The next time you stroll through the produce aisle of your favorite grocery store and cringe at the prices of the so called “fresh” fruits and vegetables, don’t get down about it, just hop back in the car and head over to Canino’s Farmers Market at 2520 Airline. I have been shopping there for over 20 years and I will tell you first hand that they have some of the freshest produce in Houston. The prices are great and the atmosphere is like none other. When you first enter the market you will see all types of fresh pecans, as well as many other types of dried fruits and other preserved items. As you cruise past the fresh fruits  you will notice a great variety of dried peas, rices and beans. Then, you can still select your own eggs, I am talking jumbo brown eggs with a surprise double yolk every once in a while as well as traditional white eggs. Fresh green beans, squash of almost any variety you can imagine,collards and mustard greens and plenty of your favorite salad fixings too. Out behind the original market, you will find many booths with families selling everything from dried chiles to all types of  vegetables and fruits at truly bargain prices. I like to buy my Salsa tomatoes from the Elizondo Produce Co. , they will hand pick the ripest and sweetest Roma tomatoes for your homemade salsa and they also make up custom fruit baskets for personal and corporate customers. While you are wandering around be sure and check out the Flores Spice booths . I have personally been buying my fresh ground comino, ancho powder, cascabel powder, cayenne, oregano, and too many more spices  to even try to mention for over 20 years. If you need an exotic spice, they will probably have it along with many products from Mexico for authentic cooking as well. They have recently opened the Lone Star Culinary store just across the street from the market on Airline and have an awesome store for the home cook as well as the most experienced chef. Next to Lone Star Culinary is El Bolillo Bakery. With traditional Mexican pastries and flour tortillas  made fresh daily, as well as made to order and totally delicious Tres Leches Cake, this is a great destination while in the area.   Be sure and plan a trip  to the Farmers Market , El Bolillo Bakery and Lone Star Culinary soon with the family  to experience some fresh produce , spices, pastries and some International flavor.

Bon Appetit!

Bryan Slaven

Texas Gourmet