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My Favorite Farmers Markets in the San Francisco Bay Area

February 1, 2011 By Caitlin Weeks

Best farmers market in San Francisco

My Favorite Farmers Markets in the San Francisco Bay Area
Why shop at the farmers market?

      Farmers markets are a gift that we should take advantage of because we live in the bountiful state of California. By shopping at seasonal markets we support the local economy by keeping small farmers in business.The beauty of local markets is that you can interact directly with the farmer who grew the food. And you can buy food that is grown in the current season which means that it will be cheaper and fresher.

      Are you concerned about reducing green house gasses and your carbon footprint? What you purchase from farmers markets usually comes from farms less than 100 miles away–not flown in from Chile or New Zealand.

      Another reason to shop at farmers markets is there is less packaging than big grocery stores, and you can use your own bags, meaning less waste overall. Most importantly, farmers markets offer organic produce at a discount when compared to large grocery stores.      


      Organic is oft-used but commonly misunderstood term. Truly organic means that farmers use renewable resources, including the conservation of soil and water, to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Also, crops that are organic are free from conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bio-engineering/genetic modification, and irradiation. In reference to livestock, truly organic also certifies that meat and poultry are free from antibiotics and growth hormones.

     Organic produce and meats really matter and it will make a difference in your health and the health of your loved ones. Not all farmers have a national certification such as the California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF). CCOF is the premier organic certification organization since 1973, with higher standards than the USDA. Keep in mind, however, that just because a farmer is not certified (which can be an expensive proposition) does not necessarily mean that they do not use organic methods. If you are in doubt, ask. 

Finally, If you are hesitant to believe that farmers markets are a great bargain, try it once and compare to other places where you buy meat and/or produce. You may be pleasantly surprised. 

With so many local options there is no reason that one of these open air delights is not convenient to your routine and schedule. You can make a difference to help the earth and your health every time you open you wallet!

Here are a few of my favorites for you to check out:

Heart of the City Farmers Market
United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, CA
Wednesday and Sunday 7am-5pm, year round
This is one of my favorite markets because it is super cheap!! It is in operation all year round and I find the best deals here on organic produce. My advice is to get to know some of the farmers because they may hook you up with free stuff if you become a regular. Also you can find out more about how they grow their food by asking about their farms. As mentioned about, some of the farmers here are not certified organic because to obtain a license is a very expensive proposition but they use organic farming practices on their farms. Sometimes it just takes a few questions to check on the methods. One of my favorite places is Phan Farm (which is certified by CCOF) has amazing ginger, herbs lettuce, pastured eggs, and the best Brussels sprouts anywhere. Another CCOF farmer who is only here in the spring and summer is Two Dog Farm. They have amazing dry farmed tomatoes, collards (as we say in Nashville) and chard–all for a song. I buy much of my produce from a great lady named Leora (on the left side coming from Hyde St.) who sells veggies for Miramonte Farms in San Juan Batista, that is organic but again, not certified. Leora will tell you some of her fruit has been raised with fertilizer, but the greens are all 100% organic. I also love the walnuts in the hulls from here, and the rosemary, fresh bay leaves, and sage, which are all a steal. Parking is free in the library parking lot on Sundays with help from lots of shabbily dressed valets.
Alameny Farmers Market
1000 Alemany Blvd (at the junction of 280 and 101)
San Francisco, CA
Saturdays 7am-4pm year round
This market has been going since the 1940’s and it really gets busy in the summer. There is free parking nearby so you can haul lots of stuff in your reusable bags. Phan Farms is a regular vendor here too as is my buddy Leora from Miramonte Farms This market is very large and tends to get crowded but has all the charm and funk of San Francisco at its best.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA
Tue/Thurs and Saturday 8am-2pm
This is one of the best farmers’ markets I have ever been to in my life. It is a tourist destination full of colorful samples. This farmers’ market is a certified market meaning that all the produce sold must be grown in California. The trick is to park in the two-hour free zone on Harrison @ Spear and then be ready to walk on the beautiful Embarcadero. Also getting a routine here would help to save money. Don’t jump at the first $8 lettuce you see, shop around and compare prices. I like to buy the meat from Prather
Fillmore Farmers Market
O’farrell St. and Fillmore St.
Saturdays 9 am to 1pm
This market is an overlooked gem, and with organic farmers, pastured eggs and a grass fed beef guy, you can’t go wrong here. The parking is easy and the people are friendly, so don’t miss this lower Pacific Heights favorite.
Marin Farmers Market
10 Avenue of the Flags, Marin Civic Center
San Rafael, CA
Thurs and Sundays 8am -1pm
You may have to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge but this farmers market is worth the drive, with easy parking and (usually) sunshine to boot! I like the meat booth from Prather Ranch and Marin Sun Farms because they have some affordable pasture raised poultry, beef, and lamb. This market has tons of food vendors and crafts to make it a fun outing for the whole family. I like the Roli-Roti rotisserie chicken truck where you can fill up for $6.50 on a half bird. There are tons of organic farmers with beautiful fruit and vegetable stands, along side floral booths. Don’t forget the awesome raw milk stand by Organic Pastures, where they also have pastured butter high in conjugated linoleic acid( a powerful fat burner), omega-3 and vitamin D.
Ft. Mason Farmers Market
Sunday 9am to 1pm, year round
Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
After a five-year hiatus, the Ft. Mason Farmers Market is back. Located on the water near beautiful Chrissy Field, this gem boasts some great gourmet food stands bursting with wonderful smells. A full bounty of nature’s goodness awaits you here with reasonable prices and free parking. This market also has pastured meat and eggs. A great place to get out and enjoy the amazing views of the bridge, people watch, and listen to music from the live band. 
Noe Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays 8am to 1pm 24th and Sanchez, year round
This market is a family affair with tons of fun,  so don’t forget the stroller. There are some really classy organic vegetable farmers and one good meat stand. They have Juicy Lucy if you are into vegetable juices and raw food. This place is great for being in the sun and soaking up the cozy atmosphere of Noe Valley.
Grand Lake Farmers Market
Grand Ave & Lake Park Ave
Oakland, CA
Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm year round
This farmers market, located by Lake Merritt, is run by the same people as the Marin Farmers market and is year round. It has a great vibe and has been voted best farmers market in the East Bay. Plan to eat lunch here because they have some awesome food stalls. I got great flowers here for looking at and for eating! There is live music and it usually warmer than in the city. A fun outing with tons of organic choices at low prices. With free parking and people watching, this one’s a winner!

Jack London Square Farmers Market
Water Street between Harrison and Franklin
Every Sunday 9 am to 2 pm all year
This market has artisan crafts and gourmet food vendors galore. My favorite is the raw sauerkraut lady (gotta get those probiotics). Come with a good appetite and your shopping list because everything looks and tastes wonderful. The parking is free and easy here if you are willing to walk 2 or 3 blocks. Located on the water with lots of sailboats and sunshine. There is some good seafood for purchase and a yummy smoked salmon vendor. There is something to please every taste here.Don’t be afraid to cross the bridge–get out and explore!
I moved to California in 2005 and since then have become smitten with local food and farmers markets. It is a great way to help your community and improve your health. I hope you get out to one this weekend.
Source:about organic


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Filed Under: real food guides, travel tips Tagged With: Budget San Francisco, eat local, farmers markets, San Francisco, seasonal

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Comments

  1. Alison says

    May 15, 2011 at 7:06 am

    Great post! I used to go to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market when I worked in San Francisco. Now I mostly go to the one in Walnut Creek. I get my hair done in Oakland and I make my appointments on Saturday because I love the Grand Lake Farmers Market. Great post! Thanks!

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