As I departed from my usual Sunday sojourn to the California Growers’ Market (beneath the Rt. 50 viaduct) I noticed a high volume of foot traffic at the intersection of Broadway (parallel to ‘X’ street) and 5th Streets. I assumed, correctly, it was coming from the ‘other’ Farmers’ Market – sometimes referred to as the ‘Asian’ Farmers’ Market. My last visit was probably 6 years ago. It was an ad hoc group of merchants assembled on the lot of a defunct gas station.
I am pleased that I decided to take the time to revisit yesterday morning. Not only is this market now very well organized, but it has probably quadrupled in size. The variety and quality of produce was impressive. The focus is on fruits and vegetables more familiar to South and Southeast Asia cultures, and I estimate 95%+ of the patrons were of similar origin.
I purchased red and yellow plum tomatoes, smooth bittermelon, a head of Dutch cabbage, and spring onions. Going forward, my Sunday mornings are very likely to consist of Farmers’ Markets I and II drop-ins.
The Flavor Democracy 