Fresh Pickings : Farmers truck just-harvested produce into certified farmers’ markets operating weekly around the Southland, where they sell directly to local consumers.

A fragrance of fresh produce, herbs and flowers permeates the air around the streets, parking lots and fields that weekly host certified farmers’ markets here in the Southland. Since the first market, Gardena, opened in 1979, the number has grown to 37.

Freshness and lower prices top the list of reasons people give for shopping at these markets. Despite the drawbacks--absence of one-stop shopping, hours that are not always convenient, and purchases requiring cash--buyers interviewed had only positive comments to make about the markets.

The market managers we talked with were just as enthusiastic when discussing the advantages. Many noted the unique opportunity the markets provide for shoppers to talk directly to the farmers. Who better to ask about where or how the particular food was grown? This personal contact may also be used to advantage by those with allergies or concerns about pesticides.

Farmers were quick to tout the freshness of their products. Most told us it had been harvested the day before or even early that morning. This means their produce is allowed to ripen longer before harvest. One fisherman, just arriving as a market opened, explained he was late because the overnight catch was so good he wanted to stay out as long as possible. Shoppers claimed products purchased at farmers’ markets last longer than comparable items from supermarkets.

As for the prices, studies conducted by the Center of Consumer Research, University of California, Davis, show an average savings of 20% to 30% at farmers’ markets over local supermarkets.

During our investigation, it was sometimes difficult to confirm this by comparing prices because produce at the farmers’ markets was often sold by container rather than in pounds. According to Romona Cortes Garza, director of Southland Farmers’ Market Assn., the farmers sell by units to avoid paying the high costs of a certified scale.

Certified farmers’ markets are part of a direct marketing program of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The program offers technical assistance to non-profit organizations, local government agencies and one or more certified producers who want to open and operate a certified market. All three types of markets can be found in the Southland. For example, San Fernando Valley is operated by a certified farmer; St. Joseph’s Hospital sponsors Burbank, and Torrance is run by the City Parks and Recreations Department.

To be certified, farmers must meet the standards of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the same quality and maturity standards as for produce sold in supermarkets. Certification does, however, exempt the produce from normal standards for size and appearance as well as packing and labeling requirements, so some produce in the farmers’ markets may be over or under normal size and might be blemished.

Buyers at a certified market are guaranteed they are purchasing from the farmer, a family member or employee. This certification is done annually by the agricultural commissioner of the county where the grower lives. If a grower lives in another county, a copy of the certificate must be endorsed by the market county.

The office of the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner explained that to be certified, a grower must file an application at the current fee of $10. (This fee will soon be increased to $30.) An appointment is set for an inspector to view the growing grounds to ensure it is where the food is grown. Since only crops growing at the time of inspection can be certified, it may be necessary to update the certificate three or four times a year for other short-term crops.

Certified producers that participate in the markets range from backyard gardeners to large-acreage farmers. Some farm locally, but it’s not unusual for others to drive four or five hours to reach a market.

Here’s a listing of the area markets, divided by county. Some are farmers’ markets in the strictest sense, where the sole purpose is the direct sale of farm products. Others expand the concept to include educational demonstrations, entertainment and booths selling prepared foods.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Alhambra--Chico Street (east of Garfield Avenue, north of Main Street). Open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market manager is Steve Ackers, (818) 798-2133.

The blocklong street between Garfield and Stoneman avenues is closed to traffic during market hours. An average of 32 farmers park their trucks on the street and offer a variety of fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, plants, herbs, honey and eggs. Currently Asian pears, melons, figs, daikon and basil can be found. Kiwi and persimmons are available when in season. Although a farmers’ market in the strict sense, it does have periodic festivals highlighting community groups and services.

Bellflower--at Laurel Street and Bellflower Boulevard (half a mile north of the 91 Freeway). Open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Hullie Hull, (213) 424-4753.

One of the newer Southland markets, it has been operating about 1 1/2 years. An average of 24 farmers bring their wares each week, including some varieties not always found in supermarkets. Apples and apple cider are just now becoming available, along with plentiful supplies of melons, corn and peppers. Plants and flowers, fish, eggs, honey and nuts can also be found.

