The farmers market scene around Dallas Fort Worth has come a long way in the past few years, thanks to an increasing awareness of the value of buying and eating local - making farmers markets an amenity that every city wants, from Dallas to Frisco to McKinney to Fort Worth.

Farmers markets are a beneficial two-way street: Growers get the much-needed income, and buyers get the freshest produce, as well as the opportunity to meet the people who grow their food.

Unlike California, not all fruits and veggies prosper in Texas. No real farmers market in Texas will have tropical fruit like bananas, so if you see a banana, you'll know it's not an authentic market selling Texas-made goods.

But DFW does have a growing number of boutique growers who specialize in niche items like sprouted greens. And unlike areas to the north, our climate is moderate year-round, which allows for more than one growing season, with many farmers growing crops even in February.

Most local markets supplement their produce selection with artisan goods made by local producers, and the cottage industry in Texas is booming. Dallas-Fort Worth has dozens of makers doing jams, pickles, breads, and pastries, expanding the range of foodstuffs you can pick up.

Some feature food trucks and vendors selling espresso and edible treats that can be consumed on-site. It makes a trip to the farmers market a fun excursion that's about more than picking up a pound of tomatoes.

While many shoppers might not think about farmers markets until the beginning of spring, the reality is that some area markets have already begun their 2024 season.

Here are some of the top farmers markets around Dallas-Fort Worth:

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Dallas market is the big kahuna, and it's gone through a transformation in recent years to a true farmers market, selling only products that are grown or raised within Texas or 400 miles of Dallas. That means seasonal produce, eggs, meat, pantry staples, and crafts, found in The Shed every weekend year-round. A broad selection of eateries serving tacos, wine, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and other cuisines make it an entertainment destination.

Good Local Markets
Good Local Markets feature only local farmers from a 150-mile radius of the market. They do not allow resellers or distributors, so the only produce you find is what is grown in North Texas on a seasonal basis. They also include artisans with soaps, jams, and baked goods, made by North Texans. They have two locations: Lakewood Village at 6434 E Mockingbird Ln., which debuted on February 10, and White Rock at 1450 Old Gate Ln. which debuts in March.

McKinney Farmers Market
The historic McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square is consistently ranked as one of the top markets in Texas, thanks to its pioneering authenticity and excellent assortment of high-quality vendors selling produce, bread, coffee, flowers, juices, and food that can be eaten on-site, and they diligently update their vendor list weekly. They're open every Saturday year round: from 8 am-12 pm April-December, and 9 am-12 pm, January-March.

North Richland Hills Farmers Market
North Richland Hills Farmers Market is a hybrid, with produce from local farmers, including Texas signatures such as Pecos cantaloupes, Parker County peaches, and tomatoes from East Texas. But they supplement with produce - apples, oranges, etc - from outside the state. They also sell plants, flowers, pots, and baskets. They're open Monday-Saturday from 8 am-7 pm & Sunday from 9 am-7 pm.

Clearfork Farmers Market / Fort Worth
The Clearfork Farmers Market began in April 2016 and now features more than 25 local farmers, ranchers, and vendors every Saturday, year-round. Their typical selection includes mushrooms, coffee, granola, bread, juice, sconed, and empanadas. This is the place to come get some local foodie fare, and they're diligent about updating their vendor list weekly so you can see what's available. their setting at The Trailhead in the Clearfork development makes for a fun excursion.

Cowtown Farmers Market / Fort Worth
Located at Veterans Park Grand Pavilion in White Settlement (8901 Clifford St.) and open every Saturday from 8 am-12 pm, Cowtown is legit: All products sold are grown, raised, or made within 150 miles of their market location. They acknowledge that different seasons bring different products and that January, February, and August are their lightest months depending on weather. June through August, they also have a smaller market on Wednesdays where several vendors set up with produce, baked goods, jarred goods and cut flowers.

Coppell Farmers Market
The Coppell Farmers Market was established in 2003 by citizens who had a vision for a farmers market in Old Town Coppell. Under the umbrella of the Coppell Community Garden, a 501(c)3 organization, the market has grown to over 40 vendors who sell produce, breads, eggs, honey, salsa, pickles, pies, nut butters, flowers, as well as snacks and food to consume on-site. From January-March, they're open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (February 24, March 9, and March 23), and then every Saturday from April-June.

Denton Community Market
Founded In 2009, the Denton Community Market is a nonprofit, producer-only market In downtown Denton, and a fun excursion, thanks to their wide range of offerings: In addition to produce, there's food trucks, live music, kid's activities, and local artists. They'll makin their 2024 debut on March 2, and will be open Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm.

Frisco Fresh Market
The Frisco Farmers Market on Main Street is a relative newbie, founded in 2018, with Texas produce, plus a wide range of diverse products and activities, including crafts, chef demonstrations, live music, and family-friendly events, making their market a special gathering place for families and friends! They're open weekends: Saturday 8 am-4 pm, and Sunday 10 am-4 pm.

Georgia's Farmers Market
Georgia's is an old-timer that's been doing the farmers market thing in Plano since way before farmers markets were cool. They offer seasonal organic produce with an emphasis on local, and feature unique artisanal foodstuffs from vendors they've had longtime relationships. They're open daily: Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm & Sunday from 9 am-3 pm.