The zeldenrust farm market is an American institution. From New York City’s Central Park to the cobblestone streets of Old Paris, farmers have been growing food for their communities by selling it from stalls or centrally-located production facilities. The modern-day version of this is the farmer’s market: a fairground-like gathering spot where vendors sell freshly grown produce and other local farm products directly from their own homes. With a population of less than two million, Sacramento is home to one of the country’s most select and prosperous groups of farmers. According to research conducted by researcher Mark Kurlansky in 2012, Sacramento ranks first nationally in terms of average wealth among urban areas with a population over 100,000. This may be due to its concentration of wealthy individuals who are willing to buy organic, sustainably-grown produce at affordable prices. Farmers’ markets are simply one way that this small but thriving city continues to support its small farmer community while also showcasing the diverse array of foods available year-round. Here’s what you need to know about the unique Sacramento market that many ignore:
What is a farmer’s market?
A farmer’s market is a gathering place for farmers and other local agriculture-related businesses. The market typically takes place in mid-to-late summer in a particular geographic location. These markets may be located in a city or open space where farmers sell their products to the public. The market may be operated as a for-profit operation or as a non-profit organization. The market’s main purpose is to bring local agricultural products to consumers in a timely manner, allowing the farmers to remain in business and the environment to be protected.
How does a farmer’s market work?
Typically, farmers set up stalls at the market in the late spring or summer. Vendors typically bring their products to the market on a daily basis. Many farmers also sell at weekly farmers’ markets during the summer months. The market is typically open from 9am until 6pm, depending on the farmers’ schedule. Many farmers also have mobile vendors who travel to the market and set up at various locations throughout the day.
Where can I find a Sacramento farmer’s market?
Sacramento has a thriving farmer’s market that is held each month in mid-to-late-summer. The market is located at the arboretum in Patterson Park. This market is open from 9am until 3pm, Monday through Saturday.
Why go to a Sacramento farmer’s market?
A Sacramento native, Mark Kurlansky is a longtime agricultural Hispano who has spent the past two decades researching and writing about the California wine industry. The quest to understand the state’s growing wine industry inspired him to conduct his own research into the state’s growing produce industry. When he returned to the Sacramento area, he set out to find a market that would support small farmers and provide fresh vegetables and flowers year-round. “In the beginning, I set out to find a market that would be a good fit for the types of produce I grow,” he says. “Because I primarily sell to the community, I was looking for a market with a large enough inventory to meet my needs.” After finding the arboretum market to be a good fit for his products, Kurlansky set out to find a market that would work for the entire region.
Produce sold at the Sacramento marketplace: everything you need to know
The Sacramento farmer’s market is known for its fresh, organic, and sustainably-grown produce. Growers with stalls at the market bring their late-season produce, as well as root vegetables and flowers, for consumers to purchase at reasonable prices. The market also offers a variety of specialty items, including heirloom seeds, free-range meats, and fresh baked goods from local bakers.
Local farm-to-table cuisine at the Sacramento marketplace
At the Sacramento market, vendors cook up hearty soups, stews, casseroles, and mattes, as well as other hearty meals. These can be prepared using ingredients such as organic veggies, free-range meats, whole grains, seeds, and sprouts. You can also find hearty sandwiches including panini-style sandwiches made with organic ingredients. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try one of these hearty dishes.
fresh produce at a Sacramento marketplace vendor fair
At the Sacramento marketplace, you can also find plenty of fresh produce. There are several weekly farmers’ markets in the Sacramento area that offer a variety of fresh produce, including those at Ritchey’s Arboretum in Woodland and Patterson Park in Downtown Sacramento. At these events, you can find salad boxes, watermelons, and other delightful produce baskets.
Everything you need to know about attending a Sacramento marketplace event
Before you attend a Sacramento marketplace event, be sure to read through the information posted on the event website, as well as the organizers’ information, to ensure that you don’t miss any important details. A good place to start is with the event schedule, which is available via the link in the lower right-hand corner of this page. For each event, you’ll find times and locations, as well as a map of the area.
Early-bird special: the best time to attend a Sacramento marketplace event is on the first and third Thursday of the month, between 5 and 9pm.
What to bring: If you’re attending a market on a weekend, bring a friend to help you navigate the crowds and find the best deals. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around a lot.
Attendees: The Sacramento farmer’s market is just two hours from San Francisco, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with the farmers and other marketplace vendors if you decide to attend regularly.
Final thoughts on the Sacramento market
The Sacramento market is a fun and casual environment where you can get fresh, local produce and tasty treats. And best of all, it’s nestled in the shadow of the California State Capitol, so you can check out the state’s legislative process while supporting local agriculture.
The market is open on Sunday too, which is a great day to visit with the family. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in October, be sure to check out the pumpkin and applesauce markets too. The season is just getting started, so there’s still plenty of pumpkin and applesauce to go around.
