February 19, 2007 0343

Originally written 11/4/2006

Looking for some fresh produce a bit cheaper? For those of you who are new to Irvine or who just have not learned of it, there’s a farmer’s market right across the street! Every Saturday morning a portion of the University Center’s parking lot becomes full of fruit, vegetables, and other foods! Many UCI students miss this due to it closing around noon, but trust me; it’s worth it to attend.

Of course, you can get great produce at the farmer’s market. Everything is very fresh and the prices are much better than you could find at Albertson’s or Trader Joe’s. Plus, there is much more to choose from. Another great thing about shopping here is that there are many free samples. Not sure what the difference between a yellow peach and a white peach? No need to worry because you could try a slice of each! Even if you do not plan on buying anything, it might be worth it just to go look around and try some fresh fruit.

There is more to the market than produce though. Many other foods are sold too. Personally, I like to buy gyros there. You can find other Mediterranean foods, Mexican food, kettle corn, and much more! I also like to buy hummus there. There are usually a number of tables set up selling pita bread and hummus. Many flavors are sold, and if you’re not sure what you want, you can sample a few! I like the kalamata olive hummus and the roasted bell pepper. And again, these prices are unbeatable.

In addition to the food, there are other things for sale too. You can find many little knick-knacks, bonsai trees, scarves, and clothes. I know many students like to sleep in, myself included, but I think it is definitely worth it to wake up a little earlier some Saturdays and head down to the farmer’s market!