Food Stuff

The location of Sacramento’s central certified farmers’ market, in a state parking lot under the Capital City Freeway, may not be the most bucolic place to hold such an event. On the other hand, the gritty location does have its advantages. The elevated freeway keeps things shady and cool in the summer. There is plenty of room for vendors in what has become the largest farmers’ market in Northern California. Parking? No problem. The market itself offers great things besides edible produce, including grass-fed beef, fresh whole fish, potted herbs, cheap bouquets of flowers, fresh-baked pastries and the slide guitar of Johnny “Guitar” Knox. Go there now for awesome stone fruits—peaches, plums, apricots and cherries—picked for sweetness, not for shipping. Buying direct from the farmer means low prices and peak freshness. And did we mention the convenient freeway access? Eighth and W streets in Sacramento, Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon, www.california-grown.com.