Summer Produce

Eating food that grows naturally during the season and is grown locally not only saves the earth by not requiring more energy to grow and transport, but also tastes a lot better. I bought some juicy ripe cherries and strawberries yesterday at Rainbow Grocery. There is nothing like eating fruit that was picked ripe.

Here are several guides to summer's produce:

CUESA: Vegetable Calendar (there are links to the season's fruit, nuts, flowers, plants, meats and cheeses as well)

Food Network: Summer Fruit & Veggies

Epicurious: Seasonal Ingredient Map (find seasonal produce by month and by state)

KQED: What's in Season? (seasonal guide that shows newly in season, peak season and winding down)

SF Farmer's Markets

The New York Times' