Market Update for September 19th
Early Fall Flavors Arrive This Saturday!
Warm, humid weather may still be blanketing Ventura County, but there are signs of early fall in the harvest this week, and our market tables are reflecting it!
As we move into late September, this week brings one of our favorite transitions of the year: the welcome return of crisp, juicy local apples and early autumn produce. Along with the first early baskets of fall apples, you may also find autumn squashes, pears, and warm seasonal flavors fresh from the fields. From warm baked goods to vibrant seasonal veggies, there is so much new to explore at the market this Saturday.
And don’t forget, shopping at the Market does more than stock your pantry; it provides crucial funding for compassionate bereavement care for families throughout Ventura County.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect crisp baking apple or just ready to lean into cooler-weather cooking, come stroll the market, grab a coffee or fresh pastry, and see what’s newly in season at the Market this Saturday!
What’s fresh this Saturday:
- Early Fall Harvest: The long-awaited return of crisp local apples, early Asian pears, sweet pomegranates, and rich black figs, perfect for seasonal baking or fresh snacking.
- Late-Summer Favorites: Ventura County sweet corn, ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, glossy eggplant, and juicy grapes — ideal for outdoor grilling or cool evening roasting.
- Artisanal Market Pantry: Freshly baked sourdough and artisan loaves, local raw Ventura County honey, small-batch dips, hand-crafted cheeses, and sweet pastries for a relaxed weekend spread.
RETURNING THIS WEEK
Fue Thao is back at the market this week!
Don’t forget to stop by for delicious local Asian vegetables you can’t find anywhere else — including Chinese squash, lemon cucumbers, tomatoes, Chinese eggplant and more.
They often sell out before noon, so get there early!
Alcantar Farms also returns to market this week!
Alcantar Farms is a family farm started by Jose Alcantar in 2012. They grow delicious, fresh vegetables on their 45 acre local farms, which are located in Buellton and Carpinteria. Stop by on Saturday to explore their latest harvest!
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Skip cooking tonight, and take home something deliciously homemade and ready to eat! France Café is back with two delicious specials this week:
- Kathleen’s Creamy Marinara Chicken Pasta Bake, and
- Gerard’s Chicken Tarragon.
New to Chicken Tarragon? This savory dish is slowly cooked to perfection in a veloute mustard creme sauce flavored with tarragon on a bed of pasta.
France Café is owned and operated by Kathleen and Gérard Marini. Born and raised in the South of France, Gérard has worked his culinary magic for over 40 years. Kathleen hails from Montréal, grew up in Glendale, and is the mastermind of many of France Café’s culinary creations.
The wait is over! Cuyama Orchard’s certified organic apples are officially back in season starting this weekend. Crisp, sweet, and picked at just the right time, they’re everything you’ve been craving
They’re not coming alone. They’re also bringing back their fan favorite Bourbon Barrel Brewed Apple Cider Vinegar: small batch, deeply flavorful, and aged the way they’ve always done it. If you know, you know. If you don’t, this is your sign to try it!
Cuyama Orchards is located in the stunning Cuyama Valley, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and national forest.
Stop by and try their amazing varieties, and pick up a bottle of their artisanal-quality apple cider vinegar before it sells out!
FEATURED VENDORS
Come by and say hello to Alma and her daughter Alissa this week, the heart and soul behind Arreola Farms! They bring a wonderful variety of fresh, locally-grown vegetables straight from their farm in Somis to our market each week.
Their crisp spinach, peppery arugula, and deliciously spicy and sweet lettuce mixes are crowd favorites — so much so that they often sell out every Saturday! You won’t want to miss the chance to grab some of these farm-fresh greens.
Swing by, grab a bunch of greens, and chat with this lovely mother-daughter duo.
If you’re craving Mediterranean this week, be sure to stop by Brothers Products – a family-owned business of seven brothers that specializes in mouthwatering Mediterranean dips and spreads made with all-natural ingredients (no preservatives!)
Choose from a variety of dips like Baba Ghanoush, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Vegan Pesto Eggplant, Tahini, and several flavorful hummus options. They also offer house-made pita chips and gluten-free falafel chips, perfect for dipping. Stop by on Saturday for food that is both healthy and delicious!
For something extra special this week, visit Mina & Bri‘s booth!
This talented mother-daughter duo handcrafts beautiful jewelry using wavy wire, natural stones, and beads. They also grow their own succulents and air plants to create unique, one-of-a-kind arrangements.
Looking to start or grow your crystal collection? They offer a lovely selection of obelisks, tumbled stones, eggs, and spheres too. Stop by on Saturday and say hi!
MARKET MASCOT
Have your children participated in a scavenger hunt for our Market Mascot, Mark-ado (made by Michelle Cronk of Little This That Gifts), yet?
<—– Here’s an example of how he might be hidden at a vendor’s booth (in this picture, he was hiding with our friends at Ojai Microgreens.)
Our little mascot hangs out at a different vendor’s booth each week. When you spot him, stop by the Market Tent to let us know. We’ll have fun reward stickers waiting!
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NONPROFITS OF THE WEEK
Recycle and help your neighbors! The Camarillo-Somis Pleasant Valley Lions Club will be at the market collecting used eyeglasses, hearing aids, and small batteries for recycling this week. The club also purchases back-to-school clothes for underprivileged students, provides eye exams for hundreds of school children, and organizes holiday parties for underprivileged children.
