San Francisco Bay Area Year-Round Farmers’ Markets
For many Bay Area families, visiting the neighborhood farmers’ market is a ritual from spring through fall; however, the tradition can extend to the winter months as well at one of the area’s popular year-round markets. California is a leader in providing fresh farm produce direct to customers through farmers’ markets, which benefits not only the farmers but builds community and promotes healthy eating habits. Seeing the same faces behind the produce bins, getting that just-picked flavor and being able to taste before you buy are just a few of the many perks of buying local.
Farmers come to the peninsula from all over California, some from as near as Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Los Altos, Pacifica and Moss Landing to as far as Hollister, Watsonville, Visalia, Fresno and Bakersfield. In the winter months, your best bets are cauliflower, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, all sorts of beans and Asian greens. You also will find hearty portions of potatoes, spinach, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, garlic, parsnips and winter squash. Pears, apples, kiwis and all citrus fruits round out the offerings. Figs, dates, grapes, sweet potatoes and bell peppers will be around through December then taper off. In addition to produce, market participants include bakeries, dairy farmers, nurseries, meat and seafood vendors, honey makers and a variety of specialty food merchants.
If you’d like to make farm fresh food an ongoing part of your shopping habits, here is where and when to find markets open all year long.
The San Mateo Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays in the College of San Mateo parking lot from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is one the largest and most popular farmers’ markets on the peninsula. It hosts more than 90 vendors, including 50 farmers and a large variety of ancillary merchants. Grab a warm coffee as you stroll the aisles, pick up some honey or baked goods, a few cheeses, jams or even some soap. Find the perfect floral bouquet from one of several flower growers and get some holiday shopping done at one of the jewelry tables. This market has something for everyone.
The Belmont Farmers’ Market is open Sundays in the CalTrain parking lot at El Camino and O’Neil Street from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Much smaller than the San Mateo market, Belmont has a little more than a dozen farmers and another dozen specialty vendors. Despite its smaller size this market carries plenty of the essentials and since it is steps away from the Belmont CalTrain stop you can leave the car at home. The trains run on the hour, ample time to complete a shopping trip.
Sigona’s Farmers Market operates two permanent facilities on the peninsula, one at 2345 Middlefield Road in Redwood City, the other at 399 Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. Both stores are open 7 days a week. This is a family owned and operated business with a 36 year history of supporting local growers and small start-up specialty shops. You can find the Sigona family members working the floor of both locations, eager to talk to you about their fresh produce and equally knowledgeable about their specialty cheeses, artisan breads, gourmet olives and dried fruits and nuts. The Sigonas come from a cooking family and it is clear when you visit that fresh, flavorful and unique items are a priority. Check out the Sigona blog for recipes, coupons, grocery specials and more.
To find more Farmers’ Markets in the greater San Francisco Bay Area check out the Pacific Coast Famers’ Market Association or contact your local Chamber of Commerce to inquire about a fresh from the farm market in your area.