CALIFORNIA CITRUS
Winter and early spring are California’s citrus season, when farmers markets brighten with lemons, oranges, blood oranges, limes, tangerines, kumquats, and more. Grown in coastal valleys and inland orchards, these fruits reflect the state’s remarkable citrus heritage — freshly harvested, deeply regional, and at their seasonal peak. Winter’s Brightest Harvest

Learn More
CARROTS Carrots offer far more than meets the eye. From vibrant purples and sunny yellows to sweet reds and classic orange, explore the flavors, benefits, and simple ways to enjoy this farmers market staple—roots, tops, and all. Take a closer look at this humble root vegetable. A Rainbow Beneath the Soil Learn More Mushrooms What were once exotic are now commonplace — shiitakes, oysters, cremini, chanterelles, and Portobellos. The Monterey Bay area produces over 200 million pounds of mushrooms per year and is the second largest producer of mushrooms in the US and third in the world. Pennsylvania, where mushroom farming was pioneered, ranks first in the US for mushroom production.
Spore-Powered Superfood
Learn More
Microgreens
Microgreens are seedlings of various herbs and vegetables that are harvested without roots just 7 to 14 days after germination. Recent research studies showed that microgreens are four to 40-fold more concentrated with nutrients than their mature counterparts. Vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E levels were highest among red cabbage, garnet amaranth, and green daikon radish microgreens.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Learn More
Blueberries Blueberries are indigenous to North America and have deep roots in our country's history. According to legend, Native American Indians gave dried blueberries to the pilgrims to help them survive their first winter. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and make an easy snack or delicious addition to any meal of the day.
The Superstar of Berries!
Learn More
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts have a reputation for being disliked by many people, especially when most of us have bad childhood memories of the stinky overcooked vegetable. There are numerous new methods and recipes that transform these cruciferous vegetables into tasty and enjoyable dishes that will give you a newfound appreciation of them.
A MUCH MALIGNED VEGGIE

Learn More

CALIFORNIA CITRUS
Winter and early spring are California’s citrus season, when farmers markets brighten with lemons, oranges, blood oranges, limes, tangerines, kumquats, and more. Grown in coastal valleys and inland orchards, these fruits reflect the state’s remarkable citrus heritage — freshly harvested, deeply regional, and at their seasonal peak. Winter’s Brightest Harvest

Learn More
CARROTS Carrots offer far more than meets the eye. From vibrant purples and sunny yellows to sweet reds and classic orange, explore the flavors, benefits, and simple ways to enjoy this farmers market staple—roots, tops, and all. Take a closer look at this humble root vegetable. A Rainbow Beneath the Soil Learn More Mushrooms What were once exotic are now commonplace — shiitakes, oysters, cremini, chanterelles, and Portobellos. The Monterey Bay area produces over 200 million pounds of mushrooms per year and is the second largest producer of mushrooms in the US and third in the world. Pennsylvania, where mushroom farming was pioneered, ranks first in the US for mushroom production.
Spore-Powered Superfood
Learn More
Microgreens
Microgreens are seedlings of various herbs and vegetables that are harvested without roots just 7 to 14 days after germination. Recent research studies showed that microgreens are four to 40-fold more concentrated with nutrients than their mature counterparts. Vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E levels were highest among red cabbage, garnet amaranth, and green daikon radish microgreens.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Learn More
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts have a reputation for being disliked by many people, especially when most of us have bad childhood memories of the stinky overcooked vegetable. There are numerous new methods and recipes that transform these cruciferous vegetables into tasty and enjoyable dishes that will give you a newfound appreciation of them.
A MUCH MALIGNED VEGGIE

Learn More
SEASONAL TOMATOES California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They can be enjoyed fresh, straight off the tree, or used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. The history of California Mission figs can be traced back to the late 18th century when Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California as part of their mission to establish agricultural settlements. QUEEN OF THE MARKETS Learn More

Edible Paradise :: Seasonal Cooking

Edible Paradise celebrates the year-round abundance of the highest quality, freshest food grown on the Central Coast by our family farmers at the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. If you enjoy preparing and eating locally grown food, this blog is for you!

