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

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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
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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
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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!
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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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Homemade sauerkraut is the perfect starting point for home fermentation—simple, reliable, and deeply rewarding. With just cabbage, salt, and a basic understanding of the process, you can create a vibrant, probiotic-rich staple. Once you master sauerkraut, you’ll have the confidence to explore other fermented foods like pickles, carrots, and kimchi. The Science Behind Sauerkraut Lactobacillus...
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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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What to do with all that sourdough discard? While many bakers are already finding creative ways to cook with it — pancakes, crackers, muffins — there’s another surprising use for your bubbly byproduct: fertilizing your garden.
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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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Today is extra sweet — Triple Delight Berries is back at the Aptos Farmers Market with their extraordinary blueberries! Plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they’re the kind you can’t stop popping straight from the basket.

Spoon them over your morning yogurt and granola… or save a few for a batch of warm blueberry muffins this weekend (if they make it home!). Need inspiration? Check out our blueberry recipes at our companion website, Edible Paradise. Link is in bio. ⬆️

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Warning: Biscuit happiness is highly contagious 😄

It’s Biscuit Day this morning at the Aptos Farmers Market, and the smiles say it all! Stop by Bay Living Culinary for fresh, hot biscuits just out of the oven — warm, fluffy, and impossible to resist. You’ll have a difficult choice to make: jam or hot gravy? 

We’re open rain or shine until noon… come grab a biscuit and see if you can leave without a grin.

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STARTS TOMORROW!  We’re delighted to introduce the new Edible Paradise booth — a welcoming gathering place at the market dedicated to seasonal cooking, culinary inspiration, and connecting more deeply with the food grown by our local farmers.

Beginning April 4 and continuing the first Saturday of each month, visitors are invited to stop by to discover what’s in season, learn where to find featured ingredients throughout the market, and pick up recipe cards highlighting the month’s Market Highlights.

Hosted by Chef Andrew Cohen, Chef in Residence for the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, and Annaliese Keller, pastry chef, writer, and editor of Edible Paradise, the booth brings the farmers market companion website to life through conversation, demonstrations, and shared culinary curiosity.

What to expect:

🍆  Seasonal recipe cards featuring market produce and products

 🥦 Guidance on what’s in season and where to find it at the market

🥕  Mini culinary demos and practical kitchen tips

🧑🏼‍🍳 Ask-a-chef conversations about preparing unfamiliar fruits and vegetables

 🥑  Ideas for better-than-store-bought condiments, dressings, and everyday cooking basics

🌶️ Newsletter sign-ups and Edible Paradise updates

🥬A friendly place to stop, learn, and say hello

Come by and say hi! 💚

#edibleparadise #farmersmarketfinds #aptosfarmersmarket

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Planning your summer garden? Stop by Cavanaugh Color Nursery to pick up potted plants ready to go—they offer a beautiful assortment of colorful flowering plants that will instantly brighten your deck, patio, or backyard. Whether you’re refreshing containers or starting something new, it’s an easy way to bring vibrant summer color home. 

The Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center is open until noon. Lots of free parking and easy access! 

#cavanaughcolornursery #gardening #delmonteshoppingcenter #montereyfarmersmarket

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Just in time for Easter brunch this weekend, Borba Family Farms has juicy, sweet blackberries available today at the Monterey Farmers Market! Plump, sun-ripened, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for tarts, salads, or simply enjoying by the handful. Berry season is coming in fast—and we can’t wait!

The farmers market is open until noon today. 

#borbafamilyfarms #berryseason #easterbrunch #farmersmarketfinds

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Who can resist these freshly baked chocolate croissants at Sweet Elena’s Bakery booth? Buttery, flaky layers wrapped around rich, melty chocolate—simply re-warm slightly in the oven to enjoy later! 

#sweetelenasbakeryandcafe #delmonteshoppingcenter #montereyfarmersmarket #farmersmarket

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Set your brunch table with a beautiful Easter bouquet from Pacific Rare Plant Nursery at the Monterey Farmers Market. Fresh, seasonal blooms bring a touch of spring to your gathering—simple, vibrant, and straight from local growers. 

The farmers market is open until noon—hope to see you soon!

#delmonteshoppingcenter @pacific_rare_plant #pacificrareplantnursery #montereyfarmersmarket #flowers

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✨A special guest has joined the celebration today! ✨

Big thanks to Whole Foods Market for being part of our farmers market and supporting the Kids Eat Right event.

It takes a community to nurture healthy kids—and we’re so glad you’re part of ours 💚

#wholefoodsmarket #montagehealth #kidseatright #delmonteshoppingcenter #healthy

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Don’t miss these beautiful English peas today at Borba Family Farms!

A true spring favorite—tender, sweet, and so vibrant. Yes, shelling peas takes a little time… but it’s part of the ritual, a quiet moment in the kitchen that makes the reward even better.

Because nothing compares to a warm bowl of freshly shelled peas, simply tossed with butter and a pinch of salt—pure spring on a plate.

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