Best Farmers Market

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Roman Ramos works the Arnett Farms booth at Irvine Farmers Market in Irvine. The market is is open Saturdays.

1. Irvine Farmers Market

Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine; 949-301-9180, ocfarmbureau.org

Yes, Orange County’s biggest farmers market gives you mountains of fresh fruit, including types of peaches, plums and nectarines you’ve probably never heard of. It gives you a variety of vegetables across the spectrum, enough to make basically any vegetarian dish in any cookbook.

And of course, there are all types of nuts and numerous varieties of honey.

But this competitive category’s perennial leader, which is open every Saturday — rain or shine — from 8 a.m. to noon doesn’t stop there. Nor does it stop with farm-to-table standouts like Arnett Farms. Its fresh egg vendors produce some of the biggest lines among the more than 100 vendors that occupy the white tents. Its Asian products include bok choi, Thai basil and other herbs. Representing Mexico are fresh tamales. There’s kombucha, various milk products (almond, soy, coconut). And there are flower vendors that would be the envy of any florist.

Along with that comes popular vendors such as Mama Musubi, the Pasadena purveyor of gourmet rice balls. There’s Clayton’s Doughnuts, renowned for its massive doughnuts and vegan and gluten-free items.

What makes the Irvine Farmers Market the first among equals is the sheer variety of vendors and products. It remains one of eight county Certified Farmers Markets, meaning all the vendors must earn certification from the county where they grow and produce their wares.

One word of warning: Parking is at a premium and it can get crowded. — Brian Robin

2. Laguna Hills Certified Farmers Market

24200 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills; ocfarmbureau.org

The Laguna Hills Farmers Market isn’t nearly as big as its sister certified farmers markets around the county, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.

Open Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, the Laguna Hills Farmers Market is easy to spot in the Laguna Hills Mall parking lot. Just look for the multi-colored nest of pyramid-shaped canopies. When you find it, you’ll find a solid variety of produce: avocados, onions, Asian pears, tomatoes, cucumbers, blueberries, strawberries and other berries, kale and all types of citrus, among others.

Laguna Hills’s minimalist approach doesn’t mean you won’t find that bread you’re looking for. This market offers a good variety of baked goods. It also means you can find that Daikon radish you’ve sought. Or that hummus and almond spread your next party demands. And the market features a good seafood selection of mussels, clams and numerous types of fresh fish.

3. Laguna Beach Certified Farmers Market

521 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach; lagunabeachfarmersmarket.com

Get here early. That’s the key for shoppers at this market, which is open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

That way, you not only guarantee yourself a good parking spot where such things come at a premium — especially during the summer months — but start your day with a fresh cup of coffee from the market’s independent coffee shop.

The Laguna Beach Farmers Market earns much of its popularity from its location. Beachgoers can pop in, stock up on organic fruits and vegetables, naturally grown granolas or baked goods, salsas and dips, then hit the sand well-provisioned.

Along with that, this market offers a wide variety of spices and broths, along with essential oils, raw honey, sheep yogurt, free-range organic eggs and farm-to-table meats.

One of the market’s must-stop stands is Sergio’s Empanadas. Locals and tourists alike know about this open culinary secret.