Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - WelcomeMagazine_08.09 - Index

AgRICULTURE
Agriculture
Enjoy the bounty of East County
With each passing season,
East County continues to
develop and mature as the
population increases and
more businesses find their
niche in our backyard. However,
no matter how the landscape
changes, we continue
to nurture our community
roots in agriculture through
roadside produce stands and
weekly farmers’ markets.
Crops of houses have
replaced many of the fields
where fruit and vegetables
once grew, but agriculture is
still very much alive in East
County.
Many flock to Brentwood
every July to savor the
firm texture and sweet flavor
of corn at the annual Corn-
Fest or rush to pick cherries
after Memorial Day, but fresh
produce is available in East
County all year long – if you
know where to look.
The Pacific Coast Farmers’
Market Association certifies
annual farmers’ markets
in Antioch, Brentwood and
Pittsburg. In Antioch, Kaiser
Permanente, located at 4501
Sand Creek Road, began featuring
a farmers’ market every
Thursday this past season
from May through October.
While growers from all
across Contra Costa County
were invited to participate,
the market featured the
finest fruits, vegetables and
oils from local growers such
as Tachella Family Farms,
Hartey Ranches, and Olio
Bello d’Olivo. More fresh
produce and baked goods are
expected next year.
During the same months
the farmers’ market is being
held in Antioch, you’ll find a
plethora of fruits and vegetables
every Saturday from
May through October in the
heart of downtown Brentwood.
Representatives from
more than 15 local farms
congregate along First Street
to sell the best produce from
the southeast corner of the
county. Some will even let
you take a bite before you
buy so you can know your
personal standards have been
met. Specialty foods are also
available, such as Gran’ma
Lillie’s Ol’Fashioned Sweet
80 Welcome! The Magazine of East County 2008-2009