Agriculture has long been at the heart of St. Croix’s identity dating as far back as the 1600s. The fruitful bounties of food yielded from the Earth have steadily fed generations of families with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. This is why when the COVID-19 pandemic made its way to the island’s shores, it rocked the agriculture community to its core. Every Wednesday and Saturday for as long as many can remember, people would head to Estate La Reine Farmer’s Market to purchase their weekly share of lettuce, tomatoes, provisions, fresh farm eggs, herbs, spices and more. When the global pandemic placed many activities on hold, the farmer’s market was directly affected due to its close-range proximity among vendors. There was no space to allow social distancing, farmers crops were going to waste and regular market attendees were desperate for their farm fresh produce.
With increased calls and reasonable concern from farmers and residents, the VI Department of Agriculture, with advice from the Police Department and Health Department, relocated the farmer’s market to a spacious location to ensure health and safety of the community. Now residents and visitors can experience St. Croix’s vibrant agricultural offerings every Saturday from 5am until 12 noon. Here is where you go to discover a new fruit or try one-of-a-kind foods. Sugar cane juice, locally made pepper sauce, cakes, sweet treats and local fruits and vegetables are available for purchase. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm” so be sure to arrive by 8am to get the best of the various items on sale before it’s all gone.
Market goers can also catch a glimpse of longtime traditions like spotting hot, fresh bread baked in a metal drum or seeing long stalks of sugar cane hand cut with a machete. Grab a Crucian breakfast plate from one of the vendors. Saltfish, johnny cake, cucumbers and spinach will keep bellies full well past lunch time and wash it all down with a cup of our local bush tea. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Croix’s farmer’s market located at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex located at #1 Estate Lower Love. Open Saturdays from 5am to 12 noon.
Photo taken by and article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
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