Eating Our Way Through the Orlando’s Farmers Market

Orlando is so much more than just theme parks and tourist traps.

I lived in Orlando for four years while attending the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and I actually didn’t go to Disney or other theme parks that often because #brokecollegelife.

However, I did take advantage of the events that always seemed to be happening in downtown Orlando. Last weekend I was back on my old stomping grounds and decided to pay a visit to the Orlando Farmers Market on Lake Eola.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. dozens of vendors set up around Lake Eola selling everything from organic fruit to dumplings to jewelry. And what better way to explore everything a city has to offer than through its food.

It was blazing hot last Sunday, so I started the day off with a refreshing green tea mojito (non-alcoholic, unfortunately). It was the perfect drink for a warm day; it was sweet and the mint and green tea was super light and refreshing. Plus it was totally instaworthy.

There were so many food options I didn’t know where to start. There were Cuban sandwiches, tacos and homemade ice pops. The entire park smelled like the fresh popped kettlecorn and savory spices.

My sister and I decided to go part-savory, part-sweet, the best of both worlds.

I opted for an arepa, two crispy corn cakes with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese in the middle. The savory snack paired perfectly with the green tea mojito.

My little sis went with an amazing dessert from Sugar Rush Marshmallows, an Orlando-based business selling homemade marshmallows, including frozen s’mores and giant, cookie-dough-stuffed marshmallows.

She picked the “Fresh From Florida,” a fresh-baked waffle bowl filled with Florida strawberries, blueberries and their classic vanilla marshmallow cream. It was SO GOOD! It was perfect for such a hot day. The waffle bowl was the perfect spoon for the sweet marshmallow cream and tart berries.

I could’ve eaten a dozen more dishes that day. Next time I’m back in Orlando, I’ll be spending my Sunday morning exploring the farmer’s market.