Purchasing organic, local produce is not only a healthier option, but is often a cheaper way to go (despite preconceptions that organic is always more expensive). The trick is to spot the organics at your local farmer's markets where farmers sell their crops directly to the public, eliminating the middle men costs often associated with larger supermarket stores (i.e. packing, shipping and wholesale costs). This means both the farmer and the consumer saves money!
My personal favorite in Los Angeles is the Sunday Santa Monica Farmers' Market. On most Sundays, my boyfriend and I head down to Main Street in Santa Monica to get our Sunday morning started right. It's not only a great venue to buy fresh, organic and seasonal produce, but it's the ultimate community gathering place! (Here's a plus: There's free bike valet!)
Cruise around the market with fresh cut flowers in hand while nibbling free tasters at Urban Green (I recommend Rickey's Pecan Pie and Chai Spiced Nuts). If you're appetite yearns for a heartier feast, stop by Carbon Grill where the friendly staff magically assemble 3lb Breakfast Burritos (David and I have no choice to split this serving) where every bite is packed with fluffy white race, eggs, salsa, freshly shaved cotija cheese and the best chicken you've ever tried! And when you feel a food coma coming on and your arms are tired from lugging bags of organic bok choy, plump tomatoes and your latest vintage clothing finds, plop your bottom on the sidewalk in the sun and listen to the melodic tunes of folk bands emanating tunes a la Lucinda Williams or Simon & Garfunkel (Dustbowl Revival is "a Venice, CA-based folk-blues orchestra that merges old school gypsy rhythms with bluegrass, gospel, jug-band, jump blues and the hot swing of the 1930’s to form a spicy roots cocktail").
The Sunday Market is the perfect place to bring family and friends to enjoy breakfast, food, shopping and a true West Side LA community. If you don't know what to do with all the produce you just bought, buy a copy of The Santa monica Farmers' Market Cookbook. (Note: Since the produce tastes so great, you'll save money and energy by not overdoing the spices and the cooking.)
Quick Shopping Tips for Customers:
1. When you first arrive, walk through the entire market and look at all the offerings before you buy. There are many differences in prices for the same produce type and quality.
2. Always bring lots of small bills and change.
3. Certified Farmers’ Markets are permitted Food Facilities and so no dogs (except service dogs) are allowed (sorry Marley).
4. Bargaining for small amounts is not well received. Bargaining for big boxes or great amounts is usually acceptable.
5. Bring large cloth or net shopping bags. It will save multiple trips to your car to unload. Please try to remember to reuse the produce bags provided by the farmers.
6. Most of the produce is unsorted and field run. Some of the best tasting fruit is cosmetically challenged.
7. These are outdoor markets. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
For more information visit the Farmers' Market website.
