‘Freshest foods’ lure shoppers to Lents Market

Here’s a mid-season report about the flourishing Lents International Farmers Market …

In the Zoiglhaus Brewing Co. parking lot, this Lents neighborhood farmers market continues to thrive in outer East Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

While other area farmers markets are getting close to the end of their season, it’s still midseason at the Lents International Farmers Market – which continues every Sunday through November 18.

The market was alive with shoppers during East Portland News’ late-September visit, with many vendors offering summer fruits and vegetables, as well as some of the early fall crops. Fresh flowers, a variety of prepared foods – and the “Food Scouts” activity area – rounded out the market offerings.

Here fire-roasting fresh chilies is Nicholas Amaro, one of the proprietors of N & N Amaro Produce.

“Our season is going great, so far this year,” stated Market Coordinator Nick Olson. “What makes this market special is that many of the vendors are immigrants, representing our populations. Because of this, there are varieties of produce and foods that you just can’t find in any other farmers market.”

Shoppers at the Lents market find many prepared and ready-to-eat foods to enjoy.

Living up to their slogan of “Music that is pleasant and honest”, Trio Electique d’ 903 provides an elegant soundtrack for the market day.

As many as 20 vendors come to market on some days, and typically shoppers will find a good mix of fresh and prepared foods for sale from some 16 purveyors.

“We have had a good turnout of customers, which makes everyone happy,” Olson said.

At the Food Scouts Pavilion, we find Ziya Liberty making a plant tracing craft.

Oregon State University Extension Service SNAP Education Nutrition Educator Jennifer Nelson shows visitors how to prepare Food Hero’s Zucchini Salad – and then gives them a taste.

The Lents International Farmers Market is open every Sunday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

It’s located on SE 92nd Avenue, across from the fire station, near Reedway Street, between Foster Road and Harold Street. For more information, see their official webpage on the Portland Farmers Market site website: CLICK HERE.

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