San Ignacio’s Farmers’ Market
If one of your concerns in moving or visiting a foreign country is where can I get good organic food (vegetables, fruits, meats & fish), then you will want to check out the local farmer’s markets like me.
One of the best and most well-known farmers’ markets in all of Belize is the one located in San Ignacio, which is held every Saturday morning and closes at 2-3pm. It is more than a farmers’ market, it also includes a flea market, and prepared food for sale. It is located right downtown, alongside the river and across from Broaster Stadium, which is the soccer stadium / field / park.
This market has all kinds of fresh foods, lots of clothing, and plenty of food to eat, plan to come early, bring cash and be hungry.
There are a few permanent stalls, stands that you can shop every day of the week, but the main event with lots of different vendors and selections is held on Saturdays.
Besides lots of fresh vegetables, meats, fish, clothing, and prepared food to eat, you will find handmade items, appliances, spices, and even puppies for sale. This is more than a farmers’ market, it is an outside grocery store, 5/10 cent store, and local garage sale all rolled into one.
There are quite a few Mennonite farmers present, that sell their fresh fruits and vegetables from their farms located here in Belize. They are easy to recognize with their traditional clothing and hats.
Note: Not all the food sold here is organic, even some of the Mennonite farmers have now gone over to the dark side (Monsanto’s seeds, pesticides, and feed for their livestock – GMO) for believed higher production / profits. Make sure you ask before you buy.
Plan on spending a few hours roaming this market, and sampling some of the fresh foods available for purchase. Buy your food, and take it down towards the river to enjoy a picnic. Take note of all the Iguanas located in the trees.
On my next blog, I will be moving on from San Ignacio to Jaguar Creek in Belize.