Local Farmers Markets Prepping for Spring/Summer Sales
It’s that time of the year again….local farmers and artisan specialty vendors getting ramped up for the launch of their produce and goods at local farmers markets. Lucky enough, many farmers markets are year round in California. What lies ahead are some amazing spring vegetables, fruits, artisan meats and cheeses. The highlight of shopping the market experience is what you get to take home with you and create fresh ingredient dishes. Trying to find a market in your local community being offered once a week is the key to always having the freshness for your kitchen. We are lucky enough in Sacramento County where there is a certified farmer’s market almost every day of the week!
SUNDAY MARKETS
Sacramento Central
If you can manage to wake up early on a Sunday morning, make your way to the Sacramento Central farmers market where you’ll find many Asian produce. Shoppers will find great prices at this Midtown market, which is among the larger markets in the area.Guide Tip: Get here early. Since this is a popular market, on a few of my visits, some vendors ran out of food.
- Location: 8th and W streets, underneath Highway 80
- Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, open all year
TUESDAY MARKETS
Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park is among two farmer’s markets along P Street. Along the perimeter of the park, shoppers can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, herbs, flowers, baked goods and cheeses.
- Location: 9th and P streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
Fremont Park
Just down the street from Roosevelt Park is Fremont Park. Vendors are spread along the perimeter of the park.Guide Tip: Finding a parking space can be a challenge at both of these parks. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a metered spot. Remember to keep track of the time to avoid getting a ticket.
- Location: 16th and P streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
WEDNESDAY MARKETS
Casear Chavez
Caesar Chavez Memorial Plaza is abuzz with shoppers from area office buildings at this downtown market.
- Location: 10th and J streets, in front of City Hall
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
THURSDAY MARKETS
Capitol Mall Market
- 6th Street and Capitol Mall
- Hours: 10am – 1:30pm, from May through September
Downtown Plaza Market
- 4th and K Streets
- Hours: 10am – 2:00pm, from May through September
East End State Capitol Park
- 15th and L Streets, (Between L & N Streets)
- Hours: 10am – 1:30pm, from May – September
SATURDAY MARKETS
Oak Park Farmers’ Market
- McClatchy Park, 35th Street and Fifth Ave
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunrise Station Market
- Folsom and Sunrise Blvds, Rancho Cordova – Light Rail Station
- Hours: 8:00am – 12:00pm, Open Year Round
Experiencing a Farmer’s Market through a chef’s eyes is an incredible experience. Being introduced to local farmers and artisans. Tasting, touching, smelling….it all is about growing your knowledge on how to pick out seasonal produce, how to use that produce in your home and receive some creative ideas on using the benefits of the produce to your advantage. Sound too good to be true? A new tour is being launched in downtown Sacramento by Local Roots Food Tours; Market to Plate Executive Lunch Tour. Beginning May 2nd and offered every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the spring/summer growing season, participants have the opportunity to be treated to a VIP Farmers Market Tour followed by a 4 course lunch with a wine pairing. 2 popular executive chefs will be taking fresh local ingredients from the morning’s local market and creating a wonderful lunch for all participants. Get up close and personal with these two chefs. Learn tricks and trades on how to pick out the best produce and fruits at this year’s farmers markets and receive recipe ideas to use in your own kitchen. For more information on how to be a part of this unique and inspiring walking food tour please contact Local Roots Food Tours: 1-800-407-8918 or visit their foodie friendly website at: http://www.localrootsfoodtours.com