Contrary to its name, Animal Farm isn't quite an animal farm. They do have two sizable chicken…read morecoups, a horse, a pony, pigs, some dogs and a few other small animals on the property, but those are mostly for cultivating purposes. Animal Farm is actually a 70+-acre property complete with a permaculture center, yoga center, extensive certified organic garden of arugula, tomatoes, legumes, summer squash, sunchokes, sweet peppers, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips and other foods that you'll find at local (including Houston) farmers markets and on the menus at several Houston and Austin restaurants - Local Foods, Haven and Sorrel Bistro, just to name a few. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to check out Animal Farm for a tour and a seven-course farm dinner hosted along with Roots Bistro, 13 Celsius, and a few other local participants. It was a unique and educational experience in which we learned about the 20-year history of Animal Farm and its permaculture techniques directly from founders (and former Houstonians) Guita Van Woerden and husband Cas. Not only do I looked forward to attending another Animal Farm dinners (about $120 per person), but on my next visit to an Urban Harvest farmers market, I'll head straight to their booth to purchase some freshly harvested and delicious arugula and sunchokes.

Initially, I discovered Animal Farm through Urban Harvest Farmers Market (Eastside). They are…read morecertified organic and the only farm in the area that seem to be. They use permaculture principles as part of their farming practices. I admire them for what they do. Frankly, when I start my farm, I would love to utilize their techniques. I've visited the farm twice for farm-to-table dinners last year. The owners are lovely and laid-back. Both times I went, Gita offered a tour and provided a brief overview of how Animal Farm started. It was her idea and she is truly an inspiration. She had no agricultural background at all. The property is about 70 acres and only 20 acres is being used. I believe they live off the grid by using solar power. They offer a CSA program. They grow herbs and all sorts of vegetables and fruits. And also a huge variety of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!!! I have been buying produce from them every single time I go to Urban Harvest. Some of the vegetables are: jerusalem artichokes, cauliflower (in different colors), rainbow carrots, green onions, broccoli, arugula, romaine lettuce, beets, turnips, different radishes, bell peppers (all colors), shishito peppers, tuscano kale, dragon tongue beans, cucumbers, eggplants, all sorts of squash, etc. Some fruits: blackberries, jujubes, mulberries, a variety of tomatoes, persimmons, fijoas. I highly recommend you visit their farm in Cat Spring and check out their farm-to-table dinners. Follow them on facebook to see upcoming events. Also, you can pay them a visit at Rice University Farmers Market (every Tuesday) or Urban Harvest Eastside (every Saturday).

Bouldin Food Forest is a sustainably grown, chemical-free produce provider out of Rogers, Texas a…read morebit northeast of Austin. They farm with a conscious focus on the health of the soil and in prudent use of natural resources in their biome. The result is an attractive and nutritious bounty of produce. While their primary focus is on green, leafy items, depending on the season, they will surprise you with interesting and delicious fare such as purple carrots. I would encourage you to visit their Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/bouldinfoodforest/) to see a colorful smorgasbord of their many offerings throughout the year What I like the best about Bouldin is the fresh-from-the-field nature of their produce. For quite a while, I'd been stuck on Organic Girl products from various healthy grocers because I found them to be, well, clean. During COVID-19, i ran into several challenges with my approach because the curbside shoppers aren't always conscious that you can't eat a whole bin of spinach with one day of shelf-life remaining. Furthermore, hydroponics doesn't always offer the best in flavor, and the cross country trip mass-market produce makes takes a toll on quality and perishability. You can taste the difference in crisp and flavor. Plus, I've often gotten 2-3 weeks from some of their greens. The great news is you don't have to drive to Rogers to take advantage of their wholesome goodness. They are a regular featured supplier to both Austin Wheatsville stores and a permanent fixture at the Texas Farmer's Market at Mueller on Sundays. I will warn that they bring a lot, but they also sell-through fast, so best get there early when they open if you don't want to miss out. And, if you go to the farmer's market, say hi to Ben, the owner. Yes, he runs his own stand. He's that involved and he cares that much.

An adorable lil street market. The Amish bread is delicious and completely grandchildren approved…read more I bought 5 loaves and ate none by the time 11 mouths devoured it!! Lots of people selling plants and other goods!! Love it!!!

A relaxed farmers market experience which is not too big! Meet and visit with a true variety of…read moreartists,in the realms of culinary, visual and agricultural. People watching at its finest in an always Family Friendly environment. Locally roasted coffee, honey from local hives, herbs and sauces are but o few of the items your kitchen might be craving. Perhaps your sore muscles need a soothing natural rub or a bit of skin irritation needs a salve from centuries old recipes, soaps and bath salts have been noticed as well! Is it time for a new coffee table book suitable for display or to share with toddlers?? You will love what you will discover here and maybe you will find some new jewelry or home decor items as well! Baked goods and veggies beg to go home with you or as a gift for a special someone!!! A nearby playground in the Shade and live music make this a fun outing for everyone!

