Orlando may be known for its world-class attractions, but beyond the theme parks, lies a different kind of magic in the form of a rich agricultural and artisanal community. For home cooks, chefs, and food lovers seeking fresh, authentic flavors and meaningful connections, buying local isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that amplifies our regional economy and food system. That ethos is at the heart of The Grow Community Cookbook: Sharing Homegrown Goodness, where each recipe is rooted in local ingredients.
If you’re looking for the freshest, most flavorful ingredients Central Florida has to offer, here’s your ultimate Orlando farm-to-table guide to the best spots for local produce, dairy, seafood, and handcrafted staples.
Farm-Fresh Vegetable and Produce Stands
Freshfield Farms
Located in Orlando’s SoDo district (south of downtown), Freshfield Farms is a local favorite that has a wide selection of produce, meats, seafood, and cheese. By sourcing directly from farmers and growers, they provide farm-fresh food at affordable prices. freshfieldsfarm.com
Fancy Fruits and Produce
This family-owned business is known for its multicultural selection and commitment to quality. Each of its Orlando-area locations offers a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. fancyfruitandproduce.com
Everoak Farm
This Certified Naturally Grown farm in Orlando offers vegetables, fruit, honey, and eggs. With a focus on bio-intensive, sustainable practices, their small-batch produce is sold through farm shares and local markets. everoakfarm.com
Clemons Produce
A longtime neighborhood staple in Orlando’s Curry Ford West district, Clemons Produce is a small business that offers an ever-changing variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Its Amish deli is known for fresh bread, cheese curds, and sliced meats. https://www.facebook.com/ClemonsProduceOrlando/
Orlando’s Best Farmers Markets
Oviedo Farmers Market
Held on the third Saturday of every month in the historic Lawton House, this market is the perfect place to source fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, honey, grass-fed meats, baked goods, and artisan crafts. oviedofarmersmarket.com
Chuluota Farmers Market
Taking place at the Hitching Post on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, this community-focused market features high-quality local produce, handmade goods, and more. yelp.com/biz/chuluota-farmers-market-chuluota
Winter Park Farmers Market
Nestled in the middle of Winter Park, this award-winning Saturday market is a destination for everything from microgreens grown on local farms to artisan cheeses and pastries. cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/farmers-market
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola
Every Sunday, this beloved market brings fresh produce, local vendors, and handcrafted goods to downtown Orlando. Stroll, sip, and stock up on your everyday staples. orlandofarmersmarket.com
Honey
Black Bee Honey
A local gem in Orlando, Black Bee Honey is produced by students in the Parramore Kidz Zone program. The honey is 100% raw and available in regional varieties like orange blossom and gallberry. Available at Discover Downtown and Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center. blackbeehoneyhq.com
Webb’s Honey
This local honey purveyor sells raw, unfiltered varieties packed with all the nutrients (and flavor) of the hive. Available at most of Central Florida’s local markets, Webb’s Honey is also sold at its flagship store in east Orlando. webbshoney.com
Seafood
Lombardi’s Seafood
Lombardi’s has been a family-owned Winter Park staple in Central Florida for more than 60 years. They offer a wide selection of fresh seafood, including shrimp, lobster, crab, and various fish. lombardis.com
Cheese
La Femme Du Fromage
Situated at the East End Market in the Audubon Park district, La Femme du Fromage is Orlando’s premier cheese shop. They offer a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and wine pairings. lafemmedufromage.com
Poultry/Meat/Eggs
Orlando Poultry
This specialty butcher in Orlando offers farm-fresh, free-range poultry, livestock, and eggs. They provide a variety of meat cuts, including chicken, duck, pigeon, goat, lamb, and beef. They take orders online for in-store or curbside pickup. orlandopoultry.com
Lake Meadows Naturals
Lake Meadow Naturals in Ocoee offers fresh poultry, duck eggs, and seasonal produce. Their on-site farm store is a must-visit for cage-free eggs. lakemeadownaturals.com
Why Local Matters
Buying local means more than just better flavor (though that’s a bonus). It’s about supporting small farms, fostering food security, preserving Florida’s agricultural heritage, and reducing the distance from farm to fork. Your choices help sustain environmentally friendly growing practices that respect our natural resources while strengthening the communities that nourish us all.
When you cook with local ingredients, you infuse your meals with meaning. You tell a story about place, people, and tradition. That’s exactly what The Grow Community Cookbook is all about.
So next time you’re planning a meal, shop this locally grown, locally loved Orlando farm-to-table guide. Your recipes—and your community—will be better for it.
The Grow Community Cookbook: Sharing Homegrown Goodness highlights the journey from garden to table. It celebrates recipes that showcase fresh, local ingredients and the passionate cooks who transform nature’s bounty into something even more special.
