Sacramento's Sunday Farmer's Market

Medjool Dates from the Imperial Valley

Farmer's Markets have become very popular in America. You can find them from Maine to Hawaii. What makes farmer's markets so popular? There are many reasons why I go, first and foremost is flavor! It's hard to beat the flavor derived from fresh fruit and vegetables.

How is that different than the fruits and vegetables I buy in my local grocery store?
I'm glad you asked! As a general rule produce picked for supermarkets go through a produce warehouse, therefore the farmer will generally pick their produce a little sooner than optimum as it will take longer to reach the consumer. Also, such markets only like to deal with varietals that are hardy, not necessarily the best or most flavorful.

A good example are tomatoes. Grocery stores like tomatoes that are perfectly round and pretty. Heirloom tomatoes such as Brandywine or Black Krim taste great but aren't perfectly round and don't have the shelf life which is money down the drain to a retail store.

Farmer's Markets removes the middleman therefore you're getting fruit that has been picked either that morning or the day before. The farmer can pick the fruit at its optimum freshness which means...better flavor for you! The downside, if any,  it is picked ready to eat and so you can't throw it in your refrigerator and forget about it for several days.

Ready for sauce! Fresh San Marzano tomatoes from the Sacramento Farmer's Market.

There are 12 farmer's markets in Sacramento (that I know of) with five open year round. The one that I frequent is under the business Hwy 80/Hwy 99 freeway at 8th & W Streets on Sunday mornings 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

On a recent visit, farmers were carrying a mix of winter and spring crops. Among the spring fruit and vegetables making their first appearance were asparagus, artichokes, strawberries and spring garlic.

Another thing I like about this farmer's market, it has excellent beef, pork and seafood supplier's. The Little Fish Company run by Brad Little who fishes the rough waters out of Bodega Bay, Bledsoe Natural Pork, and Lucky Dog Ranch grass-fed beef. I'll be telling you more about these three ranchers on Tuesday March 26th. Below are more pictures from the farmer's market. Ciao for now!

In the Sacramento Valley broccoli is a winter crop. In Santa Cruz County it is grown year round. Asparagus is a Spring crop. I like to grill asparagus. Coat with olive oil, season with salt and grill until tender. Great with grilled meats and fish.

Last of the oranges and grapefruit. These oranges were super sweet.

Artichokes and flowers from Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo Coast.

Two winter crops, kale and carrots.

The year's first strawberries

After using astringent old garlic all winter, it's great to see and use mild tasting spring garlic.