Cheap produce?

[foodiesue]

New to the MSP area, found a great place in St. Paul. Now wondering where folks go to find cheap produce around here? I am guessing the farmer's market is a logical choice but was looking for more tips on area stores or markets where one can find fresh and good quality produce without paying gourmet prices.

Also, since I'm asking questions, suggestions on Mexican and Asian grocery markets also welcome.

Thanks!

[foodiesue]

Wonderful, thanks to everyone!

[steve_in_stpaul]

I haven't been there in quite a while now, but Eisenberg's in downtown St. Paul is supposed to be a good place to get produce cheap. Some of it is a little "experienced" and you probably won't be able to count on finding anything off the beaten track on a regular basis. But the prices can be darn good. Here's their Web site: http://www.eisenbergfruit.com/

[AnneInMpls]

Definately check out Eisenberg's. You must be open for whatever is on special - don't go there with a specific list - and you'll be very pleased. Canners and bakers love this place!

[Quince]

Try Dragon Star on Dale or one of the Hmong markets in St Paul.

[forgottendreamr]

Farmer's markets are really your best bet. Quality is hard to find in the grocery store and co-op prices can get high fast. There are lot of farmer's markets all over the metro, so you shouldn't have any problem finding a selection of places to try.
Also, next season you might want to consider a CSA share.
As far as Mexican or Asian, try United Noodle. They have a little bit of everything.

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United Noodles Asian Supermarket
2015 E 24th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404

[foodiesue]

Thank you! I will check it out for sure!

[John E.]

While I agree that there can't be an argument about the freshness of the produce at farmers markets. I have often seen that the prices can be much higher than at other places. Right now I can buy three bunches of locally grown red radishes for $2 at Bob's Produce in Fridley and the same amount at the farmers market was $3. There are some other, similar examples. I buy produce at the Shoreview farmers market each week and there is something that bugs me...the cucumbers are akways too big/old. The bigger the cuke the bigger the seeds. What I think is happening is that they pick the biggest to sell and leave the cukes I want to buy in the field. By the time it's time to pick and sell them again, they pick the biggest ones again because they don't want to waste them. It is almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[sandylc]

Those cucumbers sound like the same imported ones at the grocery store. If you go to one of the many farmers' markets under the umbrella of the St. Paul Farmers' Market, you will get fresher, locally grown ones.

[John E.]

No, they are the locally grown ones, they just try to selk the big oneszand so they all end up being big. The Shoreview Farmers Market is like the St. Paul Farmers Market in that all of the stuff being sold has to be grown or produced locally.

[LiaM]

I think it may be a little early in the season for cucumbers here, maybe what you're seeing is a cold-hardy variety? Later on in summer I know I've seen smaller ones at the St. Paul market, including very small ones for pickling.

[John E.]

I'm not talkibg about this year. Later on they do have smaller ones for pickling, but they too sometimes get too big for that as well.

[mtullius]

Check out the Hmong Village, on Johnson Parkway on the east side of St. Paul. In addition to approximately a zillion food stalls, they have a large vegetable market.