Today was yet another ridiculously beautiful day at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, despite the forecast for rain. I was really excited to find some new material for my meals this week, because I am completely sick of roasted root vegetables after eating them everyday for lunch since early November. Instead today I focused on green vegetables and fruit.

One of my most interesting discoveries was an heirloom apple called White Winter Pearmain. They look a little like your typical Golden Delicious apple, but the flavor was more aromatic and even floral. You should really explore the apple season this time of year, there is remarkable variety.

Finds like this make me feel so lucky to have this amazing market in my backyard.

I also picked up some kiwi fruit and another new persimmon, the tamopan. Apparently these are known as “hamburger” persimmons. I asked the vendor what they were like, but he did not exactly give a ringing endorsement.

“Funny looking things, aren’t they? What are they like? Don’t have much flavor, to be honest with you.”

I already had it in my hand, so I bought it anyway. I will let you know if I strongly disagree with his grim assessment, otherwise I’ll just spare you and drop it. One interesting fact is that they do have a slightly different shape than other persimmons, almost like a fuyu that has been squished (like a burger?). Maybe that is where they get their name.

Another first for me today was my purchase of Hodo organic tofu. Hodo Soy is a small, local tofu producer with products available at several different bay area markets. I tried it for lunch today and I do admit it was pretty amazing. Definitely get some if you find it.

Today’s purchases:

• White winter pearmain apples
• Sierra beauty apples
• Organic kiwi
• Chocolate persimmons
• Hamburger persimmons
• Rainbow chard
• Fennel
• Sweet piquillo peppers
• Pomegranates
• Romanesco broccoli
• Hodo tofu



• Meyer lemon
• Baby bok choy
• Broccoli shoots
• Kabocha squash