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Dear Deb: I just bought some beautiful berries at the farmers’ market. How do I keep them from going bad before I can eat them all? Monica G., Pinole Dear Monica: Berries are so good right now! I’m glad you picked up some to enjoy this spring. Berries of all kinds are highly perishable – it’s just the nature of the fruit. They’re high in moisture content, have thin skins, and continue to ripen rapidly after harvesting. This is the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. So consume...

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Dear Deb – November 2023

Dear Deb: We’re trying to reduce plastic waste, so why are plastic bags still being used at the farmers’ market? David R. Pleasanton David: While single-use plastic bags seem to be everywhere, they do...

California Considers Changes to FMNP Food Program

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a unique program that provides benefits to mothers and seniors who use them to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farms at farmers...

Dear Deb - October

Dear Deb: I'm wondering why we don't have more organic produce at the market. Lucy P., Alameda Answer: We’ve received several questions this month on why there aren’t more organic fruits and...

Food Chain Radio Explores Farmers Markets

Food Chain Radio, the nationally syndicated radio show and blog about all things food and farming, devoted a recent episode to an exploration of farmers markets.