I did something a little less exciting and went to my local farm stand. There's one at the end of Encinitas Blvd near the Ranch, called The Farm at El Mirlo. He pickles and jars a lot of the organic produce himself. There's not a lot of variety, but everything is grown on site. His pickled beets are delicious - yes, that's how you know you're officially old, you learn to love beets!
The corn I bought and the apples were so tasty!
I went to the Del Mar Farmer's market with my son who wanted to pick up veggies that I don't usually buy. We had grilled asparagus last night that was amazing (my husband usually refuses to eat and he ate my sons!) Not sure how to use everything we picked up(zucchini blossoms), but I'll try in our salads.
ReplyDeleteWe also loved all the flowers!
Although the Farmer's Market at Flower Hill is relatively new, it seems to be growing. I like going to Farmer's Markets on Saturdays and there are not too many of them. With Deanne's emphasis on nutrition, I now find myself paying more attention to fruits and vegetables than I have it the past. What I notice now is the vibrant color of the fruits. I also loved the size and color of the cauliflower! Who knew the possibilities beyond the plastic wrap veggies at your local grocery store?!?
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to a farmer's market and never made the effort but I will do just about anything for points so I went to the one in del mar on Saturday. Wow who knew they had chocolates, baklava, pastries and pita bread I didn't know that so it's a good thing I didn't go hungry. Ok so I know that's not what we are suppose to report on but it was interesting to me. I loved the tomatoes. Whenever I go to the store to buy tomatoes I always think I really don't like them but they were so red and ripe to perfection I thought wow I love tomatoes. It also stirred an interest to grow my own!
ReplyDeleteA week ago I visited Chino Farms farm stand. I went back again today. They only sell produce. There is no danger of baked goods or chocolates here. The stand has 5 different kinds of carrots, 3 kinds of beets. 3 kinds of peas. Many, many different types of greens including about 4 varieties of mustard greens, kale, gailan, tatsoi, bok choy... And the strawberries are delicious. Everything is farmed there and picked fresh that day. I think the greens are much better fresh from the stand than from the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI love Farmer's Markets! I especially like the Little Italy Market on Saturdays. They have fresh mozzarella cheese as well as the wonderful fruits and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteThe Del Sur one on Thursday afternoons is ok and getting bigger.
The Rancho Bernardo one is weak in my opinion and I don't bother anymore.
My favorite vegetables to buy are at Chino Farms around the corner from my house on the Corner of El Apajo at in Rancho Santa Fe. The stand is run by a family and their interns. They are very knowledgeable about produce and how to prepare it.
I knew I wouldn't be able to go to a farmer's market this weekend since we were going to Palm Springs - yeah :) so I googled farmers markets and ended up at the UTC Farmer's market on Thursday night - didn't even know it was there! It had lots of yummy produce including white carrots which I've been looking for all over town at stores like Henry's and never could find for a yummy carrot ginger soup my husband makes - now I know where to get them! Since we were going away, I needed something to share with friends by the pool - I ended up getting some great organic cherries, fresh almonds and a dip that was to die for, chipotle flavored & glueten free (made with almond butter and loaded with protien) - anyway, it was a HUGE hit to dip with carrots on Saturday night by the resort pool. I'll definitely go back next week and get some of the fresh organic produce.
ReplyDeleteJenny Mendoza
This is so fun!!!! I love all of the farmer's market feedback. I hope everyone got as many good tips as I did. Think I'll hit that Del Mar farmer's market this Saturday Julie for a little chocolate on my cheat day :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's so important to love preparing our own food and fitting a weekly trip to a Farmer's Market into the schedule can really lead to bigger and better things!
I hope you'll take a friend or family member this week. What a great weekly tradition!
Okay, I didn't go to a Farmer's Market, and I know I'm too late to earn any points, but wanted to share....
ReplyDeleteI've been sharing a Be Wise Ranch CSA membership with a friend and love it! I get fresh, locally grown, organic produce delivered every other week (you can do it every week if you want). I love not having to think about what to buy and it has forced me to learn to cook and eat things I never would have purchased on my own. This was how I fell in love with Swiss Chard last winter!