Warning: The farmers market in Palmdale is not the deal it used to be

I hit up the Saturday market off Avenue R last weekend with $40 cash, thinking I'd stock up on veggies for two weeks. Three baskets of tomatoes, a squash, and some cilantro ran me $27, and half the tomatoes were already soft by Sunday. The older vendors who used to haggle are gone, replaced by folks charging city prices for stuff that looks like it sat in a bin too long. I remember getting a full produce bag for under $10 just two years back, now it feels like a trap if you don't check every piece. Maybe it's the drought or inflation, but has anyone else noticed the quality drop at this specific market, or is it just the stalls near the entrance? I'm thinking about trying the swap meet off Pearblossom next instead, but I don't want to waste another Saturday driving if it's the same story.

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hayden70918d ago

Well darn, that's disappointing to hear. I've been going to that same market for years and learned the hard way that you have to walk the whole loop before buying anything. The stalls closest to the parking lot always seem to charge more and push the older stock, so I usually head straight to the back rows where the longtime growers set up. Also, get there before 8am if you can, that's when they bring out the freshest crates and before the crowds pick everything over. If you do try Pearblossom, go early too, but bring your own bags and don't be shy about pointing out any soft spots before you pay.