I have been surveying local farm stands recently to explore the variety of fresh produce available, which is grown in North County and sold directly to customers.
In light of possible slowdowns of imports from Mexico, South America and Canada, predictions have been made that the price of produce will increase dramatically this year. In 2023, 69% of fresh vegetables and 51% of fresh fruit was imported from Mexico.
SHOP LOCAL FARMS
On a recent visit to Coastal Roots Farm, I had the pleasure of shopping at the Farm Stand, at 441 Saxony Road in Encinitas. The Farm Stand is part of the nonprofit Jewish community that integrates sustainable agriculture, food justice and ancient Jewish wisdom.
Two days a week — Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — the Farm Stand offers fresh produce from the farm’s 67-acre property.
Since the produce is picked early that day, the freshness is guaranteed, and there are no outside products.
AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR CUSTOMERS
According to Coastal Roots Farm: “Our pay-what-you-can Farm Stand is a social enterprise that supports our goal to ensure that everyone in the community has fair, equal and dignified access to local, fresh, seasonal, organic and sustainably grown food. We offer those in need up to $30 of produce per visit at no cost through our private check-out system.”
The selection is grown on-site, with a freshness you can smell as you walk into the Farm Stand, with herbs such as dill and za’atar.
A number of the greens and herbs are unusual, certainly not those you would see in a local grocery. Za’atar, in particular, was one I have only seen in cookbooks. This herb is used in Middle Eastern cooking and is said to increase mental awareness.
According to Farm Stand staffer Julia Meyer: “We use it in soups and with roasted vegetables. You can also dry it and mix with olive oil for a spread.”
Julia came to Coastal Roots after attending the University of Washington. “I studied food systems and sustainability at UW, and I knew I wanted to work for an organization such as Coastal Roots. Here I can not only work on the farm each day, but take part in educational activities and setting up and selling our produce at the Farm Stand. Our fresh eggs sell out within the first hour, so we advise our customers to come in early.”
In addition to operating the Farm Stand, Coastal Roots donates 75% of the 80,000 pounds of food it produces each year to people in need.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE FARM
For those interested in other events at the farm, visit their website at www.coastalrootsfarm.org or call 760-479-6505. Upcoming events for children and adults include nature play, farm camp, farm tours, field trips and internships.
THE EARLIEST STRAWBERRIES ARE A DREAM COME TRUE
It seems too early to buy fresh strawberries, but the Williamson Strawberries stand at 2240 Ivy Road in Oceanside, has luscious berries ready for creating strawberry shortcake or an English trifle.
According to Becky Williamson, co-owner of the stand: “The season is just beginning, but we pick the berries early each day, and sell until we run out! We advise our customers to call or check our Instagram page for availability.”
Individual pints are $7, and a three-pint box is $18.
This farm stand, established in 1982, is such a local institution that loyal customers line up at 10 a.m. to snatch up these beauties. Shoppers each year eagerly await the opening of the stand, which will be open until June.
Call 760-439-1476 for availability or visit WilliamsonStrawberries on Instagram for daily hours. The stand is located off the Jefferson Street exit on Highway 78.
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
In the next few weeks, we will visit local North County farmers markets to keep you abreast of the wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit products available this spring. Contact us at [email protected] to tell us your favorite markets.
Jano Nightingale is a Master Gardener who teaches vegetable gardening at the Carlsbad Senior Center. Call 442-339-2650 to register for her class.
