5 minute read
LOCALLY GROWN
Local, Fresh FARMER’S MARKETS
There’s no better cure for a long winter than a trip to your local farmers market. In addition to offering fresh air and delectible food, it’s an opportunity to support regional farmers, ranchers, and artisans; many who have felt the impact of COVID-19.
There’s always a tinge of excitement upon arriving at a farmer’s market. What will Mother Nature be
showcasing today? Maybe I’ll meet an artisan who’s talents must be shared as gifts for loved ones. Or, fall in love with a new cuisine served
up by one of the many organic food trucks. Plus, there’s always, I repeat, always room for a warm pastry and coffee that will jolt you out of your winter slumber. All this while tapping your feet to music or chatting with friends and family. It’s a great recipe for optimum health, community spirit, and planting the seeds of food awareness for the next generation. Did you know northern Nevada has a growing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) effort? Also known as Farm Boxes,
members purchase a “share” of the harvest and in return, receive a weekly basket of seasonal, local food. Often, these can be customized to include meat, eggs, and dairy products. What a delicious idea. Check out www.nevadagrown. com for full details. What should you bring to a farmer’s market? As a seasoned foodie, I
recommend wearing a hat, a slather of sunscreen, having your favorite basket or reusable bags in tow, and a robust appetite. Comfortable shoes and clothing are in order as you may return home with the random juice stain from all the tasty sampling. Gives new meaning to the term, “bursting with flavor.” Bring your curiosity and try a new veggie to take home to stir into a new dish.
And, while credit cards are accepted at many locations, cash is always appreciated. So, whether you’re visiting this majestic region or call it home; go, venture out to your treasured farmers market, or discover a new one. Warning; like deeply rooted friendships, they quickly become nourishment for your body and soul.
YOUR GUIDE TO FRESH
Throughout the tri counties, there are farmer’s markets all around you. This list will point in you in the right direction to local farmer’s markets closest to you. Stop by one for fresh food and a fun experience!
Sacramento County
Learn more at marketlocations.com
SATURDAYS Arden-Arcade - Sacramento Country Club Plaza - Butano Drive Open Year Round, Conveniently located near various shopping destinations, you can find the freshest organic produce, gorgeous local art, & more! 8:00 AM - NOON
Fair Oaks - Rancho Cordova Sunrise Light Rail Station Folsom and Sunrise Blvd Open Year Round, At this farmer’s market you can find friendly faces and great prices, their fresh produce rivals their store bought competitors. 8:00 AM - NOON
Elk Grove Laguna Gateway Center Laguna and Big Horn Blvd Open Year Round, At this local favorite, you can find the best spices, pickles, and jams in the city. Live music and activities for the entire family are hosted weekly! 8:00 AM - NOON
SUNDAYS Sacramento Arden Fair Mall 1601 Arden Way March - October, The Arden Mall Farmers Market has an abundance of fresh vegetables, garden plants, nuts, house plants, jams and more that the whole family can enjoy. 8:00 AM - NOON
THURSDAYS South Sacramento Florin Sears Store Florin Road and 65th Street Open Year Round, Here you can find delicious produce and a large variety of artisan goods. 8:00 AM - NOON
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, market dates/ times are subject to change. Please consult the market websites or contact them directly for the most updated information
Placer County
Learn more at placergrown.org
SATURDAYS Auburn Old Town Courthouse 150 Auburn Folsom Road Open Year Round, Support local farmers by indulging in freshly grown produce, bread, honey, & more! 8:00 AM - NOON
Rocklin RC Willey at Blue Oaks Center 6636 Lonetree Blvd July - October, Here you can find amazing organic produce at a fraction of the price as seen in a grocery store and also support your community. 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
SUNDAYS Granite Bay Quarry Ponds Town Center 5550 Douglas Blvd June - October, This energetic market is the place to stock up on essential seasonal goods. From crisp greens to vine-ripened produce and succulent berries, plan your day around this local market. 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
TUESDAYS Fountains at Roseville 1198 Roseville Parkway Open Year Round, You can find all kinds of organic and locally grown produce at this market. 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
WEDNESDAYS Loomis Taylor’s Burger and Shake Shop 3636 Taylor Road July - October, Enjoy a delicious meal after a long day of shopping for locally grown and fresh produce at this farmers market at one of the many restaurant locations located nearby. 8:00 AM - NOON
Lincoln Hills 965 Orchard Creek Lane April - November, Meet local farmers and ranchers, shop for local produce, and come see what’s in season! 8:00 AM - NOON
El Dorado County
Learn more at eldoradofarmersmarket.com
SATURDAYS
Placerville Regal Cinema Placerville Drive May - October, Located in the heart of Placerville, enjoy a day of delicious local favorites and explore
what’s currently in season. 8:00 AM - NOON
SUNDAYS
El Dorado Hills Town Center El Dorado Hills Blvd at Highway 50 May - October, Dedicated to the farmers in the community, this market is a California Certified Farmers’ Market. Come meet the farmers and taste their fresh produce. 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
WEDNESDAYS
Cameron Park Burke’s Junction Coach Lane and Strolling Hill Road May - October, Swap recipes with local farmers and community members, find large varieties of organic produce, and enjoy! 8:00 AM - NOON FRESH