Anyone who has been to the grocery store....ever....will be amazed at the prices. I, also, am not sure if these are local farmers or not. I was told that some were, I was also told this place may be open 24/7. Will have to get back to you on that one.

In the peak of summer heat, there are fewer vendors open, fewer selections and very few local items. Today we could not find broccoli or mushrooms, but some great deals on avocados. Most of the available stuff like tomato, cabbage and lettuce are clearly shipped in and wilt in the mid-day sun. This place is best in the winter growing season for Central Florida when strawberries and green veggies are abundant and cheap.

One of my earliest memories is of my Greek Island Mother taking her three young children and her little upright cart and off we would go to the farmer's market just across the railroad tracks from our home in Gary, Indiana in the mid-fifties. It was a somewhat foreign experience for me in which my Mother was perfectly content to navigate. Mother was always smiling her gentle smile while making sure her few dollars would purchase the maximum of fruits and veggies. With the last .25 in her little pouch, she would purchase a bunch of gladiolas to grace our dining room table.So it was with this background that my fiancee introduced me to the world of the Hillsborough Farmer's market. It is always an adventure of discovery to see which produce will stand out that week. I love and look forward to this outing every 2-3 weeks, and the ability to fill our trunk for about $40-50. How fabulous is that!!! Never a fan of the outrageous prices of Publix, et al, this rough -around- the- edges market is well worth the trade off to get fabulous produce at 1960's prices!!! Also, we have been shopping the last months in the Samwa market next door. It is fantastic! The esthetic is Asian-dominated, unlike the outdoor market which is Latin/Hispanic.Samwa has fantastic, restaurant-quality produce, the meat market has weekly specials, such as tenderloin for $6.21/lb, etc., and the quality is excellent. Best broccoli I have ever had in my lifetime for the best prices EVER!!!I would just ask that veggies other that the dominant Asian theme be more available such as arugula, and other Mediterranean greens to round out the offerings. Otherwise, a fabulous resource for Tampa Bay folks!!!