Farmers’ Market Fridays

This is the second in a six-week series reporting on your local farmer’s markets. These markets, all weekly events, can be worked in combination with house hunting, driving different routes to attend the markets, or hitting open houses after a weekend stroll through the stalls.

Farmer’s Markets are important to our local economy, helping the small farmer continue in tradition and feed the community. These markets offer you the opportunity to be out in the fresh air and buy the freshest, tastiest produce available (organic and otherwise). A farmer’s market is a treat for the senses—smelling the fresh peaches, strawberries, herbs and even the dirt they were grown in. You can see the vibrant colors, textures, and varieties available, not to mention the enthusiasm of the growers. And you should make it a point to talk to the growers themselves; find out how and why they farm, what to expect in the upcoming weeks, and maybe even have them share a favorite recipe. Best of all, you can taste what you are buying—a sliver of juicy pear, the crunch of a fresh green pea, the sugary goodness of honeycomb. An added bonus is the live music, set to the background of a chatting shoppers and the laughter of the children. It will do your heart good to get outside and load up on fresh food.

This week’s focus is on the San Francisco markets, small and large, located all around the city. The most famous, and well attended, of these is the Ferry Plaza Building. I’ve even driven up from the Peninsula on the weekends to meet friends and shop the market. It is a great gathering place for families and foodies alike, and you can get just about any kind of food your tummy is rumbling for, in addition to the great produce and wares being sold.

If I have missed a market, or there is one you particularly like, give us a shout out in the comments section below.

Alemany Farmers’ Market Every Saturday 6am – 3pm 100 Alemany Blvd
Bayview/Hunters Point Farmers’ Market Every Wed 8:30am – Noon (Mid-May to mid-November) Bayview Opera House
Crocker Galleria Thursday 11am – 3pm Crocker Galleria/Post Street
Ferry Plaza Tuesdays 10am – 2 pm, Saturdays 8am – 2pm
Heart of the City Wednesday 7am – 5:30 pm, Sunday 7am – 5pm Market between 7th and 8th St.
Kaiser SF Wednesday 10am – 2pm 2425 Kaiser Permanente Hospital Geary Blvd
Noe Valley Saturday 8am – 1pm 24th Street between Vicksburg and Sanchez
Park Merced Saturday 10am – 2pm (June – October) Meadow at Serrano and Arballo

NOTE: Markets are year-round unless noted otherwise.