Santa Cruz County farmers markets: Nine tips to make the most of your trip

So that you’ve learn up on the historical past of the markets and know what to anticipate whenever you get there, like which markets settle for EBT and to go away Fido at dwelling. In actual fact, heading to the farmers market and returning dwelling with recent fruits, greens, baked items and even frozen meals is changing into top-of-the-line a part of your week. You’ve even made mates together with your favourite tomato vendor and may’t wait to strive the quiche recipe they shared with you.

You’re in your solution to changing into a farmers market professional. These insider ideas and tips will aid you get much more out of your farmers market expertise. We reply questions like: Do you have to go early or late? How do you get one of the best deal? And the one accent each marketgoer ought to have readily available.

No. 1: Get there early

When you’re making an attempt to get one of the best produce (or recent bread earlier than it sells out), arrive early. Whereas most distributors are likely to have ample bins of additional produce, some fruits and veg, like strawberries, will promote out, so get there earlier than the frenzy!

No. 2: The one perk to getting there late

In case your objective is to get an excellent deal, however you don’t thoughts not fulfilling all the things in your grocery listing, strive arriving because the distributors are winding down. You may get an excellent deal or an additional veg or two!

No. 3: get essentially the most bang in your buck

Listed below are 3 ways to reap the benefits of some underrated offers on the market:

• Produce bins: Some distributors prepackage a wide range of veggies. Whereas they could appear steeply priced for one merchandise, the bins are packed tightly, have a wide range of items, and the produce is similar high quality as you’ll get within the stall, so remember to take benefit.
• Concerned about preservation? Farmers markets have your lined: It’s doable to get an ideal deal on bulk produce for preservation — simply test with the distributors.
• Seconds: You may also ask for seconds, that are the broken or cosmetically challenged produce gadgets. Distributors will typically promote these at a reduced fee. You in all probability received’t discover them on show, however make sure that to ask when you don’t thoughts produce with some defects. Tip: Seconds additionally make nice canning gadgets!

No. 4: Don’t miss the cultural and heritage meals

Don’t fear about feeling hungry whereas trying to find produce. Each market has a number of meals distributors and lots of of them showcase regional and cultural delicacies that may’t be discovered wherever else within the county. Relying on which market you go to and the time of yr, you’ll find Salvadorian pupusas; Jap European pierogis; Chinese language bao; Eritrean meals; British fried fish; Venezuelan arepas; regional Oaxacan dishes; and a lot extra.

No. 5: Parking might be powerful

Some markets have restricted parking. Get there early, or else go away additional time in your journey in case you find yourself circling the block a couple of instances. Alternately, experience your bike or take public transportation. Bus stops from the METRO are situated close to each farmers market, and designated bike parking is accessible at most markets.

No. 6: Take stock before you purchase

Before you purchase, do a lap or two to get an thought of what’s obtainable. By doing so, you possibly can uncover what thrilling produce has come into season simply this week (sure, you’ll find totally different produce each week!).

Trying round first additionally lets you test for one of the best worth and high quality. Whereas pricing for produce might be comparable among the many distributors, it’s value checking to see if some produce merely appears higher or maybe is priced friendlier in your funds.

No. 7: Don’t want to purchase something? Come for the leisure!

To your listening pleasure, the Dwell Oak, Westside, Felton, Scotts Valley and Watsonville markets have free reside music scheduled each week. The downtown Santa Cruz market doesn’t have scheduled music, however it does typically have impartial artists arrange at totally different spots.

No. 8: Convey your personal baggage

Whereas most distributors provide paper or plastic baggage for vegatables and fruits, not all of them do. Massive, grocery-style baggage usually are not obtainable.

That is intentional. Many of the markets have applied waste-reduction efforts to encourage distributors and marketgoers alike to alter a few of their market habits. Assist them scale back waste by bringing reusable tote baggage, produce baggage, containers, and even utensils when you plan to eat meals.

No. 9: Gluten free? Lactose illiberal? There’s one thing for everybody

No matter your dietary wants or preferences, you’ll discover one thing for you on the farmers market. And, not like the grocery retailer, the one that made the product you’re involved in shopping for is probably going the one promoting it to you. Ask them any questions it’s a must to make certain it’s best for you. That’s what they’re there for!

Dates from Flying Disc Ranch.

(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)