If you walk into a high-end grocery store in West L.A., every apple looks like a shiny, perfect wax model. But have you ever noticed the price tag? You’re paying a premium for perfection, and it usually comes wrapped in unnecessary plastic.

If you want to eat like a chef but pay like a student, it’s time to head to the Santa Monica Farmers Market with a different mindset. It’s time to look for the Ugly Produce.

Ugly produce is just fruits and vegetables that are slightly misshapen, bruised, or strangely sized. In a big supermarket, these get thrown away. At the farmers market, they are often tucked away in a corner or marked down significantly.

The Taste: A scarred peach or a twisted carrot tastes exactly the same (often better!) than a perfect one because it was grown locally and picked at peak ripeness.

The Price: Many vendors at Santa Monica offer seconds or "misfit" bins where you can get organic produce for 30-50% less than the retail price.

The best part about the Santa Monica Farmers Market? No plastic wrap in sight.

The Routine: Bring your own mesh bags or just toss the produce directly into your tote.

Pro Tip: If you buy berries, bring back the green plastic baskets to the farmer next week so they can reuse them!

The Wednesday Market: This is the Chef’s Market (Arizona Ave & 2nd St). It’s crowded, but this is where you find the best variety. Go around 12:30 PM right before they close farmers often drop prices on remaining stock because they don't want to drive it back to the farm.

The Saturday Market: More relaxed and great for families. Look for the "Sale" boxes near the back of the stalls.

I recently bought a 3lb bag of "bruised" heirloom tomatoes for $4. After cutting out the small bruises and roasting them, I had the best pasta sauce of my life. Total waste? Zero. Total savings? At least $10 compared to Whole Foods.

Support Local, Save Money

By choosing the ugly apple at Santa Monica, you aren't just saving money you’re supporting California farmers and keeping perfectly good food out of landfills. Next time you go, look for the weirdest-looking tomato you can find. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.