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We’ve all heard of things like the Year of the Horse or the Year of the Dragon — symbols meant to represent strength, luck, or transformation. But the Year of the Cabbage? At first glance, it might give you pause. And yet… it makes perfect sense. For years, cabbage has quietly done the work —...
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Plan a beautiful spring brunch with ease. From make-ahead casseroles and baked goods to fresh fruit and festive drinks, this guide helps you host a relaxed and memorable Easter or weekend gathering.
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Eggs Benedict is the ultimate brunch indulgence—golden toasted English muffins topped with Canadian bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce. This elegant dish has endless variations: swap the bacon for ham, smoked salmon, or a delicate crab cake; add fresh tomato slices or a layer of sautéed spinach for color and flavor....
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St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to gather around the table and celebrate the comforting flavors of Irish cooking. From soda bread to barmbrack and a hearty pot of corned beef, these traditional dishes have become beloved staples of the holiday — simple, satisfying foods meant to be shared. At the center of many...
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At the Borba Family Farms booth at the Aptos and Monterey Farmers Markets, broccolini often disappears quickly. Long, graceful stems topped with delicate florets spill across the table — vibrant green and impossibly fresh. It looks familiar, but it’s something entirely its own. First things first: broccolini is not baby broccoli. Broccolini is actually a...
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Each spring, the first bundles of asparagus arrive at the Aptos and Monterey Farmers Markets like a quiet announcement that the season has changed. At the Borbaa Family Farms and Klein Family Farms booths, those bright green spears practically glow on the table — freshly cut, tender, and ready for the kitchen. For Chef Andrew,...
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Come join us on opening day @thebarnyardcarmel 

The Carmel Farmers Market at The Barnyard returns Tuesday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—and it’s one of the most beautiful ways to spend a spring morning.

Stroll through The Barnyard’s garden setting, coffee in hand, and discover what’s just come into season—vibrant fruits and vegetables, artisan goods, and all the little things that make farmers market mornings feel special.

It’s unhurried. It’s inspiring. It’s your midweek reset.

📍 The Barnyard Shopping Village, Carmel
🗓 Tuesdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
🌸 Opening Day: May 5

Come wander, shop, and savor the season with us!

#carmelfarmersmarket #thebarnyardcarmel #montereycounty #shoplocalcarmel #eatseasonal

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The Aptos Farmers Market is proud to welcome Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes this Saturday, May 2 — a longtime local organization dedicated to nourishing our community and strengthening food access throughout the Pajaro Valley.

Stop by their booth to learn how neighbors, shoppers, farmers, and volunteers all play a part in making fresh, healthy food more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re curious about their programs, looking to lend a hand, or simply want to connect, their team will be there all morning to share, answer questions, and inspire.

Come say hello, learn something new, and be part of the good happening right here at the market. 

#pajarovalleyloavesandfishes #aptosfarmersmarket #supportlocal #community #ittakesavillage

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This Saturday at the Aptos Farmers Market… come visit Edible Paradise!

Our concierge booth is back, bringing the Edible Paradise website to life right here at the market — with seasonal inspiration, simple how-to ideas, and a focus on living (and eating) a little more self-sufficiently.

✨ This week’s theme: Fermented & Fresh✨

We’ll be exploring a few easy and delicious fermentation projects using what’s in season now:

🍓 Strawberry Shrubs — a bright, tangy way to turn fresh berries into refreshing spring drinks

🫐 Infused Vinegars — with fruit and herbs like mint and tarragon (perfect for gifting, too)

🫚 Ginger Bug Demo — learn how to create natural, old-fashioned fizzy drinks

🥛 Homemade Yogurt — a quick look at making creamy, foolproof yogurt using a sous vide method

Stop by, say hello, and get inspired. We’ll have QR codes at the booth so you can easily access recipes and guides on the site — no paper needed.

It’s all about helping you cook what’s in season and make a little more from scratch.

We’d love to see you there! 

#edibleparadise #aptosfarmersmarket #minidemos #fermenteddrinks #homemadeyogurt

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✨ Sunday mornings just got better! ✨

The Del Monte Farmers Market is back for the season—opening Sunday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Del Monte Shopping Center (behind California Pizza Kitchen).

