Shopping & Services: Harvest gold

Summer not only means that the weather is more amenable to outdoor vending and shopping, but also that more variety of fruits and vegetables are now in season. Apples, artichokes, asparagus, beets, cantaloupes, nectarines, persimmons, peas, plums and spinach are all in season this summer and, lucky for everyone, Sacramento has a variety of farmers markets, both on and off the grid, that sells tons of this fresh, locally harvested produce.

John Adair, business improvement district services and communications manager for the Midtown Association, says he’s particularly excited about the seasonal offerings at this year’s Midtown Farmers Market.

“You see a lot of fresh stuff right now,” Adair said. “You see a lot of berries, a lot of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and you see a lot of green and purple asparagus [this time of year].”

Among the offerings Adair says he’s most looking forward to are the upcoming chef demonstrations. Each demo will feature local chefs who select fresh ingredients and fresh produce from the Midtown Farmers Market to create a dish on the spot.

Want to cook your own or, better yet, find something to throw on the grill for that backyard barbecue? Chances are there’s a market just a short walk or bike ride way, be it the Sunday market downtown under the freeway, the Midtown Farmers Market or the Oak Park Farmers Market. Or, travel farther afield to harvest seasonal veggies in Davis, Auburn and the like.

From the Midtown Farmers Market, through Oak Park Farmers Market, to Davis, and Auburn, a wide array of color, flavor and locally grown food can be found all over the Sacramento Valley.

A list of local farmers markets, along with times, schedules and specific websites, can be found at www.farmtofork.com/taste-and-tour/farmers-markets.