Egyptian tomb paintings and archaeological evidence suggest that there were farmers markets more than 5,000 years ago. Agricultural communities throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia had farmers markets in the following centuries. The Boston Market became one of the earliest recorded markets in the United States in 1634. Open air farmers markets were abundant until around the 1930s when supermarkets began to spring up, offering an abundance of groceries at a lower price. Many local farmers markets closed in subsequent years.
A revival of U.S. farmers markets began in the 1970s. California was an early leader. A cannery workers’ strike and demand for fresh local produce led to a series of policy changes in 1977 and 1978, referred to collectively as the California Direct Marketing Act. This act allowed farmers to bypass prior regulations and sell directly to the public. It benefited the farmers by eliminating the excessive costs of compliance and giving them the flexibility to sell non-standardized crops. Consumers benefited from fresher produce and greater variety.
Today, there are numerous farmers markets throughout the Bay Area. Staples include fresh fruits and vegetables, kettle corn, hummus, baked goods, eggs, exotic mushrooms, honey, food and drink vendors as well as live music. More unusual market items include coffee, local meats, poultry and seafood, cured meats, artisan cheeses, dog treats, cheesecakes, doughnuts, jams and sauces as well as knife-sharpening services.
Here are some local markets that offer something unique:
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, San Francisco Visitors to San Francisco often place this market on their itinerary. Bay Area residents can access it with a drive, BART ride or ferry trip. A “must try” is fresh wasabi from Half Moon Bay Wasabi, which is one of only a handful of wasabi farms in North America. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm; Saturdays, 8am to 2pm.
Downtown San Leandro Farmers’ Market is a seasonal night market which runs from April through October. A “must try” is the shawarma spice from Bodega Trading Company. The blends are hand-mixed in small batches. Wednesdays, 3 to 7pm.
Kaiser Permanente Fremont Farmers’ Market is a small year-round mid-week market. Exploring a farmers market can be a nice break in the work week. This market feels more relaxed, with less of the hustle and bustle of weekend markets. A “must try” is the plant-based kabob-filled bolani, an Afghani flatbread from Bolani Flatbread Queen. Other filled bolanis include spinach, spicy potato and pumpkin. Thursdays, 10am to 2:30pm.
Pleasanton Farmers’ Market might be the friendliest Bay Area market. Maybe people enjoy the complimentary wine tasting at the Peltier Winery and Vineyards booth. Estate bottles from the Lodi winery are available for purchase. A “must try” is the Moroccan empanada from Empanadas. One can’t go wrong with the many other internationally inspired flavors. Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Danville Farmers’ Market is a casual market with quality vendors. What makes this market unique is its location in front of a restored train depot, the home of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. The museum is open during market hours and has rotating exhibits. A restored caboose provides the restrooms for the market. A “must try” is the guava or other exotically flavored kefir yogurt from the Frenchy Gourmet. Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market is an upscale market. One may indulge by getting a massage at the Systemic Harmony booth. Massages are reasonably priced and are offered in various durations. A “must try” are the Lion’s Mane mushroom crabcakes from Fungi Foods, a company highlighting cooking comfort food with gourmet mushrooms. Sundays, 9am to 1pm.
Jack London Square Farmers Market is a small market with about 30 vendors lined up along a scenic promenade. A free one-hour yoga session is taught each week on a shady lawn near the center of the market. The view of the estuary and the slight breeze from the bay make this a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A “must try” is the pistachio croissant from Whatcoffee and Bakery. Sundays, 11am to 4pm.
Ecology Center’s Berkeley Farmers’ Markets are committed to supporting small-scale farmers who practice sustainable agriculture. They include year-round markets on Saturdays, 10am to 2:30pm in Downtown Berkeley on Center Street at M. L. King, Jr. Way; Thursdays, 3 to 7pm in North Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue at Vine Street; and Tuesdays, 2 to 6:30pm in South Berkeley on Adeline Street and 63rd Street.
There are around 115 farmers markets in the Bay Area. Even though the markets listed above each have an element that makes them a unique destination, visiting any of the other local farmers markets is meant to produce an enjoyable time.