A produce raffle is held every week, so look for the volunteer handing out tickets. Also check for periodic recipes and information on gardening, canning, freezing and drying.

Burbank--at the corner of San Jose Avenue and 1st Street. Open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Market manager is John Rodriguez, (818) 896-6539.

An average of 44 farmers participate in this 4-year-old market. For sale are fruit, vegetables, plants of all kinds, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs, fish, and crab and shrimp in season. Some farmers stay later than the 3:30 p.m. closing.

There’s a free produce raffle every week at 12:30 p.m. Pick up tickets at the Serbe booth. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, sponsor of the market, offers periodic blood pressure testing during market hours.

Compton/Hub City--east side of Alameda Street at Compton Boulevard. Open every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. April through October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March. Market manager is Joe Storey, (213) 537-5415.

The 12 to 15 farmers that come each week offer purple and black-eye peas, catfish, shrimp, crabs, fruit and vegetables. Currently a wide variety of melons are available.

Honey, eggs and both indoor and outdoor plants can also be found at this 6-year-old market.

Crenshaw--Great Western Savings parking lot, 4401 Crenshaw Blvd. (corner of Vernon). Open every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Claudia Hail, (213) 638-1658.

This is the only Southland market located on county, rather than city property. The community-sponsored market has just celebrated its first-year anniversary.

Even though this is one of the smaller Southland markets, the 10 to 12 farmers that come each week bring a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, along with eggs, honey, plants, fish and crab and bread.

East Los Angeles/Monterey Park--Garvey Ranch Park, between Orange and Alhambra avenues, south of Garvey. Open Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market manager is Hullie Hull, (213) 424-4753.

This is the market that was formerly held at the East Los Angeles College stadium parking lot. It’s now located in this park near city yard. There are picnic tables for customers who bring along a lunch.

The 10 to 12 farmers that come each week bring fruit, vegetables, fish, honey and nursery stock. Asian fruit and vegetables are available in season. A free produce raffle is held each week and there are periodic food demonstrations and tastings.

Gardena--13000 S. Van Ness Ave. (just south of El Segundo Boulevard). Open every Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Mike Cluster, (213) 672-8710.

Open since 1979, this is the oldest certified farmers’ market in the Southland. The 25 farmers that come each week bring fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, plants, flowers and fish. A produce raffle is held weekly at 11 a.m.

The manager describes this as a “compact” market. Check his information table for quizzes and recipes.

Inglewood--Locust Street, between Regent Street and Manchester Boulevard. Open every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Market manager is Almeda Thomas, (213) 672-5709.

Locust Street is blocked off each week to make space for 10 to 16 farmers to park their trucks stocked with green beans, peppers, lettuce, carrots, okra, all types of melons, grapes, citrus, eggs and honey. Fish and shrimp are also available.

Popcorn and sodas are sold each week. Periodic special events at this 2-year-old market sponsored by the city parks and recreation department include a craft fair, health fair and rummage sale.

Long Beach/Downtown--Cedar Avenue between Broadway and 3rd Street. Open every Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Market manager is Victor Bogdanoff, (213) 433-2590.

This market, sponsored by the South Coast Ecumenical Council, has been operating for seven years. The 30 farmers that come each week bring fruit vegetables, honey, eggs, cut flowers, baked goods, herbs and shallots.

The location makes this market easily accessible by bus. Although a farmers’ market in the strict sense, the council sponsors scholarships and community projects through the market.

Long Beach/North--Dooley’s parking lot, Del Amo and Long Beach boulevards. Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Victor Bogdanoff, (213) 433-2590.

The larger of the two Long Beach markets, about 35 farmers participate each week. You’ll find basically the same foods as at the downtown market--fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs, cut flowers, baked goods, herbs, shallots--but even more variety.

The Saturday hours make this a convenient market for people who can’t get away during the week. There’s ample parking. The South Coast Ecumenical Council also sponsors scholarships and community projects in connection with this market.

