Michael Cruz reviews COC Farmer’s Market
Written by Mike Cruz on June 2nd, 2008Well it finally happened! My family and I visited the Farmers’ market at COC last weekend - I didn’t know what to expect.
First of all, after arriving I was admonished by my nine year old daughter for not brining our own canvas bags. Instead, we utilized one plastic bag for all of our purchases. My wife and I informed the nine year old that the situation would be rectified before our next trip to the market.
Upon entering the market, I observed two bakeries next to each other, which in my opinion were a bit of a disappointment. First of all, my father is a retired baker (42 years), which explains my dislike for cakes, cookies, brownies, danishes and so on. I got burnt out at an early age. However, I was also spoiled in that my dad brought home six days a week, a half-dozen French rolls. As I approached both bakery booths, I anticipated purchasing some French rolls, but to my surprise no rolls. Instead that had several versions of pound cakes, cookies and sliced bread. I n my opinion the items were over priced compared to going to an actual bakery and buy them. You could tell the bread and other products were at least a day old. According to the label, the baked goods were produced in Rancho Cucamonga. I wonder if this person, just paid for the products, increased the price and brought them to the market to sell.
Nonetheless, the lady running the booth was very pleasant and gave my six year old son a sample butter cookie, which he devoured and requested that we purchase a container of cookies for $4.50 (which we did) – this would cost less in an actual bakery. My daughter purchased a small chocolate pound cake, which she enjoyed a slice of last night for dessert.
As we continued to stroll down the first of two aisles; I observed that the “gourmet tamale” booth was packed and a line existed. Hopefully next time, I will be able to purchase a tamale and write about it. Speaking of tamales, Vallarta offers great tamales at a decent price. However, if you want some authentic tamales, you will have to visit a hole in the wall in San Fernando on Workman and Seventh Street. I purchase tamales here every year for Christmas.
The flower booth was located near buy. I found the flowers to be fresh and well priced. I think the most expensive bouquet was $6.50. Across from the flowers was a crepes and omelet vendor. It didn’t look very busy.
Next, we purchased some wonderful strawberries. I paid $8 for three pints, but observed that another vendor about 35 feet away was selling a flat of strawberries for only $10. I don’t know what caused the difference in price, or whether or not the strawberries I purchased were organic or not. All I know is that they were delicious and throughout the remainder of the day, my daughter and I snacked on them.
Afterwards, I observed a fruit stand, which was selling nectarines, apricots and several other types of summer fruit for $2.50 a pound, this struck me as a bit expensive. In addition, the fruit looked very small in size. However, they did not advertise them as organic. Also, they were selling small buckets of cherries for $3.50 which seemed like a far price.
In addition, I purchased two haas avocados for a $1.25 a piece; as I waited in line to pay for them. I noticed that several people in front of me were asking the vendor to select the avocados for them. Here’s a quick tip. When you select an avocado, gently press the sides near the base of it. If it is firm, the item is under ripe and will take several days to ripen. If you are able to make a small indention, then you have a ripe avocado and remember to use it within a couple of days or it will over ripen. The avocados were later used to make guacamole.
Next, we purchased organic beef steak tomatoes for $3.50 a pound. We haven’t tried them yet, but will be doing so in the near future. Lastly, we purchased boysenberries for $2.50. My wife loves these berries and informed me that they tasted wonderfully.
I found all of the vendors to be friendly and offering samples. Also, if you do go remember to take cash and bring a bag with you.
In the end I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping to purchase some corn to barbeque (no one had corn for sale). Also, I expected a little bit of variety in produce, which I didn’t observe. Literally, it would take about 4 minutes to walk the entire two aisles. I think we spent a total of about 20 minutes walking around the farmer’s market. Hopefully the market will continue to grow.
I plan on attending the farmer’s market in Newhall this week and will compare the two in a future op-ed.
Michael Cruz
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Interesting read.
Generally speaking, corn isn’t in season yet (though it can technically be grown so it is ready at any given point in the year).
