Getting the right stuff

Getting farm-fresh organic produce is easy ... if you know where to look.

by Randl Rupar

hroughout San Diego county, local farmer's markets have become a mecca for those following the gourmet mantra "fresh is best." Held once a week in a number of communities, these open-air markets offer an abundance of locally-grown, seasonally-fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Once your taste buds have sampled the difference between locally-grown foods and those from the supermarket produce bin, you are sure to become a devotee of the farmer's market.

The following is a list of certified farmer's markets. One word of caution: not all items displayed are organically grown; be sure to ask about the vendor's growing practices before purchasing.

Community       Day   Time         Location
Carlsbad        Wedn  3pm-6pm      Roosevelt St. between Grand Ave. &
                                     Carlsbad Village Dr.
Chula Vista     Thur  3:30pm-6pm   3rd Ave. between E St. & F St.
Coronado        Tues  2:30pm-6pm   Corner of 1st & B St., old
                                     ferry landing
Del Mar         Sat   1pm-4pm      Camino Del Mar at 10th St.
Escondido       Tue   3:30pm-7pm   Grand & Broadway
Kensington      Sun   10am-2pm     El Cajon Blvd. at Marlborough St.
Mission Valley  Thur  2pm-6:30pm   Mission Valley Center, south
                                     parking lot
Ocean Beach     Wed   4pm-7pm      4900 block of Newport Ave.
Oceanside       Thur  9:30am-Noon  Corner of North Hill & 3rd St.
Pacific Beach   Sat   8am-Noon     Mission Blvd, betweeh Reed St. and
                                     Pacific Beach Drive
Vista           Sat   8am-11am     Corner of Eucalyptus St.
                                     and Escondido Ave.