Farmers’ market serves up more than organic veggies

Benyah Andressohn, 9, of Miami, holds peppers to his ears as 'earrings.' Andressohn's mother, Lamoy, has a fresh salad stand at the farmer's market and brings along her children, who have become friendly amongst the vendors. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

Coconut Grove’s Organic Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday — including holidays — from 10 to 7. The Grove’s Farmer’s Market is known for fresh and organic produce, alongside vegetarian and vegan dishes from Glaser Organic Farms.

Local vendors also set up stands next to the giant Glaser tent. But Glaser’s Organic Farms is the face of the market.

Glaser Farms, an organic farm in south Miami-Dade County, produces seasonal fruits and vegetables, like mangoes and avocados. Produce is sold at the Saturday market, along with additional organic produce not grown on the farm.

“We source a lot of our produce from different areas around the country,” 24-year-old Ian Wogan said, straw hat atop his head, “This market provides for people who want to get everything organic.”

Every Saturday Glaser Organic Farm presents the Coconut Grove Organic Farmer's Market from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stan Glaser, who has been working in organic foods for over 30 years, considers the market to beyond a business and rather a way of life. "This is more than a job, it's a passion," Glaser said. "That's the way revolutions happen- one mouthful at a time." Glaser believes that eating an organic raw food diet is essential to healthy living, and follows the diet himself. Tracy Fleming, his significant other, is the head chef and prepares the ready made meals. Together the duo run the market as well as their own farm. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

It is hard to believe Glaser Market is only set up for one day. Coolers full of fresh juices line one side of the space while employees roll vegetable wraps on the other. Pies are displayed and can be purchased by the slice. Pans of hot sides, cold sides and salads line tables. All of it is set up self-serve style.

Items list ingredients, which comes in handy as the dishes are sometimes creative and hard to distinguish. What is most recognizable is the freshness. It’s in the air around the tent.

“You’re not putting any synthetic pesticides into your body; you’re helping to protect our environment, protect our waterways,” Wogan said.

Those with a sweet tooth have a hard time not being tempted by something at the market, whether it’s the homemade ice cream or tropical fruit salad.

While delicious and healthy, Coconut Grove’s Organic Farmer’s market may put a strain on tight budgets.

“I would say the food you put in your body is one of the most important things that you should be spending your money on. If you compare it to a night out on the town, you could easily spend $50 or $60 a night,” Wogan said.

Three-quarters of a pound of Tropical Fruit Salad— featuring papaya, mangoes, strawberries, kiwi and pineapple— costs around $12.

University of Miami senior and vegan Evan Long knows the importance of living healthy.  Long spends about $110 per week on groceries. He doesn’t eat out and says that eating healthy can be done on a budget.

“If I could afford it, I would buy all my produce there,” Long said.

While a bit high for a student’s budget, the Glaser Market is a lovely meeting point. It is a place where exotic, healthy foods and the people who love them come together.

”The fact that people can come together every Saturday and buy fresh produce, I love the farmer’s market idea.” Long said.