Farmers Markets: Fresh Everything– But Don’t expect a bargain

23 Oct Farmers Markets: Fresh Everything– But Don’t expect a bargain

Farmers Markets in Marin County – Direct from Local Fields to Your Table

For many people in Marin, a trip to the local farmers market is a weekly must on their schedule. With ample opportunities to purchase and eat fresh and often organic produce, grown by local farmers, why not make time to visit your local farmers market?

The largest farmers market in Marin County also operates year-round at the Civic Center in San Rafael each Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm. The third largest farmers market in California, attracts nearly 200 farmers, specialty food purveyors and artisans to sell their goods to local residents. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael.

The area’s premier chefs come together to shop for their weekend fruit and vegetables at a farmers market, also held at the Civic Center in San Rafael each Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm, year-round, which features 100 local farmers, specialty food purveyors and artisans. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael.

During the summer season, the Novato Farmers Market is held every Tuesday evening in the renovated part of town called Old Town, where locals shop for fruit and vegetables, treat their children to pony rides, face painting and balloon sculptures. Location: Grant Ave between Machin & Reichert, Novato.

Also a summertime phenomenon, the Fairfax Farmers Market is staged in a beautiful setting every Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Fairfax has banned single use plastic bags, so don’t forget to take your tote bags! Location: Bolinas Rd & Elsie Lane, Fairfax.

The mission of the Marin Farmers Markets is to promote a viable food system, to educate the public about the benefits of buying fresh and locally grown food, and to bring farmers and communities together.

Fruits and Vegetables Likely to be Found at Marin County Farmers Markets:

Apples, Apricots, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Beans, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Cherries, Chicory, Coconuts, Collard Greens, Corn,

Crabapples, Cranberries, Cucumbers, Dates, Eggplants, Elderberries, Figs,

Gooseberries, Gourds, Grapefruit, Grapes, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kiwi Fruit, Kohlrabi, Kumquats, Leeks, Lemons, Lettuce, Limes, Lychee Nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Mangoes, Melons, Mushrooms, Nectarines, Okra,

Olives, Onions, Oranges, Papayas, Parsnips, Passion Fruit, Peaches, 

Pears, Peas, Peppers, Pineapples, Plums, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Pumpkins,

Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Shallots, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet potatoes, Tangerines, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Watermelon, Yams.

This list doesn’t include the many types of nuts for sale at the Farmers Markets or the many kinds of lettuce, peppers, onions or olives, all sold direct from local farmers.

It’s interesting to note that there are certain fruits that enjoy particular favor among the foodie community. Fruits in greater favor nowadays include Pomegranate and Heirloom Tomatoes. Pomegranate is cultivated in California mainly for its juice and is rich in Vitamins C and B5, as well as antioxidants. Heirloom Tomatoes are treasured each summer for their multiple colors, shapes and sizes and their unique and delicate flavors.

Popular seasonal vegetables and fruit that are commonly eaten in California include Artichokes and Avocados. Artichokes are a spiny vegetable that grows in California’s Central Valley area and Avocados are a pear-shaped fruit, also known as Alligator Pears, that are mainly cultivated in countries with tropical climates. Many avocados, mainly the Hass type, are also grown in Southern California.