Over 20 local family farms grow seasonal produce for the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market. These small farms feed thousands of households in the region! It is because of our community that these small farms can continue to grow year after year!
Produce at the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market travels an average of 58.6 miles! Local farms bring their produce directly to market, reducing the overall carbon footprint from farm to plate! The produce you see at market is harvested by hand, at the perfect point of ripeness. This shows up as peak flavor and higher nutritional content. Small farms are able to grow unique varieties because of a shorter distance to market and selling direct to the community.
This is a stark contrast to most other food channels. Eating out-of-season produce means that it has not been grown locally and has traveled hundreds or thousands of miles, from different countries around the world. Produce shipped long distances goes through many different modes of transportation and distribution channels, often traveling by plane, cargo container and then semi truck. Out-of-season produce often lacks the iconic flavor we crave. How do we bypass this? Try adding seasonal ingredients to recipes whenever possible.
One of my favorite things about the farmers’ market is being able to get to know who is growing our food. This is a rewarding way to stay connected to the community and region. Having a conversation with the people that grow our food, often ends up in learning something new, discovering a “new to me” variety and inspiration to cook something new. If you are curious about how to prepare certain types of produce feel free to ask the vendor. I often like to ask the vendor what their favorite product is right now. This usually leads me to try something that has peak seasonal flavor.
Many of the people working at the market are involved in different aspects of the farming process like sowing the seeds, driving the tractors or operating equipment, tending the crops, harvesting and preparing produce for the market. So much time, skill, knowledge and care goes into cultivating crops season after season.
Farmers are some of the most resilient people I know. Supporting small farms is preserving farmland and a way of life. Farmers are masters of their trade and carry years, decades and even generations of experience. They show up rain or shine. The weather decides what kind of yield there will be. This is the time of year when many farmers are planning ahead and planting summer crops alongside harvesting winter crops.
Sundays at the market are special here in Los Gatos. Over the years I have seen new friendships form, families connect and children grow. The farmers’ market is a community hub where we can get to know our neighbors, reconnect after the hustle and bustle of the week and enjoy the beauty of the park.
What’s in season? Cool weather crops like citrus, brassicas, root veggies, lettuce, bunched greens and more. Spring garlic and spring onions are in season and a must have for any foodie. The season does go by fast. Watsonville grown strawberries are making a return to market.
What’s new at market? We are excited to have raw milk available and will soon be bringing in freshly squeezed orange juice!
Looking ahead, the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market will be closed Easter Sunday, April 5. Cherries will arrive in May. Family focused events, like the Zucchini Car Races and Kids Day will return this summer!
Susan Campbell has been the market manager of the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market since 2022.
