Growing up, my favorite Sunday activity was heading to the farmers market with my dad and sister. As a little girl, the farmers market meant razor scooters, honey sticks, and face paint. As I got older, my dad and I would still go from time to time, we'd get tamales, catch up, and just spend time together. Once in a while, when I'm home, we still go, and so though the experience has evolved, the Los Gatos Farmers Market has and will always be a place that holds fond memories for me.
This year, (as in 2020) I finally started attending a farmers market near my university, the Westlake Village Farmers Market. And while I don't visit every Sunday, dropping by the Farmers Market has once again become a part of my unofficial Sunday routine. Oftentimes, my boyfriend and I will take an Orangetheory class just down the street from the market, then go grab coffees and head over to the market. For some reason it's impossible not to feel happy wandering around a farmers market on a sunny day. It helps that the produce is a million times better than it is in just about any store and that the prices at some of the stalls are incredible. Personally speaking, it also helps that there is a tamale stand at this farmers market.
Usually, I pick out a few greens and some fruit and then find ways to incorporate the items into my meals for the week. I still usually end up getting some produce from Trader Joe's, but try and buy the majority at the market because I like the idea of supporting local farmers while getting higher quality groceries.
I thought it might be fun to share my under $20 farmers market "haul" with you guys along with some ways I might use each item.
1. Four Cara Cara Oranges ($6.00)
The Cara Cara orange is a type of navel orange but looks more like a blood orange. These are in the middle of their peak season at the moment and are sweet and juicy. If that review isn't convincing enough perhaps this one from my boyfriend will be, after trying the free sample his reaction was, "oh my god that's literally the best orange I have ever tasted." Though these were a little pricey at the market, I tried buying a bag from Trader Joe's and they were a total disappointment, but each of the Cara Cara oranges I've purchased from the farmers market have been perfect! They would be delicious in a spinach or butter lettuce salad, but they also make the perfect snack on their own.
2. One Red Bell Pepper ($2.00)
The ways in which I could use this are truly endless. I'm considering a pepperwich as I bought maple roasted turkey for another recipe, but I might also toss it in my favorite salad or eat it with the hummus I bought!
3. One huge bag of curly Kale ($1.50)
Not completely sure what I'll do with this. I love to make crispy kale, it pairs well with proteins like chicken and salmon. I bought it because it's an easy green to cook with, and is packed with a lot of nutrients and fiber, also it was a great deal (each bag of greens was only $1.50). If I'm not able to use it fast enough I'll freeze it and add it to my morning smoothies!
4. One container of Mom's Products Roasted Garlic & Chive Hummus ($5.00)
There is nothing to say other than this is probably the best hummus I have ever tasted. I bought it Sunday and have almost finished the container, I could literally eat it with a spoon. IT'S SO GOOD. Mom's Products has booths at a lot of Los Angeles farmers markets and if they're at one near you I highly recommend trying their dips out. If you're not convinced by me, try it yourself, they offer free samples!
5. One basket of the biggest, juiciest strawberries ($3.00)
I'm not going to pretend I have any plans for how to use these strawberries other than to eat them whole. So sweet and juicy, they are truly amazing!
6. A big bag full of spinach ($1.50)
This is a staple item I buy every single week. I add it to my morning smoothies as it's flavor is so subtle you can't even taste it! I also keep the supplies for ramen in my pantry pretty much all the time, and spinach is one of my must have ingredients. If you haven't seen my spicy shrimp ramen recipe this is a must try and a great way to use fresh spinach.
Do you enjoy farmers markets? What is your favorite thing to purchase at your local market?
XX Delaney
