The Best in Fresh Food and Homegrown Fare
The farmers’ market has always been the best place to find some of the freshest produce and homemade food, no matter what city you live in. While most people think of small towns when they hear “farmers’ market”, even big cities like San Francisco have seen a surge of these markets pop up all over the place. In fact, San Francisco and the surrounding area are home to more than 20 different farmers’ markets for you to patronize.
If you love cooking with the freshest ingredients and also enjoy supporting the farm to table movement, we’ve put together a guide to the best farmer’s markets in San Francisco.
Alemany Farmers' Market
We start off with the very first farmers’ market in California. Founded in 1943, the Alemany Farmer’s Market is just as well-known for its strong feeling of community as it is for the affordable prices. Located at 100 Alemany Boulevard, this farmers’ market is open every Saturday from 6am to 3pm.
For the month of September, you’ll be able to find in-season fruits and vegetables ranging from mushrooms and onions to blackberries and grapes. The site linked above actually has an excel sheet you can download and save with all the produce and the best months for you to find them.
Crocker Galleria
Located near Union Square in the Financial District, the Crocker Galleria farmers’ market is open every Thursday from 11am to 3pm throughout the year. Here you’ll be able to buy some of the freshest fruits and vegetables directly from the farmer. They even give consumers the chance every month to win a farmers’ market basket worth over $100. This, along with the fantastic fare offered weekly make it easy to see why the farmers’ market at Crocker Galleria was voted #1 in San Francisco.
Mission Community Market
If you’re looking for a way to support the community and local businesses, you may want to check out the Mission Community Market. Not only does this outdoor farmers’ market offer up some delicious fresh produce, there are food vendors and activities for everyone to enjoy. When you visit this marketplace, you’ll be able to see their commitment to providing a fun and safe environment for the youth of the community. Come out and support the local businesses every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Upper Haight Farmers’ Market
You can guarantee this farmers’ market, located on Waller Street in the Haight Community, will be vibrant and colorful. The Upper Haight Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm, rain or shine, from April 2nd to October 29th. The entire street will be transformed into a community market for you and your friends to purchase some fantastic locally-grown produce. Once you’re done with your shopping, continue on around the neighborhood for a day of people watching and shopping as this area is full of unique characters and shops.
Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market is well-known around the country. In fact, on Saturdays, some of the most famous chefs and farmers can be found perusing the goods and produce for sale here. The Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In addition to the best locally cultivated fruits, veggies, flowers, herbs, eggs, and meats, visitors here will also be able to purchase breads, jams, and cheeses from talented artisans around the region. If you show up on a Thursday, you’ll be treated to some fantastic artisan food like sandwiches and wood-fired pizza. On Saturdays, local restaurants bring out their own great food for consumers to try. No matter what day you decide to visit, you’ll find it hard to leave without trying and buying something!
These are only a small selection of the many farmers’ markets around the city. Should you be a fan of fresh produce and love the idea of supporting local farmers and businesses, head out to one of these great markets for the best in homegrown fare.
Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Sira Anamwong