Los Angeles/Adams and Vermont--on the parking lot of St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1432 W. Adams Blvd. (west of Vermont Avenue). Open every Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m. in the summer and from 2 to 5 p.m. in the winter. Market manager is Leilani Taliaferro, (213) 732-3610.

This is the only Southland farmers’ market that sells live chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and pheasant. The 25 to 30 farmers and fishermen also offer live crab, fish, fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, cut flowers and plants.

There’s a free produce raffle weekly at 3 p.m., as well as children’s raffles at Halloween, Christmas and Easter. This is the market’s seventh year of operation.

Norwalk--Excelsior High School, north side of Alondra Boulevard., one block west of Pioneer. Open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Bob Jones, (213) 864-3632.

You may need to look for this market--it’s rather hidden behind some buildings. But you’ll find 10 to 12 farmers each week offering a variety of fruit, vegetables, fish, flowering plants, cut flowers and honey.

This is a farmers’ market in the strict sense. It has been in operation for six years.

Pasadena/City Hall--100 N. Garfield Ave. (in front of city hall). Open every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Market co-managers are Betty and Gretchen, (818) 792-1696.

One of the managers described this market as having a “European feel.” The 15 farmers display their wares on the sidewalk in front of city hall. Even though this is the smallest of the three Pasadena markets, you’ll find most of the same foods as at the others--fruit, vegetables, eggs, sprouts--but perhaps not as many plants.

The evening hours make this a convenient market for those who aren’t free to shop during the day. Many city hall employees and office workers stop in after work.

Pasadena/Victory--Pasadena High School parking lot, Paloma Street and Sierra Madre Boulevard. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Market co-managers are Betty and Gretchen, (818) 792-1696.

About 40 farmers participate in this weekend market on the east side of Pasadena. They bring fruit, vegetables, eggs, sprouts, cut flowers and plants.

The market has been operating for about 3 1/2 years. It’s convenient for those who need to do their shopping on the weekend.

Pasadena/Villa--Villa Park Neighborhood Center, 363 E. Villa St. (west of Los Robles Avenue). Open every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market co-managers are Betty and Gretchen, (818) 792-1696.

The largest of the three Pasadena markets, Villa has a spacious location in a field next to the neighborhood center. Each week 60 to 65 farmers offer fruit, vegetables, fish, cut flowers, plants, eggs and sprouts.

This is also the oldest of the trio of Pasadena area markets. It has been in operation for seven years.

Pomona--corner of North Garey Avenue and Pearl Street. Open every Saturday, July through September from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and October through June from 8 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Norman Pulido, market administrator is Mary Margaret Bever, (714) 623-1031.

In operation for six years, this market is sponsored by the Pomona Valley Council of Churches. It’s a middle-size market with about 25 farmers coming each week. They offer fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, honey, plants, herbs, dried fruit and nuts.

On special occasions you’ll find local entertainment to enjoy while you shop. The weekend hours make it convenient for those who can’t shop during the week.

Redondo Beach--400 N. Francisca Ave. (corner of Beryl Street, just west of Pacific Coast Highway). Open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Cole Meek, (213) 375-6102.

“Spacious” is the term used by the manager to describe this market. The street is blocked off during market hours and there’s an adjacent lot for buyers to park their cars.

The 35 to 40 farmers that come each week bring fruit, vegetables, Oriental vegetables, dried beefalo products, sprouts, cut flowers, honey, eggs, nuts and plants. Crab, lobster and shrimp are offered in season.

San Fernando Valley (Arleta/Pacoima)--Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot, 14400 Van Nuys Blvd. (west of Interstate 5). Open every Saturday from 7 to 10 a.m. Market manager is Margaret Takahashi, (818) 361-3902.

One of the smaller markets, about 15 farmers participate each week. However, they bring a good selection of fruit, vegetables, fish, honey, eggs, herbs and plants.

The weekend hours make this a convenient market for those who can’t shop during the week and like to get an early start on Saturday. This is the only farmer-sponsored market in the Southland.

Santa Monica--Arizona Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets. Open every Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. Market manager is Laura DeVenanzio, (714) 879-6669.