Stop by their booth on Saturday for more information about their programs.
River Oaks Academy is a TK–12, Independent Study, Public Charter School designed to nurture the unique potential of every student. They offer student-centered learning with individualized educational plans, dedicated Coaching Teachers, grade-specific cohorts, A-G approved courses, Dual Enrollment opportunities, and WASC & NCAA accreditation.
Their supportive community provides academic, enrichment, and wellness resources to help every student thrive. Stop by on Saturday to learn more!
RETURNING VENDORS:
🧁Bliss Street Baked Goods is back with their locally-made, handcrafted baked goods. More than simply sweet, these treats are made with spices, nuts, and fruits.
🥯Buckaroo Bagels is back at the market this week with their fresh, small-batch sourdough bagels! Come early, these are bagels to savor and they go fast.
🍬Swedish Saturdays Candy Company is back at the market this week with their delectable assortment of premium Swedish treats, packed right here in sunny California.
🍝Zona Little Italy sells their GMO-free products that are made in Italy! They have a range of olive oils, vinegars, pasta, rice, sauces & seasonings.
THIRD QUARTER DRAWING
It’s week eleven of quarter three! Be sure to stop by the market tent to update your card to collect visits to qualify for the next drawing.
Stop by the Market Tent for details.
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FARM TO FORK RECIPES
Looking for recipe ideas for your Farmer’s Market finds? See a few ideas below.
Garlic & Lemon Roasted Cauliflower
A wonderful way to serve this versatile vegetable.
Berry Beet Salad
You’ll find almost everything you need for this tasty salad at the Farmer’s Market this week!
Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
Raw, roasted, or sauteed, this delicious vegetable is a kitchen champion. Try this simple, flavorful recipe.
Homemade Peach Salsa
Combined with fresh lime juice, crisp cucumber, bright cilantro and a little kick of jalapeno, this fresh peach salsa is absolute perfection.
Honey Nut Bars with Dates
These moist date and nut bars are simple to make with chopped dates, walnuts, and delicious honey for a classic treat.
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📣 This is a reminder that our market opens at 8 a.m. For safety reasons, vendors are not allowed to sell before the market opens. We ensure that everyone is set up and all vehicles are moved from inside the market before opening. We appreciate your kindness to the vendors.
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🐕🦺 Remember, dogs or other animals are prohibited in the market area during market hours. Service animals on leashes are exempt from this policy.
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Need help finding what you’re looking for? Please stop by the Market Tent and chat with our friendly volunteers!
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Please visit our website or Instagram page for the latest updates.
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In addition to the freshest fruits and vegetables, you’ll find fresh coffee, home-kitchen baked goods, freshly baked bread, cheese, cookies, pastries, jam, honey, nuts, dried fruit, organic eggs, fresh flowers, and live garden plants, hummus and salsa, pasta and sauce, fresh local seafood, seasoning blends for dips, marinades, and rubs, microgreens, mushrooms, tamales, soups, tea, yogurt, and sausage.
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Don’t be disappointed if your favorite treat sells out! Instead, you can contact any linked vendors ahead of the market to reserve your order and pick it up on Saturday.
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Agricultural Vendors
Acosta Farms, Adaboy Acres, Alcantar Farm, Angelo Ranch, Arreola Farm, Aventura Gardens, Azteca Farms**, Cardenas Farms/YNT Farms/Cuyama, Chavez Family Farms, Chuy’s Berries**, F & F Farm, Fue Thao, Halaby & Verni**, Henry’s Egg Ranch, Jubilee Honeybee, Los Padres Orchids, Mulberry Lane Farm, Myriad Flowers, Ojai Microgreens, and Underwood Family Farms.
** Participate in the WIC/Senior Nutrition Program.
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Food Vendors
Bliss Street Baked Goods (Returning), Bonito Coffee, Bonjour! Yogurt, Brothers Products, Buckaroo Bagels (Returning), France Café, Kettlestones, La Montagne des Saveurs, LaVita Kitchen, Lucky Lab, Marmalades by Dash, Mr. Corn Tamales, Santa Barbara Channel Seafood, Swedish Saturdays (Returning), Teawaves, Tiger Bao, YOUBITE Sausage, and Zona Little Italy (Returning).
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Artisans
We’re pleased to have seven local artisans crafting their products at the market this week! Addicted to Hemp (jelly roll rugs, rope bowls, and hemp creations), Craftastico (tote bags, wristlet keychains, chapstick holders, coin pouches, make-up bags, bookmarks, and book sleeves), Dragon Crafts (crochet items and succulent arrangements), Grace & Gratitude (handcrafted sea glass jewelry and art created with locally found glass), Mina & Bri (hand-crafted jewelry, air plant creations, and more), Spirit Spa Soap (hand-crafted shower bars), and Tabor Crafts (unique wood creations from reclaimed and locally sourced material).
Music at the Market
We are grateful to the musicians who donate their time and talent to make the market a more enjoyable experience!
This week, we’re pleased to present
We’re pleased to present a new musician at the market this week: Bennett!
Glenn Bennett performs a wide variety of music genres, ranging from folk-rock, soft rock, and classic rock to a sprinkle of pop, country-rock, and original material.
