Cooking for yourself or eating in Benson everyday can get real old real quick. Luckily, every week you have the opportunity to liven up your eating experiences at the Santa Clara Farmer’s Market with fresh produce and goods from local vendors.
The Farmer’s Market is just a 10-minute walk from campus and is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Franklin Square. It is a fantastic opportunity to get off campus and outside of the Santa Clara bubble.
Insider tip: if you don’t carry cash, there is an ATM inside of City Lights Espresso, a café on Jackson Street.
Here are some favorites from the Santa Clara Farmer’s Market that will leave you thankful you remembered to set your alarm Friday night.
1. Watermelon Water
Photo by Angelina Marioni
Located at the Delicious Falafel stand, watermelon water is just $2 for a decently sized cup. I was trying to figure out how the heck they juice a watermelon, but it is actually just blended.
As you stroll down Jackson Street during early March and sip on this drink, try to ignore the thirst you will feel for spring quarter.
2. Coffee Cake
Photo by Angelina Marioni
For those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, Imagine It Bakery’s food stand is heaven on earth. They sell baked goods that are gluten, dairy, egg, soy, and nut free that are so delicious you won’t notice the difference at all.
Try the $3 coffee cake, which is sweet, but not enough to leave you in a sugar-induced coma.
3. Grapes
Photo by Angelina Marioni
Grapes, which can be found at the Hamada Farms stand for $2.50/pound, are the epitome of the phrase “nature’s candy.” One of my favorite snacks is frozen grapes, which require very little preparation.
For those who live on campus and have a mini fridge with a freezer section, this is a very easy and affordable snack to make.
4. Chicken Tikka Masala Wrap
Photo by Angelina Marioni
Food stands that sell breakfast and lunch options are grouped towards one end of Jackson Street. One of our staff members is a huge fan of the Chicken Tikka Masala Wrap, which will definitely keep you full until dinner.
For $8, A.J. at India’s Gourmet will happily prepare you a naan wrap filled with rice, chicken, and that to-die-for Tikka Masala sauce.
5. Sunflowers
Photo by Angelina Marioni
The flower stand is a personal favorite. For just $4 you can purchase a bouquet of sunflowers, whose vivid yellow and pink colors will brighten up your dorm room or apartment.
The flower stand is run by a couple, Akiko and Ryoji, who came to the U.S. from Japan about 50 years ago. Their friendly, smiling faces, as well as their lovely array of flowers, will undoubtedly cheer you up.
Address: Jackson Street at Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Hours: Saturdays from 9:00am-1:00pm
Check out these articles for some ways to incorporate fresh produce into your diet: