Knowing the Ins and Outs of the Farmers Market

We are so lucky to be living in Southern California, where there is a Farmer’s Market being held somewhere in the city every day of the week.  Two of my favorites are Santa Monica’s, on Arizona and 2nd, held on Wednesday and Saturday, and Hollywood’s on Ivar and Selma, held on Sunday.

Since these markets also happen to be the largest and most popular in the area, a good plan will help you maximize your time and value.  Here is my list of tried and true Farmer’s Market tips that will help you do exactly that.

Prep Work:

Know that it’s cash only, even for restaurants like us! Make sure to stop at the ATM. 

Expect to pay about $30-40 a week, if you cook at home a lot, or less if not.

(Keep in mind that fruits are more expensive than vegetables.)

To haggle or not to haggle? Farmers typically price their items to sell so they are usually priced just right.

Pack up a few reusable totes for all of your purchases.

Parking:

Santa Monica – Free parking for up to 1 ½ hours is available at several public parking lots on blocks surrounding Arizona.

Hollywood – Since it’s on a Sunday, the meters along perimeter streets, like Sunset, Ivar and Cahuenga are free, but they go quickly. Even better is parking in the Arclight Cinemas’ lot (entrance on Ivar off of Sunset). Right next to an entrance point and costs around $4.

When To Go:

The markets are best right when they open, between 8am and 9am.  Not only is parking easier, but you’ll have the first pick while enjoying the quiet energy of the market getting ready for it’s busy day.

What To Buy:
Some of our favorites (and mainstays on the Mendocino Farms menus):

Jaime Farms and Underwood Farms – leeks, chard, beets, kale

Life’s a Choke Family Farms – cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus and artichokes

McGrath Farms – baby beets, Seascape strawberries, and winter greens

Coleman Farms – leafy greens, winter greens and herbs (when in season, custard apples and cherimoyas)

Tutti Fruitti Farms – heirloom tomatoes (summer) and butternut squash (winter)

Ha’s Farms – Fuji apples, Asian Pears

Stay in touch to let me know how it goes.  I’d also love to hear some of YOUR favorite Farmer’s Market tips and experiences too!

Post your comments or e-mail me at judy@mendocinofarms.com

Chef Judy