The most expensive strawberries at the market are from Harry’s Berries which sells Gaviotas for $12 for 3 pints. This is very expensive, but these strawberries will probably make you forget any strawberry you’ve ever had. It’s a variety that is much too soft to be sold in supermarkets and is incredibly sweet. Peaches have just come into season, thus the small size. Again, the price is steep, but there is a more of difference between these and what you would get at a supermarket, even Whole Foods. What’s interesting is that different varieties will come into season throughout the summer, some certainly better than others.
Only a couple of farmers are certified organic, which isn’t to say those are the only organic growers, but it’s an expensive certification that has some odd criteria. In my opinion, if it must be one or the other, I’d take local over organic.
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I hate to admit this, but I have yet to visit the Farmers Market at COC! Thanks for the review……personally, I’d be all over the bakery booth! However, it does sound a bit ‘pricey’ for cookies. It’s amazing how many people don’t know how to pick out a good avocado, but hopefully your ‘quick tip’ have educated those that don’t. Thanks for the review Michael and I sure hope I get my lazy a.. over there some Sunday!
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Hey what time were you there Mike? My wife and I ride our bikes there on Sundays, sample the cherries, oranges and other fruits, then usually cruise over to Trader Joe’s to finish our shopping.
The Newhall farmer’s market is even smaller, but it’s grown dramatically since the first week.
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Mike:
This is America! It’s quite simple! If people in Japan and Dubai can snow ski 365 (indoor snow skiing) I can have corn to bbq 365
!!!. I don’t remember the name of strawberry vendor, just that they tasted great. I only purchase organic milk, which has a longer shelf life then regular milk - which scares me. I only purchase organic cage-free eggs. I am willing to pay a little more $$ for organic. Sometimes it is hard to justify. when I can go to Costco and pick-up 9lbs of red del. apples for $6.99 or 3lbs of pineapple spears for $6.99 or for bread. I can pick-up La Brea Bakery Bread two loaves for $3.99
Lvogel:
It sounds likes commies are invading your neighboorhood - just kidding. I’d rather visit a bakery for baked goods then the farmer’s market- given the prices and freshness. Although, I think an organic butcher meat booth would do extremely well. The family and I enjoyed the market. We also go to the Swapmeet as well. We enjoy getting a cold snack, then walking around and checking out all of the items for sale.
Jeff:
I waved “Hi” to you and you gave me the one finger salute! Once again just kidding. We arrived around 10:30 am or so and left around 11:00 am and went straight to Togo’s for a number 11!!!
If you attend the farmer’s market this Thursday, maybe I will see you…I am going to stop by after work before I pick up my kids…
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Don’t know if you noticed the chicken farmer, but they sell farm fresh eggs towards the back.
Try Harry’s berries next time.
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cage free farm fresh eggs, i mean
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I can’t speak for the COC Farmers Market as I’ve never been, but I already love the Newhall one. I’ve been going the last 3 weeks. Check out the tomato booth. They have some of the sweetest, most flavorful tomato’s. While the price is not better than the supermarket, the quality is hands down better. I love green beans, they are half the price of the supermarket but the quality is so much better.
Farmers Market’s Rock!
Jim
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I really like the COC farmers market. I have been going there for a number of years and have rarely been disappointed. The produce lasts much longer than what you find in the stores. I only buy eggs, produced, and occasionally flowers. I can do without all the trinkets, breads, tamales, and popcorn. The COC farmers market is more about the market than the trinkets which is why it is always my favorite.
The Northridge farmers markets has about 70% of sales booths that are not produce related and rides and a band. It is more like a carnaval than a farmers market, plus there is trash everywhere…pass
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CC, I agree. The COC farmer’s market is a genuine local treasure and it exists only because of our close proximity to Ventura County. The tamales or good and all, but it always surprises me to see the majority of the crowd in the prepared food area. This is a certified farmer’s market, which means the vendors can only sell what they grow, and everything has to be grown in California. There is no comparison between this and the Newhall Market, which despite its growth, has major conceptual problems.
I buy nearly all of my produce here, the exception being of course things like pineapples and bananas. Learning to cook and eat with the seasons is a very interesting and rewarding thing.