There’s something very satisfying about shopping for produce direct from the producer. Research shows that supermarket salad items, fruit and vegetables can be stored for several weeks before being delivered by refrigerated truck down to southwest Florida.
Supermarket apples are waxed to preserve them for 6 to 12 months and even lettuce (which is best harvested in warm dry weather) is picked and stored for up to 4 weeks. Green tomatoes are picked and stored for up to 6 weeks and carrots may be out of the ground for up to 9 months before you buy them “fresh”. Not so at Oakes Farms Market in Naples. Their concept of Seed to Table connects local growers with their markets so that produce grown in the Naples area can be enjoyed at its best and most nutritious.
Photo credit Jennifer Brinkman
Oakes Farms Market Family History
The Oakes Farms business began over 80 years ago, and it stemmed from an initial family tragedy. A boating accident cost Great Grandpa William Oakes his life, and the state compensation was a new house for the Oakes family at the foot of a newly constructed bridge in St Georges. Young Banny Oakes, then just 11 years old, took responsibility for the family income by selling produce to travelers using the bridge.
In 1976, Frank Oakes relocated the family produce business to Fort Myers, and later to Naples, where his open-air produce markets became well known for their quality. Frank’s son Alfie began his own farm in Immokalee, providing organic produce for the market stall and also for wholesalers in the area. Alfie’s ability to provide fresh produce fast helped him expand his wholesale business further afield, but the market on Davis Blvd was still at the core.
In the early 21st century, Frank opened Food and Thought, an organic produce market, juice bar and health food store which became his passion while Alfie expanded his wholesale produce business through Incredible Fresh. The business continues to grow under Alfie’s management, as you will see when you pay a visit to Oakes Farms Market on Davis Blvd in South Naples.
Photo credit Jennifer Brinkman
Although it has the feel of an old-fashioned country store, in reality the Oakes Farms Produce Market is a busy hub for shoppers who want top quality food at sensible prices. The Market now includes a bakery, wine shop, deli counter, butcher shop, seafood counter and juice bar.