I have received no compensation in exchange for this post. I simply wanted to review this market. The produce described and their prices are accurate as of time of publication.
One thing that is wonderful about living in California is the year-round farmer’s markets. The Menlo Park Farmer’s Market has always been a favorite of mine for the fresh produce and the friendly manner of the merchants. Local musicians sometimes play and add a nice ambiance to the outdoor market. Farmer’s markets are considered essential businesses.
Menlo Park is within San Mateo County, and when customers are shopping in San Mateo County they are required to wear a mask and keep six feet of distance. The Menlo Park Farmer’s market has done an excellent job in meeting the needs regulating for COVID-19. The market has only one entrance and only one exit. There is someone to help regulate the amount of people allowed to go into the farmer’s market at one time, and they make sure that everyone that goes into the market has a mask on. The merchants all wear masks or bandannas to cover their noses and mouth. There is a hand washing and hand sanitizing station for anyone to use.
Many of the stalls were showing off beautiful fruits. Right now it the warm season thus peaches and cherries are in season. Many of the customers were excited to see these fruits at the market, including me. The donut peaches were delightful, juicy, and sweet and I got them $2.50 per pound. The cherries were $7 a basket. They are great to eat as a snack or to be baked into pies. Also available are bright strawberries and tangy oranges.
The vegetables are also quite excellent this time of year. I bought lettuce for $3 a head and French breakfast radishes at $2 a bunch to use for my Nicoise salad recipe. The French breakfast radishes were crisp and flavorful. The parts of the vegetables I did not use for Nicoise salad I found other uses for during the week. The extra lettuce was a perfect addition to my sandwiches and the radish greens work well in salads and stir fries.
No farmer’s market would be complete without a visit to the flower stall. The flowers were so fresh and beautiful. I got ranunculus for $6 a bunch and in an assortment of colors. The stall also sells ranunculus in bunches of just one solid color as well. There were a few varieties of other flowers being sold like gorgeous yellow sunflowers for $5 a bunch.
I love talking to the merchants and getting to know where my food comes from. The Menlo Park Farmer’s Market has so much to offer. I am very happy to be able to get fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers at reasonable prices, but that is not all they sell. The bread stall is always busy. There is a delightful merchant that sells cheese and other dairy products. The fish merchants always have something new and fresh to offer. There are even potted plants for sale like orchids, or starter plants to grow tomatoes and basil. Just walk around and find something lovely!
Schedule and Location:
Market is open Year-Round
Sundays 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
On Chestnut Street, between Santa Cruz Ave. & Menlo Ave., in Downtown Menlo Park.
https://www.localharvest.org/menlo-park-farmers-market-M3662
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