This is the largest outdoor certified farmers’ market in Southern California. Two blocks of Arizona Street are closed to traffic during market hours. Trucks back up to the curb on each side of the street and sell to buyers passing by along the sidewalks.

The market is very busy, especially during the first two to three hours. Six multilevel structures close by provide customer parking. The evening hours are convenient for people who can’t shop during the day or want to miss the crowds.

San Pedro--3rd Street between Centre and Mesa streets. Open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market manager is Victor Bogdanoff, (213) 433-2590.

The 2-year-old market is sponsored by the South Coast Ecumenical Council. About 25 farmers bring fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs, cut flowers and herbs. Local bakery goods, including Mexican pastries, are also available.

According to the manager, farmers comment on how friendly the people are at this location. The council sponsors scholarships and community projects in connection with the market.

South Gate--Firestone Boulevard and Alameda Street. Open every Monday from noon to 6 p.m. April through October, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March. Market manager is Joe Storey, (213) 537-5415, or Mondays only, (213) 563-3063.

This 2-year-old market is on the Hon Corp. parking lot. Fifteen to 20 farmers participate each week.

Cilantro, a variety of chiles, tomatoes and onions are typical offerings. Fish, shrimp, crabs, honey, eggs, herbs and plants may also be found.

Torrance--Torrance Athletic Field parking lot, 2300 Crenshaw Blvd. (half a block north of Sepulveda Boulevard). Open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Rosemary Munoz, (213) 325-3802.

An average of 35 farmers participate in this community-supported market. They offer fruit, vegetables, nursery stock, cut flowers, eggs, honey, sprouts and fresh fish. There’s a drawing weekly at noon for free produce.

A quarterly newsletter, “The Fresh Farmer,” twice-monthly free blood pressure testing, a monthly tasting booth and six special events each year are other offerings.

Torrance/Alpine Village--Torrance Boulevard, just west of the Harbor Freeway. Open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market co-managers are Rose Andrade and David Heath, (213) 770-1961.

Open since May, 12 to 14 farmers participate each week in this market located in the parking lot on the northwest side of Alpine Village. You’ll find seasonal fruit and vegetables, plants, honey, nuts and dried fruit.

Although new and a smaller market, the manager reports they are already drawing good crowds of shoppers.

West Hollywood--Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Kamish Blume, (213) 854-7456.

Located in the parking lot off Santa Monica Boulevard, this market draws an average of 25 farmers. They offer fruit, vegetables, herbs, dates, honey, eggs, fish and sausage.

The market has been operating about one year. There is parking in the lot next to the market, as well as in another lot across the park on Fountain Avenue.

ORANGE COUNTY

Costa Mesa--Orange County Fairgrounds parking lot, 88 Fair Drive. Open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market manager is Frank Bowring, (714) 547-9026.

From 25 to 40 farmers participate in this Orange County Farm Bureau-sponsored market. They offer fruit, vegetables, dates, fish, eggs, honey, cut flowers and plants.

In its eighth year of operation, this is a farmers’ market in the strict sense.

Fullerton--Woodcrest Park, Orangethorpe and Richman avenues. Open every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Market co-managers are Mona Amoon and Kae Thomas, (714) 526-5814.

Aug. 26 marks the sixth anniversary of this market. Free recipes will be available that day in addition to the fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, fish, flowers and plants offered for sale by about 40 farmers.

The market is especially proud of its community involvement. It adopts local schools, offers scholarships, gives coupons to the needy and takes any leftover produce the farmers want to donate to a local shelter.

Orange--Hart Park, Glassell Street and the Garden Grove Freeway. Open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market manager is Frank Bowring, (714) 547-9026.

About 15 farmers participate in this second market sponsored by the Orange County Farm Bureau. They offer the same types of fruit, vegetables, dates, fish, eggs, honey, cut flowers and plants as in Costa Mesa.

The market is in its fourth year of operation and is a farmers’ market in the strict sense.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Riverside--Sears parking Lot, 5261 Arlington Ave. (at Streeter). Open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market manager is Marvin Walsh, (714) 685-7532. Market secretary is Marie Burns, (714) 685-5940.

