There's an advantage in dealing direct with local farmers for decades, says the manager of Ikeda's, whose family opened the original fruit stand next to the Ikeda Ranch in Auburn in 1970. "When we say 'fresh,' that's exactly what you get. With high sugar content in apples, pears and plums, for example, you get that fresh, juicy taste." The manager asserts that fruits available in supermarkets have been bred for longer shelf life and have a lower sugar content. Ikeda's produce is picked and trucked to the store within a matter of days, sometimes even hours. Also, since Ikeda's bypasses middlemen, it can pass along significant savings. Some prepared foods are also available, including blueberry and "razzleberry" pies, Chepo's tamales, breads and salad dressings.
Fresh Farms Market is a specialty grocery store that offers organic, natural and kosher options. Prepared food can be made to order at the deli. The store is narrow and relatively small considering the amount of services and foods available. A wide selection of cheeses, wines, meats and vegetables are among the many appealing features of this luxury grocery store. Fresh Farms Market provides a grocery delivery service and takes phone orders for pickup. Catering services are also available.
It's not just home of the world's longest garlic braid--Gilroy's Garlic World also boasts a variety of locally-sourced products and produce that celebrate the town's agricultural heritage. Its "Christopher Ranch" sauces are a hit.
Coastal Produce specializes in local produce and locally made products. The Coastal Produce lunch service menu items are produced in-house with freshly purchased meats and produce.
Coastal Produce Market offers a very wide variety of products. The market sells firewood, propane, bait and tackle, flowers and potted plants, Christmas trees, sheds, preservatives, seafoods, quail, crab legs, shrimp, rabbit, swings, picnic tables, local baked goods, snow cones and much more.
Every year the owner of Coastal Produce, Mike Gray, shows his appreciation for this community with an annual customer appreciation banquet.
Coastal Produce Market has been family owned and operated with local help since 1991.
Dixon Fruit Market is a small grocery and produce store located right off the freeway and next to an Indian restaurant. A wide variety of fresh produce is sold, as well as a variety of other foods not usually found in typical grocery stores.
Located in the heart of the village, Pete's Fresh Market is a grocery haven with departments include meats, produce, dairy, a bakery and a deli. This comprehensive grocer is open to the public, no membership necessary to shop. Its bakery provides fresh bread daily.
The Meadows Farm began in 1958 as a four acre farm and stand off of Route 132. The family-owned farm moved to its current 100+ acre location in 1970. Today, the farm has 20 acres devoted to organic farming.
Open seasonally from May 1st to October 21st, the Meadows Farm grows and handpicks a variety of fruits and vegetables, including squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage cauliflower, kale, collards, leeks, lettuce and parsley.