Uptown Whittier's California Certified Farmer's Market
The Farmer's market is held year round, with produce from local growers. It's healthy food that is fresh and flavorful.
If you have never made a practice of shopping at a Certified Farmer's Market (CFM), This is definitely the time to give it a try. It's a great time to have a walk, try something new, visit with neighbors, and shop for some high quality food.
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Farmer's markets are often more economical than grocery stores
Right now, aside from quality, the best reason to shop at Whittier's Farmer's Market is economic. The prices are often lower at a Farmer's Market, and at present, that is a concern to most of us. Also, you are spending your dollars locally, which benefits our State. But at the same time, you will get picked-fresh produce that has the full flavor that nature intended. By dealing directly with the grower, you get the benefits.
Get more flavor from freshly picked produce
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Many of us are becoming more health conscious as our culture begins to learn the effects of eating too much drive-through, and processed foods. Not only is it more expensive, but it is harming our health. Experts say that we are not getting enough fresh, raw fruits and vegetables in our diet. This is not to mention concerns about pesticides and the packing/shipping process that apply to many foods in the grocery store. Not all foods at a Farmer's Market are organic, but all of the produce bypasses processes that take away from the flavor and nutritional value in the food. Much of the food in grocery stores was picked more than a week ago and a lot of it is shipped from thousands of miles away (even from other countries!).
Healthier Choices
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At a Certified Farmer's Market, whether you choose organic or not, you are going to get food that is the very freshest and has the most flavor. Perhaps if we knew the truly delicious flavors of ripe, fresh produce, we would incorporate healthier foods into our diets more often. If we are only familiar with the bland flavor and poor texture of packed, shipped and stored produce, it's no wonder we turn to high fat, sugar and carbs instead.
Information about what we eat is a good thing
Shopping at a Farmer's Market is fun and is a whole different experience than a grocery store. It's a bit like going back in time or visiting a rural town. You can get to know the vendors and ask them how long plums will be in season or how they get strawberries to look so beautiful in December. Because the owner of the farm or someone close to him is at the market, you can get direct information about the methods used to grow the food, and how it differs from foods that are sold to grocery stores.
Be prepared for a different experience
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You need to to bring your own re-usable shopping bags or baskets to the market. The vendors have produce bags, but it's more comfortable and you won't be limited to what is easily carried in thin plastic bags. It's easier, too, if you bring smaller bills and some quarters so you can have close to the exact change. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and for walking. You will need both your hands for carrying your groceries, so have a method of carrying your keys and money that is hands-free. Remember that the people you do business with at a farmer's market aren't there just to sell squash. These are the people that actually do the work to grow the food, pick it and bring it to you. They are hard working and deserving of respect and appreciation. And they will appreciate you, as well.
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Look for flavor and texture, not polish
While you shop, if Farmer's Markets are new for you, remember that the produce is not picked for distribution in grocery stores. This means that the apples may not, at first glance, appear to be the beauty queens you see at large supermarkets. They are not waxed or uniform in size. The vendor may have "seconds", which have blemishes or are smaller in size, and they cost less than the rest. What this food may lack in appearance they will make up for in flavor and nutrition, because they were picked yesterday, not last week or last month.
You will often be offered samples of the produce. Give these a try and you will see that it's all about the flavor, texture and nutrition of the food, not the presentation. You may even be surprised by the burst of flavor as compared to grocery store bought produce.
Although some of the foods you will buy at a Farmer's Market are ripe and delicate (too delicate to be processed for wholesale), some foods do not ripen on the vine (such as Avocados) and you will need to wait a few days for them to ripen. Ask the vendor how they recommend you postpone or hasten the ripening process.
A variety of foods and benefits
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The Whittier Farmer's Market also has fresh fish, unusual crops, fresh cut flowers, plants, herbs, honey, nuts and a few vendors selling snacks, hot dogs and pop-corn.
Come and visit Whittier's Certified Farmer's Market... It's healthy, fun and you may find yourself enjoying the benefits of fresh foods more than ever.
The Uptown Whittier Farmer's Market is held every Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the corner of Greenleaf and Bailey.
For more information about Farmer's Markets, visit the California Federation of Certified Farmer's Markets Website.
Article written by Carol EngebretsonPhotos by Rick Elias
