This week, forget about the supermarket and hit the local farmer’s market to discover the treasure trove of fresh produce and artisan creations.
You’ll be surprised at the difference in flavor and will find out what fruits and veggies are in season. Farmer’s markets offer selections of fruits and vegetables that are local, organic and free of genetic modifications. Likewise, animal products like dairy and eggs come from free-ranged animals without hormones.
Temple City Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday morning from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., you can find an array of vegetables stands featuring Chinese greens like bok choy and gai lan. More familiar varieties include kale, spinach and romaine lettuce that are great for salads.
Check out Nancy’s Garden for freshly-laid eggs or home-grown produce cultrivated without pesticides.
Visit the juice stand for some interesting combinations including pomegranate-apple-orange and pomegranate-apple-cherry. If you have a craving for something savory, treat yourself to some freshly roasted peanuts or flavorful tamales. It’s a small farmer’s market, but you can get all your weekly essentials here.
San Marino Farmers’ Market
Although this market has only recently emerged, the vibrant atmosphere and various food vendors create a lively place every Friday from 2-7 p.m.
As you walk through, you will notice a sitting area with tables and chairs for patrons to enjoy their food and listen to live music. Yes, the market is stocked with vegetables and fruits, but the unique element is the conglomeration of artisan products.
Visit The Good Cookie and Beyond stand where you can find gluten-free, vegan and allergy-friendly cookies, muffins, bars, bread and donut-holes. Amber Barros, Co-Founder of the bakery, shares samples of her “sun-butter cookies” and “almond-butter cookies” made from rolled oats, nut butters and organic evaporated cane sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Next door, you’ll find yourself with homemade pasta including fettuccine, angel hair and linguine. Raw Revolution, a cold-pressed juicing company, offers green juices packed with nutrients.
Pasadena Farmers’ Market
This market is located next to Pasadena High School in Victory Park and is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Check out Mom’s Specialties, a stand offering Mediterranean foods such as hummus, pita bread, pita chips, couscous and yogurt dips. You can sample through the hummus flavors including original, sun-dried tomato, jalapeno, or roasted garlic to take home along with some freshly made pita chips.
Visit booths like Arriaga Flowers or Pansy Orchids for bright, colorful selections of bouquets and flowers. This market is a great place for a Saturday morning outing with loved ones, family and friends to enjoy local food and music.