juice

Keep cool this summer with citrus based juices, smoothies and punches from the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market. Start with a basic citrus-ade of Paradise Valley Ranch’s Eureka lemons or Bearss limes squeezed with Mikolich Honey, then brighten it up with blueberry puree from Smit Orchards, sliced peaches from R&L Farms of strawberries from Suzie’s Farm. Try Kawano Farms' new crop of cantelope for this sweet juice treat. 

Blend in cool mint or your favorite fresh herbs from Gilbert Quintos Farm, add refreshing cucumber from J.R. Organics, or mix in loose leaf iced tea from the Tea Gallerie. You’ll end up with a refreshing cooler that’s perfect fro washing down a spicy Gourmet Tamale, Papa Luna’s Empanada or a fish taco from Chip’s Beach Eatz.

Got a juicer? Grab veggies and fruits from your favorite farmers and check out these blends.  Kale and parsley are popular juicing ingredients and you'll find both at the market. If your juicer is collecting dust in the cabinet (like ours), try these easy juice recipes with no juicer required!

Stay cool!

Wet your whistle at the Little Italy Mercato with a wide variety of refreshing beverages. Start with freshly squeezed citrus juice at Polito Farms, Schaner Farms, or Paradise Valley Ranch, try potent pomegranate juice from Lone Oak Ranch, or enjoy apple cider from Smit Orchards.

Pick up a pound of locally roasted organic beans from Cafe Virtuoso, grab a frothy cappuccino at Joe’s on the Nose, or take home loose leaves from the Tea Gallerie. Try iced tea and fruit juice concoctions from Thirsteas, creative combinations at Power Up Smoothie, or a classic Green Fix Organic Smoothie.

The over-21-set can even pick up locally grown, estate bottled Viognier, Merlot or Syrah from Triple B Ranches to bring home for dinner. What will you be sipping from the Little Italy Mercato on Saturday?

Eat, drink, and be merry by shopping at the Little Italy Mercato. Holiday parties and lots of family members hungry stomachs mean it might be the perfect time to make a big batch of lasagna or your other favorite pasta. Buy green spinach linguini or gnocchi from Lisko Imports and smother it with any of the gorgeous green pestos from Basiltops for a warm, festive meal. Offer plates of roasted Italian sausage from Sonrise Ranch, small rounds of your favorite creamy, cheese from Mary at Taste Cheese, and plenty of fresh baked bread from Belen or Bread & Cie to sop up the sauce. 

Pick up a pint of dark red pomegranate juice from Lone Oak Ranch or Schaner's Farm or fresh apple cider from Smit Orchards. You can even spruce up your drinks with little sprigs of green mint or rosemary from Rivera Treasure Garden! It's the most wonderful time of the year...