Farmers Market Update: Springtime!

by | Feb 13, 2011
Tulips

Tulips

There’s no denying it, springtime has hit SF! I know it’s February, we’re all confused. But whaddaya gonna do?

Fava Greens

Fava Greens

Not only do we now have tulip and fava greens, today I spotted the first tomatoes!

Love Apples

Love Apples

Granted they weren’t particularly impressive. There were just a few and they were probably grown in a greenhouse. But crappy tomatoes are the first step toward real, legit summer tomatoes. They’re right around the corner.

Green Garlic

Green Garlic

Tomatoes weren’t the only sign of spring this weekend. Green garlic and spring onions are making their first appearances. It’s all very exciting. (BTW, here’s some info on how to tell the difference between green garlic and green onions).

Satsuma Mandarins

Satsuma Mandarins

Of course none of these announcements should overshadow the real stars of the farmers market this week. The oranges, grapefruit, clementines and kiwi are ridiculously good. Seriously ridiculous.

Pile Of Blood Orange Slices

Pile Of Blood Orange Slices

The last few weeks I’ve been focusing on clementines and mandarins, but this week the grapefruit and oranges were the sweetest option. I also brought home a huge pomelo. Yum.

Leeks

Leeks

Another thing I noticed this week was that leeks are becoming more common, another sign of spring. Leeks are generally unappreciated. Their flavor is amazing and I sometimes eat them alone sauteed in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Romanesco

Romanesco

I also spied some beautiful romanesco at the market today. Who could resist buying nature’s fractal? Their flavor is like a mixture of cauliflower and broccoli, only more delicate. I like to roast it in florets so they keep their beautiful shape. This roasted cauliflower recipe works well.

Carrots and Kale

Carrots and Kale

And of course we still have the late winter carrots and kale, that I’ve been subsisting on for the past few months.

Cardoons

Cardoons

A few other notable, more exotic items I found this week include cardoons (an artichoke relative that resembles celery and tastes a bit bitter), walnuts (also walnut oil, which is amazing) and fresh bay leaves.

Walnuts

Walnuts

Fresh Bay Leaves

Fresh Bay Leaves

What did you find at the market this week?

Today’s purchases (~$20):

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7 Responses to “Farmers Market Update: Springtime!”

  1. allani says:

    I love seeing all the fresh fruits in spring time. For me it is a sign of eating good food instead so many processed food.
    Thanks for the pose

  2. Laura says:

    Beautiful tulip photo. How I wish I lived where you are!

  3. Tulips! My favorite. I’ve got a bunch around my house right now. I like that you included the amount of money you spent on this week’s farmers market post. Delicious, healthful food is affordable! 🙂

  4. Trent says:

    I wish we had a farmers market like that near me. Ours is pretty weak in comparison. Maybe this spring will be better though.

  5. baahar says:

    Love the photo of the tulips. My fav as well 🙂

    The leeks look really yummy. We cook them with carrots, a bit of minced meat (optional) and lots of lemon juice.

  6. Jeff says:

    I LOVE that you referenced nature’s fractal! One of the easiest examples to identify and actually hold in your hand. Looks great. Nice pics.

  7. maxie says:

    As much as I love fava greens and pea shoots, I can’t help thinking we’re being ripped off. Aren’t those what farmers clip off young plants to make them more productive? Five dollars a pound for prunings/trimmings!

    I wonder if the farmer used to throw these out or use for composting before someone figured out that someone would pay for them?

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