I never used to go to the Moraga Farmers’ Market very often until the pandemic. Perhaps it’s one of the upsides of this crazy time; the weekly trip has become part of our routine. During the lockdowns, getting out of the house, in a fairly safe way, seeing other people- all these elements made the weekly trip to the market beyond exciting.
And even though things are getting (sort of?) back to normal, Sophie and I still head over most Sunday mornings. And after our trip today, I am here to proclaim that Fall at the Moraga Farmers’ Market is the best!
Spring at the market has its charms- asparagus, peas, white peaches, the first strawberries. And Summer is magnificent (and crowded!) as people pick up berries and stone fruits for (outdoor!) celebrations and family get togethers. But Fall is the best. Truly. And that’s because it couples all the bounty from the end of Summer and introduces the wonderful flavors of Fall. You get the best of both. We are lucky to live in such an amazing place!
I am always surprised to hear people from other parts of the US say that the strawberry season lasts for a few months (at most). We’ve had strawberries since March and they are still going strong this Fall at the Moraga Farmers’ Market. We typically wrap up the season in early December… and suffer through three long months without strawberries 🙂
The plants and flowers this time of year are amazing- another reason why Fall is the best time of year at the market.
And then you get the last of the summer produce- like tomatoes and peaches- all at their very peak- plus apples, grapes, and root veggies. Sophie and I bought a nice piece of halibut to have with roasted beets, sweet potatoes and the largest brussel sprouts you’ve ever seen. Delish!
Even though Fall at the Moraga Farmers’ Market is wonderful, there are a couple of things missing. First is the Corn guy- his corn is terrific and he told me once that I look like I am Sophie’s sister, not her mother, so he’s aces in my book 🙂 But corn season is over, and there’s not much we can do about that. And second, there were no apple crostatas at the bread stand this week. Luckily, I found a stand-in at Safeway. My uncle used to serve these to me and Kate when we visited him, so they have a special place in my heart!
Are you a Farmers’ Market shopper? What looks good in your neck of the woods these days?
