Living in California for the past 9 years, we have grown to love going to the Farmer’s Market as a family. We go for the experience as much as the food. The kids love sampling all the local produce and vying for locally-grown, made-to-order from food trucks. I find comfort knowing what we purchase here will be sustainable and environmentally friendly and often, so much better.
After there’s something in all of our bellies and with adequate coffee in hand, we stop to look at the flowers. You guys, the Farmer’s Market always has the best flowers for whatever reason and I find that California Grown flowers last a few days longer than ones imported from somewhere else. You know they’re California Grown when you buy them at the store because it says so on the wrapping around the bouquet. Harlowe has gotten really into picking out different colors and textures for a bouquet too and as she’s gotten older that’s become the thing we can let her manage mostly on her own so we can always have fresh flowers at home curated by her.
Next, is the fruit. The kids are pros at sampling fruit by now so we let them pick a thing or two that they like which I can pack in their lunches with (hopefully) no arguments. I have to be careful here, because I have found that some of the fruit at some of the local farmer’s markets here is insanely expensive and while they’re incredible tasting, I can’t justify $26 for 3 little pints of strawberries. Again, they are undeniably delicious, but I’ve gotten twice the amount for half the price from different vendors and they are still divine, organic and local which is enough for me. That is to say, if prices ever scare you at the Farmer’s Market, don’t get too turned off. There are probably plenty of more affordable and options that are just as good you just have to look around and keep in mind the products you find here will be higher-quality and support farmers and their families.
Cheese is another thing I can never seem to leave without. They always hand out samples of the best-tasting cheese and it is so satiating I just can’t say no. I usually get two different kinds for hors d’oeuvres in case we have guests or I get too hungry while Kaare or I are cooking. For me, it’s usually the later. 
My latest obsession is pistachios. I discovered Harlowe can now open them and I want all in on purchasing them. Not only are they an easy source of healthy fats and protein, but they are so savory I just can’t get enough. I honestly could take or leave pistachios until we moved to California and I discovered some local ones at the Farmer’s market we used to go to in San Francisco. They were actually from the central San Joaquin Valley where they produce major amounts of pistachios and the quality is insane so if you ever find yourself trying to decide between two things of pistachios and you see California grown pistachios, pick them up.
Of course, I like wine and since California wine is ranked third among the state’s agricultural export products (behind almonds and dairy) it’s my duty to help Farmers in this state and buy some. California wine (and new-world wine in general) is on the top of my list and I really love buying mine at Farmer’s Markets when available because you develop a relationship with the winemakers and really see the care and love invested by the farmers and winemakers to bring each bottle to life. Next month is California wine month, the perfect time to experience all that this state’s wine had to offer first hand. If you happen to live in California, it’s your chance to enjoy various wine festivals, concerts and tastings throughout the state especially for those of you that live up North!
Whether you’re looking for ways to support local farmers or just want to have some absurdly delicious fruit to offer at your next dinner party, try some California Grown products if / when you happen to be here!
Photos by Kara Colleen
