We truly wrestled with whether to share this report from Sunday's Hollywood farmers' market. On the one hand, we know many of our readers (and writers) live in colder climes than California, and strawberries might not be the most welcome sight if you're having yet another root vegetable meal…
Yet, on the other hand, we hoped this post might inspire our readers who do reside in places where growing and harvesting continues through the winter. If you live near the Hollywood farmers' market, or any winter market, please go and take advantage of it! It's such a blessing that always makes us fully appreciate where we live. And if you're trying to eat light or just want to energize your cooking, a trip to the farmers' market should give you plenty of inspiration.
Here are some of the beautiful fruits and vegetables now in season in Southern and Central California, along with some cooking ideas.
• 1 Strawberries – Sweet winter strawberries were definitely the pick of the day at the Hollywood market. We could hardly get in to snap a photo, the crowds were so big!
• 2 Romanesco – Of all the cauliflower and broccoli varieties now in season, this is certainly the most fun.
• 3 Bloomsdale spinach – This would be delicious with Sesame Dressing.
• 4 Mushrooms of all kinds – Have you tried Kathryn's Dry Sautéeing method?
• 5 Dark, leafy greens like rainbow chard and Russian blue kale – Need some ideas? Check out Five Ways to Eat Kale.
• 6 Avocados – Emma just posted this tempting Quinoa-Avocado Salad recipe.
• 7 Pomelos and grapefruit – How about Grapefruit Ginger Tea Bread?
• 8 Kiwifruit – Brighten up the winter with Mango Kiwi Salsa. (California mangoes are available from Mud Creek Ranch.)
• 9 Tangerines – These flavorful Fremont tangerines, or any winter citrus, would be excellent for tangerine curd.
• 10 Cherimoyas – These custardy fruits are usually imported, but the California-grown variety is now in season.
• For more information on the Hollywood farmers' market and other Los Angeles area markets, visit Farmernet.com
Related: Farmers' Market Inspiration: Citrus and Beets
(Images: Emily Ho)
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We're moving out there next month (from New England) and I am soooo excited for this!
Auughh pain! Of course, New York does have absolutely beautiful California strawberries in the stores at this time of year. Unfortunately, they are a variety bred for looks and stamina, with just a hint of strawberry flavor. Such a tease...
I picked some up at South Coast Farms in OC over the weekend... the flavor isn't anywhere near where it should be yet :(
I used to go to the Santa Monica and Venice farmers markets - organic strawberries year round! And pretty cheap, too. Even just up the road here in Northern Calif. there aren't good strawberries right now like this.
I live in Connecticut, so normally this would make me sad. But I'm currently mulling over a job prospect in LA, so this makes me a bit more excited about freeways, smog, and earthquakes.
I'm in New England too and this post def makes me sad. :(
ooohhh... yummy. We are finally escaping our non-native midwest locale to join family in southern CA next year... articles like this just give us more to look forward to! For now one of our favorite things about visiting in winter is access to fresh healthy food.
Woe is me! We live near Boston!
How lucky are you that you get to experience this wonderful market!