the best local farmers markets and what to buy in season

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market vendors reported strong sales of local strawberries and early tomatoes on July 9 as the summer harvest hit its stride along the Embarcadero.

The timing aligns with longer daylight hours that boost backyard and small-farm yields across the Bay Area, giving residents easier access to nutrient-dense items without relying on distant supply chains. Local health programs have noted increased interest in seasonal eating to support energy levels during active months on trails like the Bay Trail.

Two key spots anchor the scene. The Saturday market at 100 Alemany Boulevard draws early crowds for its direct-from-grower setup, while the Thursday market in the Mission at 22nd and Bartlett streets offers a smaller but steady selection focused on neighborhood buyers. Both operate year-round with extended summer hours.

Peak Summer Picks

Buyers this month target apricots at $5 per pound, zucchini at $3 per bunch, and mixed salad greens priced around $4 per bag. These items deliver higher vitamin content when picked within 24 hours of sale, according to produce logs kept by market managers. Shoppers often combine a pint of berries with a head of lettuce for quick weekday salads.

Market records show average weekend attendance at Ferry Plaza reached 12,000 visitors last July, with repeat customers citing lower spoilage rates on in-season goods compared to off-peak imports.

Planning Ahead

Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to secure the best bunches of chard and snap peas. Many stalls accept EBT cards through the Market Match program, stretching dollars for families stocking up on stone fruit and herbs. Check vendor lists online the night before to match purchases with specific recipes like grilled zucchini or berry smoothies.