For most of us 4 am is the dead of night but for Fresh & Wild produce buyers, this is prime time.

Time to feel up the plump and juicy tomatoes, to sniff out the tastiest cantaloupes and scope out the finest fennel fronds at the Food Terminal. 

Nothing but the freshest and best for the customer, says Derek James, general manager of the Spadina store in the heart of downtown Toronto. And he’s right. Produce is local, organic and almost straight out of the farmer’s fields.

The Farmer’s Market theme is carried throughout the store with wooden shelves housing interesting finds like avocado oil and Snapea Crisps and outdoor displays of mouth-watering fruit.  Kinda reminiscent of the old mom and pop grocery stores of the sixties and seventies.

While some may complain that the stores are a bit cramped and the aisles a little narrow, this approach actually enhances the shopping experience especially when compared to large, impersonal big box stores.

Browse and then take a break at the on-site café. Let your taste buds enjoy some decadent pastries or gourmet sandwiches if you are a tad peckish. Wash it all down with a cup of organic and fair trade coffee.

Now back to business. Check out and buy all those lovely crisp veggies and thank the good Lord that someone else gets to be up at 4 am to deliver these healthy and nutritious foods in time for your supper.