Totally Organic, Baby!

If it's in season, Houstonist will find a culinary use for it — even mundane mint comes in handy for mojitos and juleps, and it adds a lot to fresh vegetables, free-range chicken and lamb. But where can you go to find organic produce in Houston? We have some ideas: In addition to the tried, true and terribly fabulous Whole Foods Market and Central Market, there are several area farmer's markets to explore. We particularly enjoy going on Saturday mornings to the markets at Urban Harvest, Onion Creek and T'afia.

There are options outside the Loop, too, including First Saturday's farmer's market from 8 a.m. to noon in the shopping center at Highway 105 and FM 149 in Conroe near Woodforest Bank and the decidedly unorganic McDonald's. We're sure there are others as well; let us know in the comments. And if you're looking for produce during the week, Canino's at 2540 Airline Drive is open seven days a week and has a cash-only market in the back, plus a wonderful selection of produce, fruits and dried goods inside (where you can pay however you want).

Of course, fruits and vegetables aren't the only offerings at many of these markets — they're just the tip of the iceberg. On our market expeditions, we've found lots of goodies from local producers like goat cheese, free-range beef and lamb, free-range chickens (and yard eggs), fresh-cut flowers, handmade chocolates, fair-trade coffees and teas and fresh herbs.

Most markets are open from about 8 to 11 a.m., but check that with the specific market before you go. Remember to pack a cooler to keep your goodies fresh in the heat, and think about doing what we do: Make a morning of your market trip by checking out neighborhood restaurants and activities.

Photo: flckr user paper_by_design