A new Saturday market has opened in town: the Midtown Farmer’s Market. Located in the heart of Sacramento, it’s quickly becoming a weekend destination for fresh produce, artisan foods, and local makers.
One convenient perk is a free bike valet—staff watch over parked bikes so visitors can stroll the market hands-free.
Early on I sampled organic strawberries offered by a vendor. They were impressively sweet—an immediate sign of the market’s quality produce.
Beautiful carrots and zucchini filled colorful stalls, showcasing the season’s bounty.
Multicolored cauliflower heads were almost too pretty to eat—vibrant and fresh.
Cashew Cheeses: Herb, Pesto, Habanero Cilantro Lime, White Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar and Pepper Jack ($6 per tub or 2 for $10)
I stopped at The Cultured Kitchen to taste their fermented, probiotic-rich products. Their cashew cheeses were flavorful—creamier than expected—and I bought herb and pepper jack flavors. The pepper jack had all the spice of the dairy version without any dairy at all.
They also offer naturally fermented vegetables, dressings, sauces, and probiotic tonics—items I’ll try next visit.
An intriguing packaged offering combined green bean noodles with a powdered cashew cheese mix, a vegan and gluten-free twist on classic mac and cheese. Green bean noodles—often called “long rice” in Hawaii—are a versatile ingredient rooted in island cuisine.
I met Peter Potter Weber of Potter’s Crackers, a family-run business making organic crackers and crispbreads. Their products have a noticeable quality—especially the gluten-free toasted oat and roasted garlic crackers, which are produced in a separate kitchen to avoid cross-contamination for those with gluten sensitivity.
The crackers’ texture and flavor stood out—great for snacking or pairing with spreads.
If you forget a tote, several vendors sell handwoven African market baskets—practical and attractive for carrying purchases.
There were more stalls I didn’t fully explore yet—organic meats, wild fish, fresh eggs, baked goods, honey, and soaps—each adding to the market’s broad selection.
I was drawn to Tea xotic’s display. Owner Renee Planje and her daughter source high-quality teas from around the world and offer herbal, black, green, and white blends. Renee’s community-minded approach includes partnerships with local and global charities.
I sampled a few blends and picked up a small keepsake bookmark with a rooibos sample—an example of the thoughtful touches their team provides.
The Pasta Queen sells fresh ravioli and sauces made without artificial colors or preservatives. Their ravioli cooked in minutes and were a hit with both kids and adults—especially the spinach and pine nut filling served with basil cream sauce.
The Kombucha Kulture trailer offered kombucha on tap with several flavors to sample. Varieties like grapefruit sage, pineapple, and ginger berry tasted fresher and brighter than many bottled alternatives.
Decorative mason jar glasses caught my eye, though I opted for a more affordable cup of grapefruit sage kombucha to sip while walking the market.
Flower vendors displayed a gorgeous array of hydrangeas—perfect for a wedding bouquet or to brighten any room.
On the way out I stopped at the Volks Waffle truck for a Liege-style Belgian waffle. These waffles use a yeast dough with pearl sugar that caramelizes while cooking, creating sweet, crunchy pockets. Served plain with a dusting of sugar, the waffle was crisp outside, tender inside, and not overly sweet.
Plain Liege Waffle $5
A Farmer’s Market Tray: Grapefruit Sage Kombucha, Organic Strawberries, Herbed Cashew Cheese, Rosemary & Thyme Crisps, and Caramelized Onion Crackers
I brought home a selection and laid out a small tray for the family. Fresh flavors and handmade items made for a memorable, quick breakfast that disappeared fast—proof the market’s offerings appeal to all ages.
Midtown Farmer’s Market Sacramento
2020 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
www.midtownfarmersmarketsac.com
Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm