Fresh produce awaits at Concord farmers market
Lawmakers across the state continue to weigh the pros and cons of reopening farmers markets, even though they have been declared essential businesses.
It is still up to individual cities and counties to make the final decision on whether to reopen, leaving us with a patchwork of opened or closed markets.
Traditionally, farmers markets have been community gathering places. Families and friends could grab a quick lunch and sit down to enjoy music, entertain the kids, talk to local farmers, buy some fresh produce and watch cooking demonstrations. But social distancing guidelines have ended this for now.
While customers currently get their produce and leave quickly, farmers markets are resilient and have enacted changes to meet the demands of current conditions.
Essential source of income for farmers
The markets remain focused on providing California’s small farms with a direct-to-consumer outlet to help them sell their harvest. Farmers markets provide an essential source of income for farmers, while ensuring that fresh healthy food is available to the community.
There are a lot of empty grocery store shelves right now with the disruption of food transport systems, exposing the fragility of the industrial food supply chain. So buying local is even more important.
Many customers have mentioned how grateful they are that farmers markets have reopened. The markets and the farmers we serve will surely make it through these tough times.
And with your support of farmers markets and the local food systems they represent, we will continue to bring you the freshest produce possible – be it good times or bad.
The Concord farmers market is open temporary in the Concord High School parking lot 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, with the first hour dedicated to seniors and those at risk. An opening date for the Thursday evening market is not yet determined.
Now available at the Concord farmers market: Cherries from Gotelli Farms of Stockton; stone fruit from Diaz Farms from Fowler, J&J Ramos Farms in Hughson and Smit Orchards from Linden; eggs from Great Valley Poultry of Manteca; cut flowers from Sunrise Nursery; fish from Freshway Fish in Roseville and Hanson Family Farms of Clayton; and spring veggies from J&M Farms in Gilroy.
With summer just around the corner and everyone getting ready for grilling season, here’s a fresh recipe to try.
Sweet Grilled Peaches
- 2 large peaches or nectarines
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 T. brown sugar
Cut peaches in half, remove pits. Do not peel. Brush cut surfaces with olive oil. Grill cut side down about 5 minutes. Turn peaches over and sprinkle with brown sugar; cook another 3-5 minutes. Remove from grill, plate and sprinkle with more brown sugar if desired.
For more information visit pcfma.org