While local Farmers Markets have always been a nice way to source freshly grown fruit and produce, the pandemic really helped shine a light on an alternative way to get food on the table when the supermarket shelves were being overly raided.
Besides, there are some really nice, salt-of-the-earth people farming and delivering great produce and meats to us every week at our local farmers markets; for those that are able to, it’s great to show support and purchase food supplies from them for making delicious meals at home.
So what’s at your local Farmers Market? 
Hollywood Farmers Market
The Hollywood Farmers Market is probably the largest Farmers Market in L.A. Local chefs / restaurants show up every week to purchase what's in-season, at the peak ripeness and flavor to present on their menus, and the prices are generally much cheaper than local supermarkets.
On any given Sunday, you might bump into Chef Michael Cimarusti (of Michelin 2 Starred Providence, and Connie & Ted’s fame), or Chef Nancy Silverton (Pizzeria & Osteria Mozza, Chi Spacca) and many others.
The Garden Of…
For those that have never stopped by this little stand, The Garden Of… is a Certified Organic Farm out of Santa Ynez, California, run by Shu Takikawa and his family. You’ll oftentimes see generations of family helping out.
The biggest draw of The Garden Of… are the incredible Organic Heirloom Lettuces that Shu-san and his family grow.
Organic Heirloom Lettuces:
Besides being visually arresting, they are truly the best Heirloom Lettuces I’ve ever used to make Salads at home. They each have an inherent genuine flavor to them. Some are slightly peppery even. And they are so impressive even local star restaurants like Republique use The Garden Of… Lettuces for their Salads. Do not miss these incredible Lettuces! 
(@ElsieDee @BradFord @js76wisco and all.)
Their other Organic Vegetable offerings are just as impressive in flavor. They taste better, with richer, deeper flavors.
Organic Daikon Radish:
Their Organic Daikon Radish is fantastic for making soups.
Organic Yu Choy:
It is not hyperbole to say that The Garden Of’s Organic Yu Choy are hands down the best Yu Choy I’ve ever eaten, anywhere in the world. That’s how fresh, tender, distinct they are.
Their Organic Bok Choy (forgot to take pictures) are also very good, really standout and worth picking up.
More Organic Heirloom Lettuces (Another Visit):
Organic Chidori Kale:
But perhaps one of their most unique offerings is their Organic Chidori Kale. Besides the shocking, beautiful purple color, the Chidori Kale tastes amazing! Sauteed with some Olive Oil and Garlic and Rice Wine, wow, it turns out tender, supple, but still has a unique density to it. The flavors of this Chidori Kale also surpass Dino Kale and all the other Kale varieties I’ve cooked over the years. Outstanding!
Update: Sadly, due to water shortages and Farmer Shu Takikawa’s health, they have decided to stop appearing at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. 
They will continue to appear at the Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesdays), and the Santa Barbara Farmers Market (Saturdays).
The Garden Of… (Organic Farm)
(At the Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday))
155 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day: Wednesday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Harry’s Berries
Harry’s Berries needs no introduction for locals, but just in case: It was founded in 1967 in Oxnard, California, by Farmer Harry Iwamoto. It’s currently run by “Gean Family Farms” which is Farmer Iwamoto’s daughter and son-in-law (Molly and Rick Gean). They are Certified Organic, and their top item by far are their legendary Organic Strawberries.
Organic Gaviota Strawberries:
It’s hard to describe to someone who has never had Harry’s Berries Organic Strawberries when they are ripe and in-season, but suffice to say, they are beloved for a reason.
It starts with an intense natural Strawberry fragrance. You can smell a pure Strawberry essence wafting from each basket, so sweet, floral, gentle. 
But taking a bite, it’s the insane sweetness in the Gaviota Strawberries. It’s naturally sweet, floral, so concentrated in flavor that you can never go back to regular Strawberries. Stunning!
The prices have been climbing however, and it needs to be noted that there’s going to be sticker shock. It went up from $7 a basket, to $8, $8.50, then during the pandemic they made “1.5 times larger baskets” and sold them for $12 each and beyond.
But when you get them in-season and ripe? There is nothing like them.
They also have Seascape Strawberries (more tart, but still standout) and Mara des Bois Strawberries (smallest size, distinct flavor), but we enjoy the Gaviotas the most.
Harry’s Berries
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(At the Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday))
155 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(And at additional farmers markets in Southern California, including Pasadena.)
