When it comes to traditional family meals, there are few that can rival the Passover Seder. Seder, which translates to order, is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover, a celebration commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

During the dinner, families tell the story of the Jews Exodus from Egypt, discuss the meaning of the story, drink wine, eat matzo and observe other symbolic traditions.

Shopping for Your Seder Meal

When creating a Seder meal for your family and friends, Farmers Market merchants are here to help.

No Seder meal is complete without a great Chicken Matzo Ball Soup and a great chicken soup requires a great chicken. A perfect choice is Mary's Air-Chilled, Free Range Chicken, which is available at Marconda's Puritan Poultry.

Organic chicken can also be found at Farmers Market Poultry. Hard boiled eggs are also a must-have item on the Seder plate, so be sure to pick up some fresh eggs at either Farmers Market Poultry or Puritan Poultry.

Both of our butchers, Huntington Meats and Marconda's Meats also offer a great selection of roasts, including the perennial favorite, brisket. Click here for a delicious and easy-to-prepare brisket recipe. And don't forget to ask the butchers about the perfect shank bone for your Seder plate, too!

One part of the Seder ritual is the eating of bitter herbs (maror in Hebrew), in order to bring tears to the eyes, a step designed to remind participants of the great affliction endured by the Jews. At most meals, horseradish is used to represent the maror, and we just cant think of a better horseradish in the world, than the homemade offering sold at Magee's Kitchen.

California produce, including fresh-from-the-farm parsley and apples for charoset, are available at Farm Boy Produce and Farm Fresh Produce. And, don't forget, Magee's House of Nuts carries walnuts and pecans (Try their fresh churned nut butters as a delicious treat on matzo!).

For a variety of other Passover necessities including matzo products and Kosher wine, visit Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market. Pickles are another great Passover accompaniment -- stop by Kaylin & Kaylin Pickles, and take home a quart of their certified Kosher artisan pickles. Yum!

Chag Sameach!