By Nicole Zahm
The Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market is back for its seventh season. Once again, every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., spring, summer and fall, the Scotts Valley Community Center parking lot will be transformed into a bustling place of commerce and neighborly exchanges. As each weekend arrives a group of some of the finest farms and food artisans around will set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners a great selection of edibles.
Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Market is a resource for agricultural education and provides a community gathering place for families, friends and neighbors. Known for its focus on regional growers, the Scotts Valley Market showcases organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised eggs, flowers, artisanal meats, breads, seafood, pastries and ready-to-eat cuisine. In 2017 the Market continues to grow and mature as local residents increase their dedication and support for this special place.
Some of the farms you love are getting creative and working hard to bring customers the full spectrum of what can be grown in our region. Route 1 Farms, known for their colorful dahlia selection and elegant irises is growing protea and lavender this year. Old House Farm brings shelling beans and figs to market and offers 50% of garden starts for the month of April.
R & K Honey brings the good sweet stuff from their hives in Boulder Creek and, a rotating farm-to-condiment table spotlights local food artisans who know that sourcing from market farms creates the best flavor for their products. Keep your eyes out for a craft booth featuring local artists, Copper Moon Apothecary selling specialty body products and BURN with fermented hot sauces and veggies like jalapenos, carrots and beets – all spicy, all delicious.
In its usual style the Scotts Valley Market will offer a Kids Zone in the center of the market where little ones can play and get into art projects. Visible from every corner of the market, parents can keep one eye on the kiddos and the other on that fresh bread, cup of coffee or basket of raspberries.
A weekly music program featuring local bluegrass, jazz and country blues bands keeps the feet stomping. And, on July 8 another round of the Pop-Up Breakfasts, a farm-to-table, ticketed, multi-course meal spotlighting seasonal ingredients expertly prepared by Brad Briske of Home Restaurant in Soquel. Get your tickets while they last.
Facebook: Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market