7 Dallas-Area Farmers Markets for Fresh Produce | Education Resources

The Best Dallas Markets for Sourcing Good-for-You Produce

Eating well is essential to great health, especially for those affected by cancer. Here’s where to head in North Texas for fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

We know a well-balanced diet rich in spectrum-spanning fresh produce is a critical component of good health. But for patients currently in cancer treatment or those in remission – or those seeking to prevent the disease altogether – it’s especially important to stay strong and healthy to manage treatments and optimize resistance.

“There’s no diet that can cure cancer,” says Darienne Hall, a Clinical Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition at Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. “But the same diet that is recommended for cancer prevention is recommended during and after treatment.”

To operate at peak performance, Hall points to a more plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet centered on lean proteins, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, and, of course, the most colorful varieties of fruits and vegetables you can find.

Hall notes another benefit of this diet – it can promote a healthy body weight, which is a key factor in reducing cancer risk. Being overweight or obese is the second-highest risk factor for developing cancer, after smoking.

While researchers haven’t teased out all the reasons a healthy diet helps fight cancer, we know that it helps stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, prevent DNA damage, repair cells, and block certain substances from becoming carcinogenic, Hall says.

In North Texas, sourcing a variety of healthy, tasty foods is pretty easy. We have a slew of farmers markets at our disposal, making it possible to stock the fridge with everything from certified-organic leeks to homemade guacamole. Here are a few local markets to add to your weekly shopping list.

Coppell Farmers Market

This market insists that produce vendors be based within 150 miles of Coppell, helping to ensure locally grown, seasonal fruits and veggies. You can find certified organic, sustainably grown, and conventionally grown produce as well as artisanal breads and more. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon April through mid-December, and on second and fourth Saturdays January through March.

Dallas Farmers Market

This historic market has grown with the city and offers fresh veggies, naturally raised meats, cheese, eggs, and honey. Situated in the heart of downtown, the market’s Shed functions as an open-air pavilion open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all year. Meanwhile, the market, a 26,000-square-foot space with restaurants, has specialty foods and food vendors open seven days a week.

Fairview Farms Marketplace

At U.S. 75 and Parker Road in Plano, this market is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and offers both seasonal produce and artisanal goods such as Talavera pottery and art forged from iron.

Farmers Market of Grapevine

This family-run market on Main Street brings fresh produce from area farms as well as plenty of local products, including bread, honey, homemade guacamole, olive oil, candles, and more. It’s open daily year-round.

Frisco Rotary Farmers Market

Expect fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, preserves, fresh flowers, soap, and more. Coffee, breakfast tacos, and entertainment add to the shopping experience. The market is open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, April through October. (Check the website for specific dates.)

Lola’s Local Market

Lola’s sells fresh fruits and vegetables, jarred goods, and firewood in Melissa.

McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square

Deemed one of the best in the state (along with the Coppell and Dallas markets), this market offers plenty of produce as well as local, grass-fed beef and free-range chickens, tamales, jerky, and more. Check out the arts-and-crafts vendors and free demos in the garden too. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, April through November. (Check the website for dates.)

Eat more than your veggies! Discover delicious foods that can reduce your cancer risk.