The 3-year-old market has 17 to 21 farmers participating each week. They offer fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts, sprouts, dates, eggs, herbs, garlic and plants. Many of the farmers’ produce is organically grown.

Five to six special events are held at the market each year. These include strawberry shortcake day and seed giveaways.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

San Bernardino--Inland Center Mall parking lot, 100 Inland Center Drive (off Interstate 215 East). Open every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market manager is Marvin Walsh, (714) 685-7532. Market secretary is Marie Burns, (714) 685-5940.

Twelve to 18 farmers participate in this 3-year-old market. They offer herbal oils and teas and whole-wheat bread in addition to fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts, sprouts, dates, eggs, herbs, garlic and plants.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Del Mar--Del Mar City Hall parking lot, 10th Street and Camino del Mar. Open every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Market manager is Bart Bolin. Contacts for market are Dick and Margo Baughman, (619) 726-8545.

This is one of the newest Southland markets, in operation less than one year. The 18 spaces are usually filled with farmers offering fruit, vegetables, fish, honey, eggs, flowers and plants.

According to the market manager, they offer a great deal more than area citrus and avocados. The weekend hours make it convenient for those who can’t shop during the week.

Vista--Escondido and Eucalyptus avenues (behind Vista City Hall). Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Gayle Cunningham, (619) 728-7343.

In its sixth year of operation, this market averages 35 to 40 farmers, but sometimes has as many as 56. They offer many specialty crops--miniature vegetables, macadamia nuts, persimmons in season, citrus, avocados, exotic fruit, herbs, flowers and plants.

There is plenty of sampling, according to the market manager. Weekend hours make it convenient for those who can’t shop during the week.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Lompoc--South H and Ocean streets. Open every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Market manager is Debra English, (805) 929-4192.

This is another of the newer markets, open since May. There are 30 to 40 spaces filled each week with fruit, vegetables, flowers, sprouts, escargot, crab in season and dried fruit. It also has booths selling tri-tip sandwiches, chili and pies.

Various entertainment is offered each week, such as square dancing or children’s singing groups. The market is 15 minutes from Solvang and 10 minutes from Serf.

Santa Maria--Montgomery Ward shopping center parking lot. Open every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. Market manager is Debra English, (805) 929-4192.

Take the Stowell exit off Highway 101 to reach this market. Up to 50 farmers participate each week. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, escargot and dried fruit can be found. The market is known for having high-quality greens, grown in the local area.

In operation for three years, this is described by the manager as an old-fashioned local town market.

Santa Barbara--corner of Cota and Santa Barbara streets. Open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Mark Scott, (805) 683-3327.

Take the Santa Barbara exit from Highway 101. This is the largest of the two markets in Santa Barbara.

The 9-year-old market has space for 45 farmers. There’s a high percentage of organic growers offering fruit, vegetables, herbs, dates, flowers and plants.

Santa Barbara--San Marcos High School. Open every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Market manager is Mark Scott, (805) 683-3327.

This is a smaller market with spaces for about 15 farmers. They carry many of the same foods as the other Santa Barbara market, but have a little less variety.

VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura--city parking lot at the corner of Figueroa and Santa Clara streets. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Market manager is Mary Leleiwi, (805) 654-7846.

Exotic fruit, Oriental vegetables, fish, shallots, beefalo jerky and sausage are some of the offerings from the 30 farmers that typically participate in this market. You’ll also find herbs, flowers and plants.

Entertainment and demonstrations by master food preservers and garden experts are offered periodically.

Santa Paula--Civic Center parking lot, 10th and Main streets. Open every Saturday through Oct. 31 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Market manager is Mary Leleiwi, (805) 654-7846.

This is the newest of the markets listed, opening in late July. Plans are to close the market during the winter and reopen it in the spring.

About 25 farmers participate each week--many of those from the Ventura market but also a few more from the local area. In addition to the foods under the Ventura listing, chiles are usually available.