Farmers' Market Guide

Los Angeles farmers' markets, which many argue are the best in the country, are in full bloom come late August. The sheer quantity and quality of the harvest can be overwhelming, so we compiled three farmers' markets itineraries featuring our favorite vendors. Now get shopping before summer is over.

Santa Monica Farmers' Market: Produce Heaven
On Wednesday mornings the Third Street promenade transforms into a chef's fantasyland. The best advice? Get there early and don't be surprised if you're fighting James Beard Award winners and Top Chef contestants for the last box of Mission figs. This time of year, stop by stone fruit specialist Tenerelli Farms for their jaw-droppingly juicy crop of Summer Lady peaches, and Underwood Family Farms for summer squash and French morning melons. Grab a frizzy bunch of flowering peacock kale from Coleman Farms too–it's a nutrient powerhouse.

Hollywood Farmers' Market: Spice Routes
Wondering what seasoning to use on your haul of fruits and vegetables? Peruse Hollywood's Spice Alley, where local vendors hawk everything from Hepp's Salt Co. smoked salt, to preserved lemons, piri-piri and custom-made curry blends. Bulk up your basket with blistered almonds from Fat Uncle Farms or a jar of raw, unfiltered buckwheat honey from Bill's Bees.

Altadena Farmers' Market: Pucker Up

Altadena's afternoon market will put you in a pickle, literally. Choose between wild fermented sauerkraut and kimchi from Brassica & Brine, fruit preserves from Sqirl or smoked fish and oysters by Shucks Oyster Bar. Altadena also boasts one of the best markets in L.A. for locally produced dairy (Milk Man Cheese), eggs (The Cityfarm) and grass-fed meats (Dey Dey's Best Beef Ever). Before you leave, make your own fizzy coffee float by mixing a scoop of Mother Moo ice cream with the coffee soda on tap at Plow & Gun.