As die-hard Hollywood farmers' market shoppers, we sometimes forget that there are nearly 100 other farmers' markets in LA County. While few of them match the spectacular size and selection of the Hollywood market, they serve as essential sources of fresh, local produce for LA's varied communities. Last Friday afternoon, we paid our first visit to the Echo Park farmers' market and filled our bags with glowing cherries, strawberries, asparagus, and arugula blossoms. With Sweredoski Farms as its cornerstone, the market is small but the vendors are high quality and notably friendly. (It's also refreshingly low-key for those who find the bigger markets overwhelming.) Click through for photos and recipes of our favorite seasonal finds...

Recipes:
• Seasonal Recipe Spotlight: Cherries
• Recipe: Cherry Custard Tart
• Cherry Desserts from Bon Appétit

Recipe:
• Recipe: Sujeonggwa (Korean Persimmon Punch)

Recipes:
• 10 Fresh Asparagus Recipes for Spring

Recipes:
• Recipe: Strawberry Basil Lemonade
• Recipe: Strawberry-Yogurt Popsicles
• Recipe Roundup: Strawberry Shortcakes Are Everywhere
• Seasonal Note: Try Fresh Strawberries in Frozen Margaritas

Recipes:
• Fava Beans 101
• Ricotta Pasta with Fava Beans and Bacon
• Grilled Rainbow Chard With Fava Beans And Oregano
• Creamed Fava Beans

Stay tuned for an arugula blossom spotlight later this week!

• For more information on the Echo Park farmers' market and other Los Angeles area markets, visit Farmernet.com

Related: Farmers' Market Report: Spring in Hollywood

(Images: Emily Ho)