Summer is here, the corn and tomatoes are being harvested, the planting of fall crops has begun, and your local farmers’ markets continue to supply good wholesome fruits and vegetables, even in the midst of a pandemic. We are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel as safety guidelines loosen, but we remain vigilant in protecting customer and farmer safety.
Farmers and customers alike appreciate the fact that farmers’ markets remain open, and those markets which have been closed are slowly reopening. Currently, farmers’ markets have evolved, albeit temporarily, to be more of a service rather than an event, where customers can purchase produce and leave quickly. But it’s still the best way for you to purchase the freshest produce available.With safety protocols still in place, such as no sampling or touching of produce, mask requirements, and social distancing, your market continues to be a safe location to restock the refrigerator and cook healthy meals for your family. It is also a place where the food supply chain is shorter because your food doesn’t go through so many hands – just from the farm to you. Farmers are especially thankful for this direct-to-consumer approach and appreciate the support they are finding from the local community.
“It’s good to see customers coming back to pick up their produce. More are coming back every week and that’s important to my family,” says a farmer at the Concord Farmers’ Market.
Customers’ reactions to the current way of shopping at a farmers’ market vary in degree of enthusiasm, though they love to get their produce from local farms.
One customer said “I’m pleased that everyone is following the safety rules. It makes me feel more comfortable about shopping here.”
“I don’t like the fact that I can’t pick up the produce and touch it before buying it, but I understand why it’s done this way,” another shopper states. “It doesn’t keep me from shopping here.”
Since the Concord Farmers’ Market has reopened at a different location at Concord High School, the market manager has had to rearrange the booth setup, cajole, encourage and restrict both farmers and customers, while also keeping up with the ever-changing state and county safety requirements.
Market manager Niki Fernandez says, “It’s been a new experience, that’s for sure! There are so many things to remember to do, while also watching the entire market to make sure everyone is sticking to all the safety rules. I’m lucky because our customers are the best!”
Thank you for supporting your local farmers market during a time when we need to invest in local farms so they will be here for us in the future. The stronger local farmers are, the better off the local food supply chain will be.
Now in season: Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, pluots, apriums) from Diaz Farms in Fowler and J&J Ramos Farms out of Hughson; tomatoes, bell peppers from C&M Farms from Watsonville; cucumbers (pickling, Persian, English) from FT Fresh in Fresno; sweet corn from G&S Farms in Brentwood; green beans, summer squash, and eggplant from J&M Farms in Hollister.
Debra Morris is a promotions coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association and writes the Time Is Ripe column. Contact her at debramorris@pcfma.com.
Recipe: Peach Salsa
ingredients
6 peaches, peeled, pitted, diced
1 pound tomatoes, diced
½ medium red onion, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice from two to three limes
one to three jalapeño peppers, depending on heat you like, with seeds removed and finely diced
salt to taste
instructions
Toss ingredients in a bowl and add salt to taste. The amount of lime juice you use will need to be determined by the acidity of tomatoes and peaches. Taste as you go. Chill for an hour or two, or enjoy at room temperature.
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June 28, 2020 at 07:17PM
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Time Is Ripe: Farmers’ markets remain open with safety guidelines - East Bay Times
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