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NewsvineIt is Sunday at noon, and the California sunshine warms shoppers as they peruse the fruit and vegetable stalls at the farmers market off El Camino. Green, crisp lettuce, plump tomatoes and juicy peaches are just a few of the fresh organic products available at the market, one of several located in the area.
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“Eating local” is a trend with momentum. Local farmers markets support California agriculture and ensure customers the freshest selection of produce. The markets create a space for real farmers to interact with urban consumers, cutting out middlemen and making for cheaper products. Selling locally is beneficial to farmers, too: It allows them to sell the ripest fruits and vegetables (too fragile to ship off in bulk) and to sell in smaller quantities, in a venue other than one for large, corporate distributors.
There are many farmers markets close to Stanford, but the closest one is on the corner of El Camino and California Avenue. Easily within biking distance (extra green points!), it’s only about a mile from the end of Palm Drive — a perfect location for hungry Stanford students to grab some yummy produce.
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the farmers’ market on California Ave. is a lively and colorful crossroads of people and produce from all over Palo Alto and the surrounding areas. Part of the fun of shopping locally is shopping seasonally. Ripe and ready, now and through August, are all different types of strawberries, peaches and tomatoes.
But don’t worry about a lack of selection; also available are several other varieties of veggies and fruits, all “fresh from the farm” — literally. In addition to the vast selection of produce are stands serving fresh baked goods and eclectic ethnic food. I recommend the Indian cuisine or the crepe stand both are appetizing treats served ready to eat. By shopping at the farmers’ market, customers are buying their produce straight from the growers, ensuring that they not only are getting the freshest produce available to them, but they also know where it is coming from. Vendors are always happy to talk about what’s new each week.
Try shopping at a farmers market this summer. It’s a win-win: You’ll find some fresh and organic treats to take home, and you’ll do it on good principle.