26 August 2008
Ojai Sunday Farmers’ Market
Posted by Lelah under: Food; Ojai .
The Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market materializes in an otherwise always full parking lot behind the arcade on Matilija Street every Sunday at 9 a.m. It goes on until 1 p.m. I like going around lunchtime, when you can shop and then grab a quick lunch at either the tamale stand in the back of the market or at Rainbow Bridge across the street. The vendors are what you’d expect, local and area produce growers and sellers, plus a few stands that offer a variety of non-edible good, such as the lavender stand that sells lavender in all forms of soaps, lotions and sachets, and the beeswax candle people and various representatives from the arts and crafts sphere.
Edibles-wise there is certainly a bounty of those Ojai classics–citrus fruit and avocados. In addition, depending on the time of year, you will find tomatoes, berries, eggs, herbs, lettuce, potatoes, apples and squash. This past Sunday there was a lovely array of grapes and zucchini flowers. There’s also usually two bread stands, fish, lamb, cheese and honey to be had as well. Prices are reasonable, and even though you can find treasures you didn’t know you wanted, it is good to come with a list, so that you don’t arrive back home with more food than you can actually eat in the next week.
Tips for going:
- No dogs allowed
- It is sunny, so bring a hat
- Bring cash, more than you think you’ll need in case you get a hankering for some lamb chops, though there is a Wells Fargo bank half a block up and a Bank of America two blocks away
- Be prepared to park a block or two away, though parking isn’t really an issue. I recommend parking near the Kindergarten and walking the half block in
- Bring your own bags to carry your finds home
- During summer, go early before the heat of the day gets to you and the produce
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