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Best Places For Organic Produce In The East Bay

Organic Vegetable Shopping (credit: Thinkstock)

While once a thing of food faddists, organic fruits and vegetables have become a household staple for many. Organic produce can be a smart choice both for those looking to clean up a daily diet as well as those looking to support sustainable agriculture. For organics shoppers looking to support local businesses and farmers, the East Bay has plenty of top quality places to find organics. Here are five of the best places to find organic produce in the area.

Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 843-6929
www.berkeleybowl.com

Located between Shattuck and Adeline, the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace is an independent grocery store that has been stocking organics since its opening in 1977. While the full-service market offers everything from fresh meat and seafood to bulk items and a bakery, Berkeley Bowl's main attraction is arguably the extensive produce selection. On any given day, customers will find a vast selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are organic. A majority of the produce is sourced locally, and shoppers will enjoy scoring hard-to-find items like blue potatoes or specialty mushrooms. For those interested in preservation, some items are available by the flat at a discounted price.

Farmer Joe's Marketplace
3426 Fruitvale Ave.
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 482-8899
www.farmerjoesmarket.com

One of Oakland's premier eco-friendly grocery stores, Farmer Joe's Marketplace specializes in natural products and organic foods. In addition to a variety of hot and cold prepared foods, bulk items, fresh meats, seafood and baked goods, Farmer Joe's produce section abounds with not only a hefty selection of organics, but also many specialty items. Customers searching for unique produce items may run across anything from purple carrots and blue potatoes to cippolini onions and horned melons. Many items are locally sourced to ensure freshness. Farmer Joe's also has a second location, dubbed Little Joe's off MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland.

The Natural Grocery Company
1336 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA 94706
(510) 526-2456
naturalgrocery.com

Berkeley's Natural Grocery Company has been a stalwart of the organic movement since the seventies. The grocery's owners have a long-standing tradition of providing top-notch organics, with additional leanings towards non-GMO foods, Fair Trade Products and sustainable fish and agriculture. Shoppers will delight in the all-organic produce offerings, many of which are locally sourced and GMO free. Weekly sales showcase seasonal offerings at lowered prices, and frequently disclose specific items' farm of origin.

Alameda Natural Grocery
1650 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-1500
www.alamedanaturalgrocery.com

Another staple East Bay natural foods grocery is the Alameda Natural Grocery located on Alameda Island. Open seven days a week, the Alameda Natural Grocery receives daily shipments of fresh and local produce sourced from area farms. Customers will find a wide selection of produce, ranging from fresh specialty mushrooms to unique colors and varieties typically only available at farmers markets. The grocery also stocks an extensive selection of wellness products, bulk items and prepared foods.

Monterey Market
1550 Hopkins St.
Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 526-6042
www.montereymarket.com

A bit different than many of the East Bay's other natural foods stores, Berkeley's Monterey Market is a green grocer that sells mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a selection of baked goods, fresh juices and flowers. The partially open air market sells an impressive selection of organic produce, and frequently at more affordable prices than other area stores. Shoppers may find all manner of produce, including a dozen varieties of organic fresh herbs, brussels sprouts still on the stalk, seabeans, rhubarb and numerous types of organic lettuces and tomatoes. Freshly squeezed orange juice is available in 32 and 64-ounce sizes.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

 

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