Trying to find delicious organic fruit without breaking the bank at stores? Look no further than Nashville’s Farmer’s Market.
Whether you go on Tuesday’s to Sevier Park on 12th South, the Vanderbilt market on Thursdays or the market on Rosa Parks that is open daily, it is guaranteed that you will find what you are looking for whether it’s fresh honey, fresh peaches or even organic pasta from Alfresco.
Yes, that is correct. They do in fact sale organic pasta at the farmer’s market.
The company, Alfresco, can be found at every farmer’s market location. Their specialty is the fresh and local pasta that requires no preparation other than storing it in a freezer. It’s simple to cook, too. You just throw it in some hot water, wait about eight minutes and you have yourself some freshly cooked pasta. Alfresco also sells their signature sauces to compliment their pastas. It’s all quite affordable, too. A bag of ravioli which serves two people is only six dollars.
For fruit and vegetable side of things, look no further than Delvin Farms.
In business since 1972, the family operated organic farm offers market-goers a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. With displays of cucumbers, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, blackberries, strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, potatoes and everything else you can think of, Delvin Farms is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a fresh home-cooked meal.
The Delvin family is not only selling organic fruit, but their farm is also certified organic. Delvin Farms marketing director Amy Delvin says that means taking the extra step to insure your crop.
We don’t use any pesticides or herbicides,” said Delvin. “By doing that and having our irrigation water tested, we know exactly what goes into our crop. The customers also know that their food is 100 percent real, too.”
Each year, Delvin Farms goes through a rigorous inspection process done by the state. Once the test is passed, the farm is then certified.
Instead of using pesticides and other chemicals, the Delvin family uses special insects to fight off the pests that are harmful to their crop. The insects, affectionately called beneficial insects, eat the aphids that would eat through the tomato plants.
“We grow a lot of sunflowers to invite the beneficial insects in that will eventually eat the aphids,” Delvin said. “We also use ladybugs to eat the aphids that would destroy our plants.”
Delvin Farms does use one insecticidal spray, though. Do not worry, though, it is also organic.
Not only can one buy insanely fresh fruit, but at these markets you can eat a grilled cheese from one of the city’s food trucks, The Grilled Cheeserie, drink a glass of fresh basil lemonade from Primm Springs and even get a massage.
Things in season for July are Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, raspberries, sugar peas, sweet corn, watermelon and so much more. The Tuesday and Thursday markets are open from 3-6 in the evening. For more information be sure to check out the Nashville Farmer’s Market website.