If you haven't made it over to the Royal Tomato yet, wait no longer. Locally grown organic…read moreproduce, an impressive international foods selection, and great prepared meals that rotate daily. Not to mention a fine variety of everything else, from cleaning supplies, to local meats, to spices, to, what's this, apricot paste? Fantastic. I was so delighted to find out about this place, and sorry it took so long to discover it. That said, in the midst of this pandemic, after months of sitting outside the chaos of the Bastrop HEB for its mediocre curbside offerings, this experience was like a vacation! We picked up lots of produce, but also tried the prepared meals. My husband had the Korean pulled pork with kimchi, which was fantastic, and I had the ravioli with pesto, pine nuts, and fresh local tomatoes. I'm not the biggest fan of pasta in general, but this was so very good. I can't wait for another, before tomato season is through. Thank you, Royal Tomato! The weight of this year's day to day got a little lighter.

I love royal tomato. I've always wanted a little farmers market in Smithville. The owner is very…read morenice and helpful. She constantly keeps an assortment of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and different pantry items. I love the oyster mushroom she gets. Those are fantastic.

I have shopped there for over 25 years and always got very good fruit and vegetables and water…read moremelons also fresh canned food.

5 stars! Absolutely love this little gem! Di Iorio Farms has…read moresome of the freshest produce around--everything is vibrant and clearly cared for. The tomato plants I got were healthy and already thriving within a week! You can tell it's a true local operation with heart. Friendly folks, great prices, and an unbeatable seasonal selection. Perfect stop for anyone who loves farm-fresh goodness and unique finds. Highly recommend!

Hardies has done it again! They now deliver to my house for free with no minimum delivery! They're…read morecheaper than Farmhouse Delivery, Farm to Table ATX, and Imperfect Produce. If you have any scheduling concerns, you can give them a call and they will give you an ETA accurate within ten minutes! If you'll be out of the house, you can reschedule for another day. Unlike other delivery services, they will make sure you're home and not leave your frozen meat at the door unattended. I will be canceling all other delivery subscriptions and switching to Hardies. You can even tip your driver in cash if you wish.

Hardie's Direct curbside pickup service has been an AWESOME alternative to HEB online ordering or…read morestanding in line at grocery stores. All you have to do is submit & pay your order online at least 1 day ahead, then select your pickup time (8AM - 3PM (Mon-Sat)). When it's time to go get your groceries, you drive up to the warehouse, give them your order number, then pop open the trunk. They will wheel your groceries out and put them directly into the car trunk for you. We have ordered from Hardie's a couple times so far, and the produce has consistently been good quality (a few bruised items here and there, but nothing major). Since we are only ordering for 2 people, some of the bulk perishable items are not really an option for us. But this would be an even better deal for families or homes with multiple roommates! Driving Tip: Hardie's provides some directions and instructs customers to look for the orange cones. In addition to that, we've noticed you can enter the business park from Burnet or Metric. Both sides work, but Hardie's is a little easier to find if you enter from Metric.

All I can say is woah! This place is no joke! There's so many vendors, almost over whelming but in…read morea good way. Really didn't know what I was going to be walking into but for anyone going to check it out it's lots of produce, Mexican products, and additional pop up vendors in the back with an assortment of other small business type hobby vendors. Everyone was pretty friendly, for that many booths and stuff it felt clean. I would love to come back now that I know what specifically I'd be looking for in mind. I'd rather shop here for produce items versus the grocery store.

Not a very diverse experience in the market produce area. I came here to get some soursop, which…read moreno one had. This is mainly a Hispanic and Asian place with vendors who chose to speak Spanish to other Spanish speaking customers and ignore us English speakers. So we left to get tamales. We decided to have lunch at the Original Tamale joint and the food was absolutely delicious. The service was also great and the food options were plentiful. There's also a little sauce bar to have with your food on site. No lids for the sauce cups provided at the bar. There's plenty of outdoor and indoor seating with music playing to add to the atmosphere's enjoyment. I got quesadillas, tacos and tamales...all were great!

Excellent place to buy fresh garden vegetables! It is run by a wonderful friendly family, each…read morewilling to give the best service!

Nice people. Worth the dusty road drive. I bought purple…read morehulls and couldn't be happier with their fresh produce.

You walk in and are greeted with a smile. I've bought custom cut pork chops, filets and always so…read moreincredibly good. One of the few places I've found picanha too. All kinds of options from lamb to sausage and more. Everyone is amazingly nice and helpful.

Will be going to get meat from here every time I am in the area. Great people and quality meatsread more