Pinch My Salt

Food, Recipes, and Photography

Another Coast, Another Farmer’s Market

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Farmer’s Market Arbor

I’m on the west coast now and I thought I would tempt you with some new farmer’s market photos! The Vineyard Farmer’s Market in Fresno, CA, gathers each Wednesday and Saturday under the cover of this beautiful greenery-draped arbor. My aunt and I woke up early and made it down to the market by around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Farmer’s Market Carrots

Although I have yet to cook with them myself, I’m always drawn to these bunches of colorful carrots.

Fresno Farmer’s Market

Lots of beautiful grapes, peaches, and nectarines to be found here!

Chocolate Mint

I first discovered chocolate mint at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City. It amazingly smells exactly like chocolate mint candy. I haven’t cooked with it yet but I’m doing some research on different ways to use this stuff and plan on writing about it soon!

Aunt Kathy at Farmer’s Market

My aunt Kathy grabbed some green beans while I questioned these girls about some of the stranger-looking vegetables they had on display. I now know what bitter melon looks like (the prickly cucumber-like things in between the two types of purple eggplant) but I don’t really have any desire to taste it! Aren’t those eggplant beautiful?

Farmer’s Market Okra

Mmmmm…fresh okra! According to the nice woman who was selling these, the dark-colored ones are a different variety but taste the same as the green. Those little plastic bags sitting on top of the peppers are filled with pieces of cactus.

Update: Not so sure about okra? Check out the post over at Tastes Like Home and maybe you’ll change your mind!

Farmer’s Market Currants

In case you’ve never seen them fresh, these are what currants look like before they are dried and baked inside your favorite scones!

If you still haven’t checked out your own local farmer’s market yet, what are you waiting for? Remember, there are at least 10 reasons to buy local food!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steven says

    You forgot a couple of things about this farm market - the coffee is better than the Seattle brand - roasted in the largest roaster in the central valley, and you forgot to mention the bee man - his organic honey is like no other, and the soap he makes is AMAZING - I understand Fresno is like home to you so I hope you had a nice trip - there is the Tower District Farm Market for you to try next time.
    Reply

  2. Nicole says

    Steven: You're right, I should have mentioned Fabiano's Coffee Roasters and Bee Bob's honey. I've tasted both and they are great! Also, I thought it was great that there is a guy who will do on-site knife sharpening! I actually didn't know about the Tower District market, I'll have to check it out since the place I'm staying right now is actually right near there.
    Reply

  3. claudia young says

    i've never seen carrots like that. how absolutely beautiful. also i am jealous that you have blogger friends close by. i wanna meet you at the market and cook something with somebodyyyyy... i'm operating in a vacuum here in nashville land.
    Reply

  4. monica says

    Love the photos! Have you been to the Farmer's Market at Bentleys? I heard it's supposed to be really nice. http://farmersmarket.meetup.com/1/
    Reply

  5. Nicole says

    Claudia: I'm sure there's a way to find some fellow foodies around there! Monica: I haven't been to that one, I'll have to check it out! Thanks for the link :-)
    Reply

  7. Joan Obra says

    Thanks for mentioning my story in your blog! Just wanted to chime in on the chocolate mint. I steeped it in a creme Anglaise, then turned that lovely mixture into ice cream. Try it, and please do let us know what you think. (And just so you know, I accidentally curdled the creme Anglaise, but after turning around in the ice-cream maker, it had the perfect texture. I still don't know if this was just a fluke.)
    Reply

  9. rick says

    Our Farmers Market's this year are on Friday's. It starts on Friday April 18th and runs until November 14. Always goes from 6-9pm.It is held on our Courtyard under the cool canopy of umbrellas! Meet Local Farmers, Artists, T-Shirt Vendors, Sculptors & Photographers. All of which are selling straight to you the consumer. Bentley's doesn't charge a fee or percentage like normal Farmer Markets do. We offer this as a place where local vendors can meet and sell there wears to your the consumer. Also, we will have again this year our Thursday night Classic Car shows from 6-9pm. Starting April 17th. Another thing that Bentley's does like no other store in Fresno is Wine tasting! We have around 40 people attend each tasting with our online membership at 185. Check out pictures of past tastings at http://wine.meetup.com/308/
    Reply

  10. Katie says

    How funny! I Just bought a bunch of those cute carrots this weekend. I couldn't resist them! Great post, The Vineyard is awesome.
    Reply

  11. Rick says

    Bentley’s Farmers Market & Live Music on Friday Nights is such an amazing way to spend an evening. Take a stroll throughout The Grand Courtyard. Meander by each of the fountains, stopping to toss a wishing coin in the water. This 10,000 sf Courtyard is truly Fresno's best kept secret! Enjoy local produce vendors as you hear the sounds and vocals of some of Fresno's best singers. The kids will enjoy free face painting while mom and dad find a relaxing corner table at the adjoining Bistro courtyard. Nothing like enjoying a good bottle of wine under the stars on a Friday night! Other vendors besides Farmers…Local Clothing Designers, Local Sculptors, Local Painters, Local Photographers and Costume Jewelry Designers Bentley’s Farmers Market & Live Music is every Friday from 6pm until 8pm. This event runs until Friday November 6th 2009. Bentley's Fresh Market Farmers Market 9439 N Fort Washington Road (across from Woodward Park) 559-892-4200
    Reply

  12. Christina says

    I'm from Fresno and I've been going to that farmer's market ever since I was a little girl. You captured the market beautifully and I even recognize the currant vendor's handwriting. You've made the market seem like such a special place in your pictures. I am currently a student at UCLA and looking at these pictures makes me want to visit home!
    Reply

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