Farmers markets continue to expand and provide all-natural grown products to residents in Bakersfield.
The Kern Farmers Market Association was founded in 1980 by a group of local citizens and farmers. The current president, Charles Drew, has managed the markets from 1981 to present.
Drew, who is a certified producer, takes the initiative to make sure that Bakersfield residents are guaranteed to expect a year-round farmers market located at the Golden State Mall parking lot on 3201 F St. This year-round market is open to the public every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to noon.
“I am very appreciative of the expanding of farmers markets in Bakersfield,” said resident buyer Joan Steller. “I find myself rushing every Saturday morning to gather vegetables, fruits and bread because I prefer to buy these products than in stores.”
The Saturday farmers market provides Bakersfield residents with hand-grown vegetables that are planted by local farmers who enjoy providing all-natural growing food. Organic produce and all-natural company products are also sold.
Anne and Keith Stephens are two individuals who provide residents with hand-grown vegetables and fruit.
“We are well known for the freshness and quality we provide for buyers,” said Stephens. “My wife grows everything from seeds and everyone should expect to purchase well taken-care-of vegetables. My job is to make sure I overlook and guard our crop from intruders or animals.”
Both Anne and Keith have contributed to their regular customers and new buyers every Saturday for the last 25 years at the farmers market.
Farmers markets range in varieties of products sold. Joe Denney is a farmer who provides residents with pure raw honey and three cooking oils.
“The pure raw honey products are continuously purchased due to its great taste and popularity,” said Denney. One of the two honey products is called Orange, which is described to be made by bees placed in citrus trees in the spring season. The other product is Buckwheat Honey that is made by bees that are placed in a “smoother” crop in the fall season. Buckwheat is a wild grain, so the honey also has pollen from weeds and flowers. The honey is priced from $10 to $18 and ranges from 250 milliliter to 500 milliliter bottles.
Denney also produces cooking oils called Mission, Manzanilla, and Blood Orange Oil. Denney mentioned how the top chef from Bakersfield College enjoys using their oils for cooking demonstrations. Mission Oil is an all-around oil for dipping, salads, pasta, fish and chicken. It is light and buttery and highly recommended by the producers. Manzanilla is their most olive oil flavored. It is ideal for pizza, sautéed foods, and as pasta sauce, explained Denney. The Blood Orange Oil is their distinct orange oil.
“Our blood oranges are pressed with our olives. Oil from the orange peels lends the orange flavor, not the juice,” said Denney. It is recommended for salads, chicken, fish, grilled vegetables and rice. The oils are priced from $10 to $18 and ranges from 250 milliliter to 500 milliliter bottles.
“I encourage everyone to come out to farmers markets because it is a great experience and you can buy everything from vegetables to bread and juices,” said buyer Adam Rodriguez.