There's an advantage in dealing direct with local farmers for decades, says the manager of Ikeda's, whose family opened the original fruit stand next to the Ikeda Ranch in Auburn in 1970. "When we say 'fresh,' that's exactly what you get. With high sugar content in apples, pears and plums, for example, you get that fresh, juicy taste." The manager asserts that fruits available in supermarkets have been bred for longer shelf life and have a lower sugar content. Ikeda's produce is picked and trucked to the store within a matter of days, sometimes even hours. Also, since Ikeda's bypasses middlemen, it can pass along significant savings. Some prepared foods are also available, including blueberry and "razzleberry" pies, Chepo's tamales, breads and salad dressings.
Grow: The Produce Shop, a family-owned market on the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and 18th Street, specializes in fresh local produce at competitive prices. Most of the organic produce is provided by California farmers or imported, if necessary, for the season. The store also sells wine, imported Italian goods and other groceries and features a butcher shop stocked with all-natural, locally-raised meats, including Harris Ranch beef. Some of the special services offered include party platters, gift baskets and specialty meat orders. Orders of all kinds can be placed by phone or at the store's Web site and customers can pick up recipes using seasonal ingredients available in the store.
Owners Barry and Kathy Fisher opened Grow in 2006 and continue to support the community by participating in the SCRIP program, sponsoring local organizations and offering field trips to local schools and Brownie troops.
It's not just home of the world's longest garlic braid--Gilroy's Garlic World also boasts a variety of locally-sourced products and produce that celebrate the town's agricultural heritage. Its "Christopher Ranch" sauces are a hit.
Farm Boy carries flowers, fruits, vegtables and great sushi and soup to go at very reasonable prices. It is located at the entrance to a strip mall, along with a bank and another grocery store. Parking is very hard by the store but is easier in the back of the lot.
Beaumont Garden Center is a gardening retailer. The store sells shrubberies, trees, roses, seasonal flowers and other plant stock. The center also offers a wide variety of gardening accessories, such as seeds and fertilizers. Landscaping services are also available.
Dixon Fruit Market is a small grocery and produce store located right off the freeway and next to an Indian restaurant. A wide variety of fresh produce is sold, as well as a variety of other foods not usually found in typical grocery stores.
At Sunnyside Produce, quality means everything. The locally owned and operated produce stand fills up the bins with only hand-picked produce. In fact, organic produce and local farmers represent a significant selection of the goods offered by the market.
Even though this quaint market specializes in a diverse assortment of fresh produce, customers can also shop for flowers, coffee beans, dairy, cheeses, pantry goods, beverages, sauces, condiments, prepared sandwiches and more. Customers can expect a casual and laid-back atmosphere. The friendly staff brings people back to a more traditional way of shopping for produce (not to mention the ability to enjoy the weather and natural beauty while shopping).
When you're done picking out some fresh produce, Sunnyside Produce just happens to be a few steps away from The Fish Lady. With fine wines (including varietals from local wineries), gourmet imported cheeses, and some of the freshest fish and meats in town, The Fish Lady is like an old-fashioned butcher with more panache.
