Author: Melissa Mayer

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPRING CROPS: Artichokes, Arugula, Avocados, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Cherries, Citrus: Buddha’s Hand, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemons, Mandarins, Kumquats, Blood Oranges, Cara Cara Oranges, Pomelos, Tangelos, Eggs, Fava Beans, Fennel, Fiddlehead Ferns, Green Garlic, Herbs:  Dill, Leeks, Chives, Parsley, Mint, Tarragon; Lettuce, Mushrooms: Chanterelles, Hedgehog, Morel, Porcini; Nettles, Parsnips, Passion Fruits, Pea Tendrils, English Peas, New …

We do not just find produce at the farmers market: there are cheese makers, cattle ranchers, egg producers, chicken growers and seafood mongers AKA fishmongers. Fishmongers are our great connection to the ocean. Just as global food distribution and our taste for seafood have increased tenfold over the past few decades, fishmongers have become a dying breed, a metaphor for what is left in the ocean and where our conventional collective consciousness lies. Food has become a forefront topic in the 21st century in a way that we have never quite seen in our lifetimes. Farmers markets are increasing in size, awareness and they are contributing to our regular source for food. We have decided we want to know where our food comes from.

these are our products. You know me. I’ll shake your hand. I’ll give you a hug and a smile and my ear. You know our integrity. We aren’t hiding anything. You can talk to us anytime. You can visit the farm. You know our values. Our dreams. Our goals. You can call me out, right or wrong, and I’ll take it and try to make it better. I’m not perfect, but I’m doing my best. I like you. I want to help you. I think what you are doing is cool. Maybe you think what we are doing is cool. Let’s do something cool together and show it to some other cool people…” Lucila De Alejandro

As much as we identify our farms under the farmers market umbrella, we equally identify them as our local farmers. I say this because several of the farms that we work with to bring to your restaurant work in the community but not necessarily at the farmers market. The idea of the farmers market is about paying a farmer a fair share for what their produce is worth. No big brokering, no factory farming or subsidies, just local small sustainable farms exchanging in a greater honest commerce.

CITRUS ABUNDANCE Cara Cara Oranges – J.J.’s Lone Daughter Ranch Seasons/Availability These particular Cara Cara’s are peaking right now!!! Description/Taste The Cara Cara is a type of navel orange with a deep pink almost red flesh offering a sweet hybrid of sweet tangerine and subtle grapefruit flavors. The fruit varies in size from small, medium, …