Arnett Farms
Arnett Farms (Fresno, California) has some of the best Fruit selections throughout the year (although with many misses as well). They have perhaps too many varieties, but if you ever get a chance to try their Flavor King Pluots and Black Mission Figs in season, they are among the best that our local farmers markets have to offer!
They also offer many freshly grown nuts, such as Pistachios, Almonds, Walnuts and more.
Pistachio Butter:
While Peanut Butter will always be America’s #1 favorite, if you get a chance to try Arnett Farms’ freshly ground Pistachio Butter, it is incredible! 
Super nutty, rich, almost savory in nature. It is nothing like Peanut Butter, but has a certain kinship to it. Excellent on Toast and beyond. (@ipsedixit @paranoidgarliclover @attran99 @ElsieDee and all.)
They are just finishing up citrus season!
Cara Cara Oranges:
This past month or so, the Cara Cara Oranges for this season have been so bright and sweet! There’s a deeper “Orange” flavor than standard Navel Oranges you get at the supermarket.
Satsuma Mandarins:
The Satsuma Mandarins were another highlight this Citrus season. Seedless and easy-to-peel, they are smaller than Cara Cara Oranges, but sweeter, more intense with a “spark” of bright citrus notes in every bite.
Kishu Mandarins:
The Kishu Mandarins were another winner. Also easy-to-peel and seedless, they had a touch more acid to balance the sweetness, but were quite wonderful as well. Fantastic to pair with my Organic Garden Of… Heirloom Salad.
On another visit, Arnett Farms just got in a fresh batch of Almonds grown on their farm.
Roasted Almonds, Unsalted (and Salted):
If you’ve never had Fresh Almonds from a local farm, definitely consider giving them a try. Arnett Farms’ Roasted Almonds (they also offer Unpasteurized Raw Almonds, Roasted & Salted or Unsalted) are incredible! The Almonds taste more complex, more enticing, and the freshly roasted Almonds really arrive extremely nutty and aromatic. So good!
Stone Ground Almond Butter:
Like Arnett Farms’ freshly ground Pistachio Butter, their Stone Ground Almond Butter has a real intense nuttiness, and makes a great substitute for plain, store-bought Peanut Butter.
Stone Fruit Season is starting up! It just started last week for Arnett Farms, and I wanted to post some pics from last year’s incredible Stone Fruit offerings from Arnett Farms for reference as we kick off this year.
White Peaches:
While there’s an incredible Peach farmer that appears later in the year, Arnett Farms’ White Peaches are tasty and sweet. They have a good balance of a floral Peach aroma and light sweetness in their White Peaches. Worth a try.
Black Mission Figs:
With the start of Stone Fruit season, be on the lookout for the super short Fig season as well! Arnett Farms usually has 2 waves of Black Mission Figs, early on at the start of the season (now / soon), and then one more wave at the tail end of Stone Fruit season.
Their Black Mission Figs are hands down the best Figs we’ve bought locally for years! Super sweet, tender, earthy, glorious! Do not miss them! (@js76wisco @BradFord @ElsieDee and all!)
Italian White Figs:
A visually striking variety, the Italian White Figs are less sweet than the Black Mission Figs, but still delicious. I still enjoy them straight up, but also are nice for roasting as appetizers as well.
Flavor King Pluots:
But if there’s one Stone Fruit not to be missed each year from Arnett Farms, it would be their Flavor King Pluots. A combination of Apricot, Plum and Cherry, when they are ripe, there is truly nothing else like it. It starts with this incredible tart-sweet front palate. A touch of the Cherry and Plum tartness, but it gives way to a massive flavor bomb, such depth of complexity that it surpasses most fancy Desserts in terms of flavor, all done naturally! It’s incredibly sweet, fragrant, and it might be my favorite Fruit of the year, every year. (@ElsieDee @ipsedixit @BradFord )
(Note: Always check with the farm hands / staff - ask them what’s standout for the week, and when Flavor King Pluots arrive, check to see if they are good for the week (ready), and then ask them to pick out some good ones for you.)
Arnett Farms
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(Also at these Farmers Markets):
Tuesday
Culver City
Torrance
Manhattan Beach
Wednesday
Tustin
Thursday
Westwood Village
La Cienega
Saturday
Playa Vista
Calabasas
Saturday
Irvine
Sunday
Hollywood
Brentwood
Pacific Palisades
Studio City
Mar Vista
Larchmont
Yasutomi Farms
Yasutomi Farms is out of Pico Rivera and Long Beach, California. They always have some nice Japanese Vegetables in pristine condition each week. For today’s visit:
Daikon Radish:
Yasutomi Farms’ Daikon Radishes are not only a great value (larger varieties for the same price), but they are beautifully earthy and lightly sweet (inherently) when making them in a Soup.
