RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Farmer’s Market

Farmers’ Market Report: Laguna Hills

The Laguna Hills Farmers’ Market is open every Friday from 9am-1pm, rain or shine. Vendors set up in the Laguna Hills mall parking lot, close to Sears. The market can be accessed via Avenida De La Carlota, which runs parallel to the 5 freeway.

This market is a certified farmers’ market, sponsored by the Orange County Farm Bureau. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold. California certified farmers’ markets give you peace of mind that you are buying from genuine farmers, selling produce, nuts and meats directly to the public.

I visited for the first time recently, and was really impressed by the selection of organic produce, grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish and more. There are not a lot of non-food items at this market (crafts, snacks, candles, etc.). There is far more quality food than filler, making it an ideal stop for loading up on healthy ingredients for weekend meals.

IMG_5238

Orange Coast magazine calls this “One of the very best real cook’s markets in Orange County”. I totally agree

The merchants are friendly, the organic produce selection is first rate, and parking is a breeze. This is one of my favorite farmers markets in Orange County. Pack up your reusable bags and head out there the next Friday you are free. You will not be disappointed.

 

 

Farmers’ Market Report: Huntington Beach

I love discovering new Farmers’ Markets. There are many throughout Orange County. My goal is to find and report on each and every one – well, eventually.

Last week, I happened upon the Huntington Beach Farmer’s Market at Huntington Pier.

Held Friday afternoons in Huntington Beach at the Pier Plaza parking lot (just north of the HB pier), it runs from Noon to Five.

The Farmers’ Market runs year-round, except during the U.S. Open in late July.

There is plenty of organic produce:

Other offerings include sustainable seafood, locally-grown flowers and some great healthy snack items.

My favorite find of the day was Delaverde chips, salsa and guacamole.

Wow, this stuff is good. Made locally with small distribution just in OC, this is a real find. The guacamole is the only guac. I have ever purchased that actually tastes like homemade.

It’s locally made, with fresh ingredients, and preservative-free. If you visit the HB Farmers’ Market, make sure you pick some of this stuff up. You won’t be disappointed.

This Farmers’ Market is often held in conjunction with a shopping fair of hand-crafted gift items such as jewelry, clothing, rugs, artwork, plaques, home decor and much more from around 50 – 100 crafters. We ventured to the craft fair next door and checked out lots of locally made goods as well.

And shopping right on the beach with a beautiful ocean breeze – you can’t go wrong.

So, which Orange County Farmer’s Market to visit next? Anyone have suggestions? Would love to hear about the markets you have visited in your area and what you recommend.