Ease into your morning with a stroll through one of Monterey’s most relaxed markets. You’ll find fragrant fresh-cut flowers, just-picked organic strawberries, and a beautiful selection of seasonal produce from local farms.

Pick up something special for the week ahead, chat with the growers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of shopping outdoors.

📍 Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
🕗 Sundays | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
🚗 Plenty of free parking

We can’t wait to welcome you back.

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #shoplocalmonterey #eatseasonal #delmontefarmersmarket

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A little tropical beauty to brighten your home! 

In addition to orchids, Bay Area Orchids also brings another tropical showstopper to the market—Anthuriums.

Also known as laceleaf, these striking plants are loved for their vibrant, heart-shaped blooms (called spathes) and glossy green foliage. From rich reds to soft pinks and crisp whites, they add an instant pop of color to any space.

And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to care for. Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light, appreciate a bit of humidity, and do well in loose, well-draining soil—making them a perfect choice for both new and seasoned plant lovers.

Find them at Bay Area Orchids at the Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center. 

#montereyfarmersmarket #plantlovers #anthurium #houseplants #tropicalplants

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They’re here… and earlier than expected! 🍑

The first peaches of the season have arrived—and they’re every bit as juicy, sweet, and fragrant as you’ve been dreaming about. Straight from Stackhouse Orchards, these early beauties are bursting with flavor.

There’s nothing quite like the beginning of stonefruit season… and this year, it’s starting a little sooner. 🎉 We’re not complaining.

The Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center is open until noon. Come join us! 

#montereyfarmersmarket #seasonalfruit #peaches #stonefruitseason #stackhouseorchards

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Surprise! 🍒 

We were just as excited as you…cherries have arrived early this year—and they’re absolutely stunning.

The first of the season cherries from Minazzoli Farm are here this morning at the Monterey Farmers Market, glowing in that deep ruby red that signals peak sweetness.

If you’ve been waiting all year for that first bite—this is your moment. They won’t last long.

Come early for the best pick—these sell out quickly!

#montereyfarmersmarket #eatlocal #seasonalfruit #cherries #farmersmarketfinds

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Let’s talk dogs. 🐾

This continues to be an issue at farmers markets, so we want to be very clear:

Dogs are not allowed at the farmers market unless they are trained service animals.

➡️ Under the Americans with Disabilities Act:

• Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks

• Emotional support animals are not considered service animals

• Emotional support animals do not have public access rights

When people continue to bring dogs despite clear signage, it creates difficult situations for staff and detracts from the safety and comfort of the market for everyone. 

👉 To read the full article about the confusion regarding service (working) dogs and emotional support pets, please go to MBCFM link in bio. 

#farmersmarket #foodsafety #servicedogs #communityfirst

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Cooking Demo today with Chef Jody at the Aptos Farmers Market! Come join us!

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REMINDER!  Join us for a live cooking demonstration with Chef Jody Lombardo of Bay Living Culinary at the Aptos Farmers Market this Saturday, April 18.

The demo begins at 9:45 AM—arrive early to grab a seat and enjoy the experience!

For more details, click the link above in bio.

#cookingdemo #aptosfarmersmarket #baylivingculinary #cabrillocollege

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✨🫐 They’re back! 🫐✨

A sure sign of the season—Triple Delight Blueberries have returned to the market, and they’re every bit as irresistible as we remember.

Plump, juicy, and bursting with sweet, sun-ripened flavor, these are the kind of blueberries that don’t make it home without a few handfuls disappearing along the way.

Perfect for:
• Morning yogurt or cereal
• Baking into muffins, crisps, or cobblers
• Tossing into salads
• Or simply enjoying by the handful

Welcome back to Monterey Farmers Market—we’ve missed you!

#montereybayfarmersmarket #blueberryseason #tdberries #eatseasonal

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Gardeners, this is your moment!

It’s peak planting season, and your summer garden starts here. The booth at Cavanaugh Color Nursery is filled with vibrant, ready-to-plant-flowers—everything you need to get your garden growing now.

#montereybayfarmersmarket #gardenseason #plantingtime

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