Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)
Luscious berries, organic veggies, tantalizing baked treats, and colorful blooms are just a few of the items that can be found in abundance at Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Markets.
In the Ventura, certified markets are Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Pacific View Mall. Saturdays, the Downtown Ventura market (corner of Santa Clara and Poli Street) operates 8:30 am to Noon.
Thanks to a beneficial climate, Ventura County produces a variety of crops year-round. The most recent national data available put Ventura County at No. 11 among all counties in the U.S.
Shopping for local produce when it’s in season is excellent for your health — the food is fresh and doesn’t have to be preserved to travel long distances. Purchasing locally produced goods is better for the environment (less travel time for transporting means less greenhouse gas emissions). When you shop locally, it boosts the community’s economy. It’s a win-win for you, the local farmers, and the community-at-large.
When you buy local, it’s also an excellent opportunity to know your local farmer’s one-on-one. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask farmers specific questions about their growing practices. Do they farm with chemicals? You’ll also find they’re happy to offer recipe, preparation and storage suggestions.
According to the 2017 Ventura County Crop and Livestock Report, the top 10 leading crops in the area are strawberries, lemons, celery, nursery stock, raspberries, avocados, cut flowers, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage.
A partial list of fruits and vegetables in season for summer:
| Vegetables | Fruits |
| Avocados | Apricots |
| Green onions/scallions | Blood orange |
| Summer squash | Citrus (Grapefruit, Lemons, Valencia oranges) |
| Cauliflower | Grapes |
| Asparagus | Peaches |
| Kale | Plums |
| Celery | Strawberries |
| Carrots | Nectarines |
| Spinach | Melons |
| Lettuce | Passion Fruit |
Here’s a list of helpful bullets to make shopping at your local certified Farmer’s Market pleasant and productive:
Make sure to shop your pantry cabinets before leaving for the market and make a list of what you’ll need. Knowing what you’ll need before you make your purchases will help reduce food waste and keep you within your budget.
Be sure to bring your reusable shopping bag or basket. Keep one in your car just in case you need backup.
When you get to the market, scout the market to make sure you’re getting what you need at the best price.
Bring your credit cards, but some vendors like small bills, so make sure you have some cash on hand.
If you see a veggie or fruit and you’re not familiar with it, ask the farmer what it is and how to use it in a recipe.
For more of what’s in season, visit Southland Farmers’ Market Association:
http://www.sfma.net/consumer/inseason.shtml
