Best Places To Find Summer Fruit In OC
The trend now is to get produce as fresh as you can find it. After all, if you get your produce fresh from the source, it tastes better, and it's easier to keep track of what might have been used on the plants whose fruits and leaves are being sold. Plus, places where you can pick fresh fruit - including farmers' markets - are great places to take kids. Here are some of the best places in Orange County to get fresh produce.
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 653-2100
www.tanakafarms.com
Tanaka Farms is one of the few farms in Orange County that hasn't been paved to make way for more beige condos. That's a good thing for people who enjoy fresh produce. From strawberries in the spring to watermelons in the winter to pumpkins in the fall, you can pick seasonal fruit throughout the year. In addition, it is a great way to not only get kids outside, but also to show them how to pick fruit outside of a supermarket.
Laguna Niguel Farmers' Market
Plaza de La Paz
27241 La Paz Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
www.orange.cfbf.com/FarmersMarkets
The Laguna Niguel Farmers' Market is a great way to figure out what fruits and vegetables are available at different times of the year. The vendors here are generally at this market throughout the year, but what they offer depends on the season. Here, you'll find apples, stone fruits, strawberries and a wide selection of vegetables that will make the selection at your local supermarket seem embarrassing. This market is open from 8am until 12pm on Sunday. No matter what time of the year you go, you'll find a great selection of fresh produce and nuts.
Dana Point Farmers Market
La Plaza Park
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 573-5033
www.facebook.com/
The farmers market in Dana Point isn't the biggest you'll find, but it certainly is among the best. This is a very cozy market, not just because of the limited space on which it is held, but also because the vendors treat you like family once they get to know you. From fruit to fish and beef, this market has everything you could want for your meal plan. Visit the Dana Point farmers market every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Related: Best Places To Buy Tamales In OC
Certified Farmers Market
Orange County Great Park
Irvine, CA 92618
(714) 733-3167
www.ocgp.org
The Great Park has been a source of conflict in local politics ever since it was founded. The one sure thing you can find at this park is the farmers market though. This market not only has great vendors, but it also has an area for kids to play. Let's face it, even if your kids like the farmers market (especially the samples), they'd rather play than visit vendors. This market is also friendly for the four-legged members of your family. In addition to the seasonal produce, you can also get tips for growing your own crops at home. The Irvine market is open from 10am until 2pm on Sundays.
Fullerton Farmers Market
Independence Park
801 W. Valencia Drive
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-5304
www.cityoffullerton.com/farmers_market
Open on Wednesdays from 8am to 1pm, the farmers market in Fullerton is the oldest in Orange County, and it is also among the biggest. It has grown to the point that it needs an entire park to accommodate it. Here you'll find not only fresh produce, but also eggs, honey and a variety of other things. This is a great place to bring the kids and wear them out as well.
Related: OC Farmer's Summer Produce Tips
