Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market

One of the many great things about living in California is fresh, locally grown produce at the farmer’s market, year round! It’s another one of those elements of living that once you’ve been spoiled by it there’s no turning back. We love that the Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market is only about a ten minute walk from home, and it’s a nice walk down C Street. It’s definitely a gathering/socializing spot for the community. One thing we’re already appreciating about our adopted city is the diversity – all different types of people co-existing and connecting. It’s totally what we were looking for in a Home Base.

This market has a lot more than just produce. There are usually at least two live music acts (last week’s group of 3 teens did a pretty sweet Purple Haze), jewelers, community groups, bodyworkers/healers, Tibetan/Indian clothing and jewelry, art & crafts, etc. It’s fun to stroll through and browse the offerings and it definitely requires patience because it’s always packed, with lots of little ones, strollers, groups visiting, and people like us: on a mission to find some delicious fruits and veggies to enjoy all week. (Probably not a good idea if you’re in a hurry – this is just as much about the experience as it is about the products you take home.)

One thing we’ve learned from our years of farmer’s marketing is it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money, if you let your senses take over and don’t have a budget. We don’t have a strict budget, but try to keep it under $20 (less is better, of course.) One thing that really helps that goal is getting to know the regular vendors and finding the ones who’s products and prices you like best. We’ve been gradually doing that these past five weeks (two weeks we went to the Ross Valley Farmer’s Market – and I’ll write about that in another post.)

After a really disappointing purchase two weeks ago (two small sweet potatoes for $4), we made a commitment to be more discerning about what we get and who we purchase from. It’s also an energy thing – it feels great to buy directly from the farmers, and even better when you have a nice connection with them. There are a few main vendors we really like. After stopping by all their booths today, plus a stop for some organic raspberries (J & R’s fruit salad last weekend has me dreaming of more big bowls brimming with luscious summer fruits!) our canvas tote was full, and we still had $6 dollars and some change left (so we spent just under $14.) This was definitely a good week!

Usually we make out a menu for the weekend/week and then a grocery list which we take with the market with us. But that didn’t happen today so we decided to just go with what caught our eye. Apparently that on-the-fly strategy is the way to go sometimes.

Here’s what we got (with a space between the 4 vendors):

* Chard (big bunch) = $2
* Broccoli (3 big crowns) = $2
* Tomatoes (basket of mixed red and yellow cherry and grape) = $3

* Eggplants (2 japanes and one small traditional) = $1.70

* Pluots and Nectarines (6 altogether) = $2 (an amazing deal!)

* Raspberries (pint) = $3