ORANGE YOU GLAD THERE’S A MARKET NEAR YOU?

Orange you glad you live in Southern California? Not so long ago, much of the world considered oranges a rare treat. They were a treasure often tucked into Christmas stockings or given as holiday gifts. San Diego’s sunny weather makes it easy to get fresh, local oranges all year round but they’re still a treat! Right now Lone Oak Ranch, Smit Orchards and Schaner Farms are picking Satsuma mandarins, a sweet, seedless and easy to peel variety. Navel oranges from Polito Family Farms or Heritage Farms make wonderfully fragrant traditionally holiday decorations studded with whole cloves from Just Spice. See how here.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your house, or brave enough to head outdoors for some winter camping, this is the season to spend time with your loved ones in front of a roaring fire. Paradise Valley Ranch trims their trees and offers avocado firewood at all three markets, and they also deliver. Manness Vineyards brings grapevines good for the grill or the firepit to Little Italy. Grab a blanket and get cozy!

Start with a pound of fresh California dragon meat. If you can’t find dragon meat, it is probably because dragons don’t exist (don’t tell Puff). Substitute one pound of young dragon tongue beans from Suzie’s farm; they’re sweet, juicy, and unlike dragon meat, are both vegetarian and real. Add some eggplant, a diced Serrano pepper (or more if you actually enjoy breathing fire), and your favorite seasonings (we like to add fresh ginger from Vang’s Farm), and stir-fry until the veggies are just tender. No actual dragons are harmed in the making of this dish.

 

Learn how to apply for permits, how to apply for space, and how to successfully market your crop or product at San Diego farmers' markets. Tuesday, December 7, 6 pm to 8:30 pm Limited class size. Register now!

Make beautiful music at one of our weekly farmers' markets? Jazz, Funk, Latin, Fusion, or your specialty, we'd like our shoppers to hear from you. Contact us here with a link to your music site and let San Diego hear your tunes!

Poppa’s Fresh Fish Company stuffs Anaheim chiles with fresh shrimp and California goat cheese and offers them hot and ready to eat or to take home and cook yourself. Grab some greens from Suzie’s, tomatoes from Kawano Farms and spicy vinaigrette from Bistro Blends for salad and you’ve got dinner. Watch for additional holiday gift vendors coming to the Adams Avenue market next week!

The North Park Farmers’ Market is back from their Thanksgiving Day break to offer you a break from turkey with a variety of greens from JR Organics, tomatoes and squash from Valdivia Farms and fresh pasta from Lisko Imports. Have you tried the delicious pastries from Olive Oil Café, including vegan and gluten free treats?

WE LOVE A PARADE
The holidays continue this week with North Park’s annual Toyland Parade. Come watch the marching bands and the parade starting at 9:30 on Saturday morning and be sure to cheer for the Farmers’ Marketeers!

Susan Russo’s book Recipes Every Man Should Know is a perfect stocking stuffer, and Susan aka Foodblogga, will be at the Little Italy farmers’ market on Saturday to demonstrate recipes and sign books. The holiday fun continues after the Mercato with Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4 to 7:30 pm. Bring the whole family to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy the music, see Santa Claus and play in the falling snow!