Who said you can’t do your entire grocery shopping at the farmers market? No longer limited to fruits, vegetables and flowers, you can also find eggs, chicken and the occasional turkey, courtesy of La Bahn Ranch, at the on Sundays.
Based in Temecula, the family-owned ranch does not just carry eggs and chicken but free-range, grain-fed, antibiotic-free and hormone-free ones.
Eggs, chicken and more
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“They’re as organic and as nutritious as you can ever get them,” said David Ruelas, a family member who was manning the stall last Sunday.
There were brown eggs and white eggs in large and jumbo sizes, with prices ranging from $3 a dozen to $6 a flat.
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Free-range eggs generally have higher nutritional value, because the chickens are better fed. In appearance, regular eggs tend to be more watery with a lighter yellow yolk.
Between white and brown eggs, the difference is in the flavor, according to Ruelas. “Brown eggs are usually richer in taste and more flavorful,” he said.
Although the shelf life of eggs is usually six to eight weeks, they are best eaten within a week for optimum flavor and quality.
La Bahn Ranch also sells free-range whole chicken and chicken parts, like thighs, wings and legs. “Around Thanksgiving, we’ll even have whole turkeys,” said Ruelas.
Last Sunday, there was a limited number of avocados and grapefruits, too. The yield is not consistent, only whatever is in season, according to Ruelas.
Part of farmers market appeal
“It’s unpredictable,” said Ruelas, describing buying trends and peak seasons at the . “Sometimes, we’ll run out of eggs or chicken or both.”
There are regular customers who look for and buy the same things every Sunday, according to Ruelas. “There are also some who will just try brown eggs one time, out of curiosity,” he said.
Ruelas said his clientele varies, adding that that’s part of the farmers market attraction in general. “People can come in, sample here and there, and buy small quantities of food they’ve never tried before,” he said.
La Bahn Ranch also delivers to select restaurants on a regular basis and can also be found at the Westlake Farmers Market as well as nine other L.A. area farmers markets during the week.
The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.