An interesting article on farmers’ markets in Italy published last September on Kataweb Cucina, has provided me with the inspiration for my first contribution to Francesca’s blog. The article, in fact, states: “Producers could sell directly to consumers at the farm even before. Farmers’ markets, however, are something new and have been authorized by law only in 2001, importing an idea born in California 30 years ago.” And an idea, I will add, that keeps growing in its birth place. Both in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I live part of the time, and in the little-known corner of California where I spend the rest of my time (in Humboldt county), there are many farmers’ markets. Just to give you an idea, according to the California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets, there are 20 weekly farmers’ markets in Los Angeles, and 14 in both San Francisco and Oakland.

My favorite farmers’ market is the one held on Saturday morning in Arcata. It is not a year-round market, because it is outdoors and winters in Humboldt county are quite rainy. The 30th season of the Arcata farmers’ market will start on April 12. A good portion of the fruit and vegetables sold at the market are organic and all are locally produced.

To the pleasure of buying fresh, tasty products and the knowledge of supporting the local farms, a social dimension gets added that makes the weekly visit even more enjoyable. In fact, meeting friends and neighbors (all equipped with capacious baskets and bags for carrying the purchases) is a common occurrence. Also, every Saturday there is a different band playing in the center of the square, offering a nice musical background to the shopping expedition.

As it happens with all markets, regular visits lead to knowledge of the different producers and their specialties. Besides fruit and vegetables, the market in Arcata offers plants (ornamental and edible), fresh pasture-range eggs, oysters from nearby Humboldt Bay, honey and wine. Other markets offer products like cheeses and olive oil. And obviously, what is available varies with the seasons. I took the photos last year at the Arcata farmers’ market. The miniature peppers were a big hit and in any case the season was great for all kinds of peppers. At the end of the summer winter squash and pumpkins arrived. There are many varieties of winter squash, they can be used in many ways in the kitchen and they are all excellent.

Farmers’ market, which keep sprouting everywhere in California, showcase the state’s rich farm production. What fascinates me about the Arcata market (something I have noticed in other markets as well) is the fact that among the producers there are many young people. And talking to the farmers tells me that they are passionate about their work. This passion for the fruits of the earth is reflected in the California cuisine. In my opinion, an important characteristic of the California cuisine is its focus on fresh seasonal ingredients that are produced locally. In future posts I will talk more about this.

If you are considering traveling to California, maybe I have convinced you to visit a farmers’ market, like the one held on Saturday (from 8 am to 2 pm) and on Tuesday (from 10 am to 2 pm) next to the Ferry building in San Francisco. It’s a colorful and delicious market. held in a beautiful urban setting view of the San Francisco Bay and the majestic Bay Bridge. The market is a great place to start your exploration of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

[by Simona]

Questo articolo è stato pubblicato Giovedì, 28 Febbraio 2008 alle 09:44 e classificato in Cucina consapevole, Cucina in California, Eventi e notizie, Ingredienti e Prodotti, Luoghi, Vegetariane. Puoi seguire i commenti a questo articolo tramite il feed RSS 2.0. Puoi inviare un commento, o fare un trackback dal tuo sito.