It must have been about 30 years ago that farmers markets started popping up everywhere. We lived in Los Angeles at that time, and my favorite markets were the Westwood market and the Santa Monica market. They both encompassed several blocks of fruits and vegetables, some bakery items, often some fresh caught fish, and maybe a booth or two of freshly prepared food if you were really hungry. Fast forward 30 years and you will find farmers markets every day of the week within a 15 mile radius of where you live. We all have our favorites.
Since we moved to the San Diego area in 2003 I have been to many markets, but my favorites still remain. Encinitas on Sunday morning and Little Italy on Saturday. The Little Italy market is vast. Blocks and blocks of fruits, vegetables, spices, drinks, dried meats, fresh fish, crafts like jewelry, paintings, and wood work items. Fresh food and prepared food are in abundance. So many new products, new foods, that were not available (actually no one even had heard of them) years ago. A booth called Salt Farm, with dozens of varieties of salt. Who heard of that years ago? It was kosher salt or plain salt, that was it. Microgreens are everywhere. I never heard of them years ago. Kombucha? Still not sure what that is. Companies like Brodino Broth Company make bone broth, an item never in existence until a few years ago. Pour over coffee? Another new creation. Lots of coconut products from companies like Aloha Spreads, from yogurt to peanut butter spread.
The very best part of farmers markets is the prepared foods. Booth upon booth of every ethnic food imaginable. Last week we saw a booth selling Kenyan food, Egyptian food, crepes, paella, grilled sausages, great Mediterranean platters, and so much more. Next time you have a few hours and want to enjoy a great lunch and do some shopping, visit your local farmers market. It's so much fun!
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