OC farmers markets sell local, fresh goods
Farmers markets are popular weekly events aimed to promote local vendors’ products within the area. Orange County vendors often sell a variety of fresh goods, such as breads, pickled vegetables, juices, honey, salsa and sweets.
“I love them because you get locally grown items and you find stuff that you can’t find at local stores,” Spanish teacher Marcos Corona said. “I found the best bread there.”
Vendors from up and down the coast of California come to farmers markets to promote their businesses and to make their products known to a wider audience. Many vendors use farmers markets as their storefront to sell their products.
“You can get the freshest fruit at a low price,” junior Natalie Berty said.
One well-known farmers market in Orange County is the Newport Beach Farmers’ Market, a marketplace open every Sunday from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. on the Newport Beach Pier.
At the Newport market, Sizzling Ginger, a local company that makes Indian food, sets up every week to promote their products. At their table, Sizzling Ginger displays samples of cauliflower, mushroom, and kale patties.
According to Sizzling Ginger representative Cecilia Rius, their food is made with different spices and nutrients that aim specifically to help people struggling with cancer, diabetes and other health issues.
“Everything here can help nourish your body,” Rius said.
Some businesses at the Newport Beach Farmers’ Markets don’t just help their customers eat healthy. Some companies also use their businesses to help charities.
A particular stand at the Newport farmers market, Got Green Drinks?, donates proceeds to the nonprofit organization Orangewood, a center for young adults who have aged out of the foster system. For every drink purchased, they donate one drink to Orangewood to nourish and help the children staying there. They deliver drinks monthly to Orangewood’s facilities.
“We actually bottle 8 oz. juice for them,” Got Green Drinks? representative Jesse Machado said. “We also give them popsicles that look like otter pops.”
Farmers markets are also a way to learn about different types of food, to purchase fresh goods, and to hear interesting stories from the many different vendors.
“I love the whole farmers market experience,” junior Madelyn Martin said. “They are so fun and create such a happy environment.”
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