Jan 8, 2004

Blossom Hill Farmers’ Market winter season opening attracts eager crowds

By Jeanne Lewis
Staff Writer

On a brisk winter morning with clear California sunshine, the Blossom Hill Farmers’ Market at Meridian and Kooser reopened last Sunday after a brief winter hiatus. Vendors from all over the state braved the frosty break of day to deliver a fresh seasonal harvest of fruits and vegetables, as well as breads and pastries, dipping vinegars, cut flowers, honey and even popcorn for the kids.

“I left at about 5 a.m. and wore layers of clothing,” Roberta from Specialty Produce of San Juan Bautista laughs as she displays two pairs of gloves, sweatshirts and jacket. Her booth features spring salad mixes of arugula and mazuna (a peppery tasting green) and root vegetables including purple potatoes. She offers samples of the lettuce to shoppers as they stroll by.

Fresh-from-the-farm samples are given out at the open-air market. Vendors, confident of the quality, pass out orange and tangerine half moons and bread for dipping in sauces. One sign announces ‘Artichokes from the Artichoke Capital of the world, Castroville’. Mushrooms in neat cardboard cartons beckon to be purchased. From bok choy to zucchini, the produce is displayed by each vendor with care.

“We’ve got a real nice day for our first one back after the New Year,” said Charlie of Beckman’s Old World Bakery in Santa Cruz says as he wraps up some pastries. “When it rains the attendance is not as good, but we still get the regulars.”

The New Year’s opening was greeted with steady streams of patrons, many carrying sturdy canvas bags for their purchases, others with the strong plastic bags provided and all filled with the delectable produce the clientele expects.

“The folks are so friendly,” Joyce with Paloutzian Farms in Clovis says as she weighs huge beefsteak tomatoes for a customer. “I’m the sister of one of the owners and I always like to come here. You start to know some of the people by name. It’s like family.” She is surrounded by patrons at her booth, asking about the holidays and catching up with her as they scoop up vegetables and eggs that she brought to the bazaar.

Roberta from San Juan Bautista waves me over as I walk by. “This is Joe. He’s an old customer,” she tells me.

“I’ve been coming here for years ever since they started,” Joe says with a smile and clutching an armful of roses, “I like this better than the other markets.”

That’s the other nice thing about Blossom Hill Farmers’ Market. Besides having the freshest produce right from the farm and samples before you buy, there is a real sense of community. It’s a good way to start the day.

Blossom Hill Farmers’ Market is open Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine.