California Avenue Farmers' Market, Palo Alto Ca

Location:
California Avenue (at El Camino)
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County ( Map )
Open:
Sundays
9:00am – 1:00pm
Year 'round

A Few Reasons To Shop Farmers' Markets

Many find that farmers' markets can become a very pleasurable ritual. It connects one to the community, the seasons, and farmers. For health, environmental, spiritual and culinary reasons, I believe we need farmers' markets. In most parts of the world, the local market is the heartbeat of the community.

Certified Farmers' Markets are instrumental in preserving the diversity of California agriculture by providing marketing outlets for the small acreage growers of heirloom, culinary, ethnic, organic, no pesticide, and other specialty crops not widely grown on a large scale or found at traditional food sources.
It's also refreshing to know that one is buying food directly from the producer of that product, something required at a "Certified" farmers' market. Notice the "Growers Certificate" visibly hanging at the farmer's stand. This certificate is issued by the County Agriculture Commissioner authorizing them to sell only the certain crops listed and grown by them. The interaction between you and the farmer is also a nice value in visiting the farmers' market.
Another good reason to come out and enjoy the weekly Farmers' Markets is to eat and cook "seasonally". One begins to appreciate the magic of cooking with the season while shopping "fresh". Shopping for fresh, seasonal produce brings out inspiration, imagination, and creativity in a cook.