What’s In Season: Blood Oranges, Rutabagas and Cherimoyas

Laura Avery is the market manager for the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market and the host of Good Food’s Market Report.

Blood oranges from JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch. Seasonal favorites are tangy-citrus flavored – great for juice, salads and dressing. Wednesday, Saturday Santa Monica.

Marlene Urrea, forager and sales person for Fresh Point with a bucket of cilantro flowers bound for Red Medicine restaurant in Beverly Hills. From Mud Creek Ranch.

Lemon Grass from Xiong Pao Her at the Wednesday is a staple at Hmong stands in the markets. Lemon grass is used for simmering and braising to impart a deep lemony flavor.

How asparagus grows – Green Farm (“Life’s A Choke”) in Lompoc – a 17-acre field provides almost year-round asparagus for 10 LA and Ventura County Farmers Markets

Rutabagas from Flora Bella Farm – dense, flavorful root crops are delicious baked, pureed; hot or cold in salads or as a side dish. Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Santa Monica

Cherimoyas – super sweet creamy tropical fruits are lumpy, full of smooth black seeds and delicious when fully ripe. Mud Creek Ranch, Gallardo, Coleman; Wednesday Santa Monica, Saturday (Gallardo)