Baby Bok Choy:
Their Baby Bok Choy are tender and when sauteed with some Olive Oil and Garlic, they arrive more flavorful than the local supermarket offerings.
Momotaro Tomatoes:
Be on the lookout for Yasutomi Farms’ Momotaro Tomatoes. I prefer Shu Takikawa’s Momotaro from The Garden Of, but Yasutomi Farms’ versions are fragrant, balanced, low acid, sweet and tomatoey.
They also regularly offer Komatsuna and Mizuna Greens, which are nice.
Yasutomi Farms
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:30AM - 1:00PM
(Also @ Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday))
155 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day: Wednesday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Murray Family Farms
Out of Kern County, and Certified Organic, Murray Family Farms has a wide variety of offerings every year, but they are truly standout for being a Cherry specialist and Grape specialist.
And Cherry Season is upon us!
Throughout the season, Murray Family Farms has about 60(!) varieties of Organic Cherries! I don’t think I’ve seen another farm locally that offers that kind of variety.
Arvin Glenn Organic Cherries:
The Arvin Glenn Organic Cherries are one of Murray Farms’ early season varietals. It’s plump, juicy, crunchy and lightly sweet with a touch of tart. Solid.
Sequoia Organic Cherries:
But the first major winner this new Cherry Season might very well be the Sequoia Organic Cherries. They are dark, low acid and have the sweetest flavor so far. Absolutely delicious!
Brooks Organic Cherries:
The Brooks Organic Cherries are a mainstay (they are steady and you can usually find them for a few weeks before they are gone). They are the biggest, meatiest Cherries of the season so far, low acid, sweet and lightly crunchy. I love to add them to my Organic Salads.
Royal Ansel Organic Cherries:
These were higher acid than the previous ones, tart-sweet. Different, but not my favorite.
Early Glenn Organic Cherries:
They’re a medium-sized Cherry, crunchy, some sweetness. I liked the Avin Glenn Cherries more, but these were also tasty.
This week Murray Farms is saying they’ll have Organic Black Pearl Cherries, Minnie Royal, more Royal Ranier Cherries and a couple other varieties(!).
Murray Family Farms
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(Also @ Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday))
155 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day: Wednesday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(Also at these Farmers Markets):
Tuesday
Culver City
Wednesday
Santa Monica
Altadena
Thursday
South Pasadena
Thousand Oaks
Friday
Venice Beach
Saturday
Santa Monica @Pico
Santa Barbara
Joshua Tree
Palm Spring
Playa Vista
Torrance
Bakersfield F Street
Sunday
Hollywood
Mar Vista
Encino
Studio City
Beverly Hills
Ojai
Santa Clarita
Atwater
Bakersfield - Haggin Oaks
Bautista Family Organic Date Ranch
Over the years, I’ve fallen in and out of love with Dates (the fruit). I’ve had some preparations in desserts or restaurants that made me swear them off, and also some excellent Dates as well. I decided to give them another try and remembered that the local Hollywood Farmers Market has 2 Date Farmers that offer a wide variety to sample.
Bautista Family Organic Date Ranch has the best variety and flavors so far.
Organic Medjool Dates (2 Varieties):
The farmer at Bautista said Medjool Dates are prized for a reason. They are the most expensive of their Organic Date offerings, but also the largest and plumpest. He was kind enough to let us sample all of them. The Medjool were definitely the largest, plumpest and meatiest variety. Still tender and moist. Beautifully sweet.
Organic Khadrawy Dates:
These were my favorite. They are smaller and less meaty than the Medjool, but they were incredibly juicy, and had a round, honey, complex sweetness. Almost caramel. Wow!
They are incredible as a snack, or to add in your Salad.
Bautista Family Organic Date Ranch
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(Also @ Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday))
155 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Day: Wednesday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(And at these Farmers Markets):
Studio City Farmers Market
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Torrance Farmers Market
Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd.
Day: Saturday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Irvine Farmers Market
Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive
Day: Saturday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates By Davall
The other Date Farm at the Hollywood Farmers Market, Dates By Davall is based out of Indio, California. They aren’t Certified Organic like Bautista Farms is, but they have a wide variety of Dates as well, and were kind enough to let us sample some.
