It’s in Season! Chula Vista’s Farmers Markets & What to Find There

chula vista farmers market

 

One of the best things about living in Millenia is the convenience of a neighborhood where everything you need is located nearby. And if you’re a lover of fresh produce—and anything crafty or local—you’re in luck! Several fantastic farmers markets are located within walking distance or easy driving distance. With plentiful fresh fruit, veggies, and more available in season, it’s easy to enjoy a healthy, colorful, and delicious array of produce all year round!

Here’s what you can find, and where.

Otay Ranch Farmers Market

2015 Birch Road and Eastlake Boulevard
Chula Vista, CA 91915

Distance from Millenia: Walking distance
When: Tuesday, 4 to 8 PM (Until 7 PM during winter)

This fun weekly event is less of a farmers market and more of a fun street fair, with vendors offering delicious food—of the raw and cooked varieties—and handmade items. You’ll find produce stalls as well!

Located on Main Street, Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market is packed with vendors selling all kinds of international cuisine. With everything from Thai to Jamaican to Russian and Kenyan, there’s always something new to try.

Alongside these vendors are usually several stalls selling fresh local produce and handmade items, such as soaps and lotions, knitwear, essential oils, and the like. A visit to this Chula Vista farmers market is like a treasure hunt: You never know what delightful discovery you’ll make next! And since it’s located just across the street from Millenia, it’s easy to get your purchases home when you’re done shopping.


Dickinson Farm

1430 E 24th Street
National City, CA 91950

Distance from Millenia: 20 minutes
When: Monday, 3:30 to 5:30 PM; 2nd Saturdays, 2 to 4 PM; Tuesday & Wednesday (April to November), 9 AM to 12 PM;

This San Diego special is exactly what its name and location suggests: an urban farm located right in the middle of National City. Dickinson Farm grows a wide variety of heirloom produce and sells farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and their own line of pantry items. They’re open for business on Monday afternoons, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and every second Saturday, so you can stock your fridge and kitchen for the whole week to come.

And you’ll want to come back on the weekends for fun farm tours!


Imperial Beach Certified Farmers Market

Portwood Pier Plaza
10 Evergreen Ave
Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Distance from Millenia: 30 minutes
When: Friday, 2 to 7 PM (April to September); Friday, 2 to 6 PM (October to March)

Imperial Beach is a little further away, but this farmers market is well worth a visit! The small-but-growing market offers a good range of fresh produce, as well as specialty goods. Think:

  • Locally produced honey
  • Flowers
  • International cuisine

What’s even better? The market is right next to the beach! You can make your trip into a fun day out, spending time relaxing and enjoying the outdoor atmosphere before getting down to the business of shopping, or having fun with the book family before you fill your grocery bags!


People’s Produce Night Market

5010 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92102

Distance from Millenia: 20 minutes
When: Tuesday, 5 to 8 PM (starting November 20, 2019)

This extensive farmers market is about 18 minutes from Millenia, depending on traffic. It offers lots of fresh produce, along with handmade gifts and delicious food. With even kids’ activities, this open-air night market is a fun way to spend an evening and pick up the week’s fresh produce at the same time.


Fresh Produce in Season: What to Buy and When

Making the most of a farmers market is all about buying in season. When fresh produce is purchased and consumed in season, it’s not just fresher (and more delicious), it’s more nutrient-rich than produce that’s stored for long periods of time in trucks, crates, or cans.

Get the most out of your fresh fruit and veggies by buying produce fresh from the field. And that means patronizing the farmers markets in and around Chula Vista!

Here’s what to look for in every season, from spring to winter:

chula vista farmers market

Arugula (Best in spring and fall)

Avocado

Broccoli (Best in fall and winter)

Cabbage (Best in fall and winter)

Cauliflower (Best in fall and winter)

Celery (Best in fall and winter)

Carrots

Lettuce (Best in spring)

Mushrooms

chula vista farmers market

Cucumber

Navel oranges

Onions

Peas, including snap peas and snow peas

Radishes (Spring through fall)

Valencia oranges

chula vista farmers market

Apples (Late summer through fall)

Blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, gooseberries

Green beans

Corn

Cucumber

Eggplant

Mangoes

Melons, including watermelon

New potatoes

Peppers

Stone fruit, including nectarines, peaches, apricots, and plums

Tomatoes

Zucchini and summer squash

chula vista farmers market

Brussels sprouts (Fall and winter)

Kale (Fall and winter)

Leeks

Limes

Potatoes

Rutabagas (Fall and winter)

Sweet potatoes and yams (Fall and winter)

chula vista farmers market

Beets

Citrus fruits, including oranges, clementines, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruit, and lemons

Endive

Kiwis (Winter and spring)

Pumpkin

Turnips

Winter squash

Markets for All Seasons

In every season of the year, farmers markets in Chula Vista and further afield have lots of delicious fresh produce to help you enjoy great-tasting nutritious food all year long. (Pro tip: They’re also a fantastic place to buy unique gifts!) The open-air atmosphere, delectable smells, and dazzling array of color makes market shopping an enjoyable event you’ll look forward to every week!

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