Sweet, juicy and delicious fruit found at local Farmers' Market

From sweet juicy plums to mouthwatering nectarines, the Ventura County Certified Farmers' Market offers California freshgrown fruits now throughout the summer season.

Linda Raphael of Apkarian Farms, who attends both the Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita farmers' markets, reports that consumers will find a wide variety of peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots from June through the fall.

"The fruit is very sweet this year as a result of some frost on the trees, and we have a great crop," said Raphael.

Jack Baca of Jack's Fruit, who participates at both the Downtown Ventura Farmers' Market and Santa Clarita Market, is also geared up for a good summer season. Shoppers will find an abundance of his most popular pluot, the "Dinosaur Egg," and the flavor-filled pluot named "Flavorosa." Baca also offers dark plums available through mid-June.

"The fruit is sweeter this year due to the cold weather we experienced," said Baca.

The Modesto apricot is offered by Fife Family Farms, a 50yearold family business which attends both Ventura markets and Santa Clarita. According to Ryan Fife, the Modesto apricot is the best crop so far this year and has been a popular seller in the past.

"This year's crop was outstanding," said Fife. "Many people use the apricots to make jams and jellies and for pies."

Fife also offers Alberta peaches and an array of melons, including heirloom melons and sweet watermelons from late July to August. Other popular fruits include the Fantasia nectarine, available in early August. Fife Family Farms is also slated to receive its status as a certified organic farmer with a target date

of August.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers' Market Association operates in these weekly markets.

•Thousand Oaks Market is at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Recreation and Park Building rooftop from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

•Ventura Farmers' Markets are at the Pacific View Mall in the front west parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and in downtown Ventura from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

•The Santa Clarita Market is at the College of the Canyons from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sundays.

For more information, call (805) 529-6266 or visit www .vccfarmersmarkets.com.