Barhi Dates:
Their Barhi Dates were light in color and had a gentle Caramel note(!). Quite tasty. These were being sold for $10 / pound.
Medjool Dates:
The farmer here also called Medjool Dates the “best” of their Date crop. Like at Bautista, they were the largest varietal, plump and meaty. They were a touch drier compared to Bautista’s Organic version.
Honey Dates:
Rather self-explanatory by the name, the Honey Dates really had a bit of a Honey note of flavor to them. But I actually thought they had a more pleasing Honey-Caramel flavor. These were a touch dry.
Empress Dates:
I remembered these being similar, but less interesting than the Barhi.
Deglet Noor Dates:
And the farmer explained that their Deglet Noor Dates had a low Glycemic index which might help diabetics. These were still quite tasty and sweet, but less sweet tasting than all the other offerings.
In the end, we picked up a package of the Barhi Dates. They had a nice Caramel like flavor, but it turned out about ~30% of the package had Dates that were dried out. 
Still tasty, but semi-dried (naturally), and it took away from the fresh-tasting aspect. (Dried Dates in general are of course fine, and commonly sold that way, but when the farm is advertising fresh batches of Dates just picked, you expect a certain mouthfeel and level of moisture.)
Dates By Davall
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
HOPF Chocolate
One of the many local food artisans on the “Cooked / Prepared Foods Wing” of the Hollywood Farmers Market, HOPF Chocolate caught our attention during a recent visit. Perusing their catalog, it looks like they use Peruvian Cacao and it’s “minimally processed fermented, never roasted and only cold-pressed.”
They are also 100% Vegan, No Refined Sugars (using only Maple Syrup from a family-owned farm in Pennsylvania) and they had some enticing flavors.
Mushroom Coffee Cashew Butter Cups:
OK, the flavor for this Mushroom Coffee Cashew Butter Cup sounded ridiculous and crazy, and enticing. This was definitely on the Dark Chocolate side of things. Not overly sweet (a good thing), there was some nuttiness from the Cashew Butter, but the rich Peruvian Cacao really dominated, creating a sense of a luxurious bitter Chocolate edge. The Mushroom notes did appear, a little unnerving at first, and the Coffee notes just complemented things.
Maca Cookie Dough Cashew Butter Cups:
This was more traditional and easier to enjoy. There was a real “Cookie Dough”-esque flavor in this Vegan Cashew Butter Cup offering. Still on the mature, Dark Chocolate, very lightly sweetened angle.
It’s too early to tell if HOPF Chocolate is something we’d enjoy regularly, but we do want to go back and try their Mighty Mint Cashew Butter Cup and their Maple Pecan Chocolate Bar to see how those might turn out.
HOPF Chocolate
(@ Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday))
1600 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Day: Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(Also @ South Pasadena Farmers Market (Thursday))
921 Meridian Ave.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Day: Thursday
Hours: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
There are numerous other purveyors at the Hollywood Farmers Market that we didn’t get to cover, but the above are some of our favorites.
Farmers Markets are a great way to get affordable, super fresh produce, the best Vegetables and Fruits that’s in-season, and as such, you can taste the vibrancy in what’s being offered. And for those of us in California, hearing from relatives and friends out-of-state, definitely don’t take for granted the bountiful produce that the Golden State has to offer. 
Update 1: Organic Heirloom Lettuces at Roots Organic Farm!
Update 2: Black Mission Figs, Apricots and Cherry Tomatoes!
Update 3: Cherry & Full-Size Tomatoes, Melons, Special Grape Varietals and More.
Update 4: Amazing IFG-34 Organic Grapes at Murray Family Farms, Mangoes at Wong Farms and more!
. One of my local olive oil purveyors in the Bay Area sells it. I believe it’s balsamic vinegar with espresso beans steeped in it for a couple of weeks, but I’m not sure. Let the vinegar sit out for a day or two, even, and it becomes even more viscous like a sauce. Great with the smoky and earthy sweetness of seared black mission figs.
I like Harry’s Berries and the sungolds in particular confit in a crab pasta.
Let me know if they end up showing up at Brentwood, because then I can make that one at least.
I posted about them from last year’s batch, wanting to tell everyone to keep an eye out for them this season. 
Great article, and it explains why we never see it:
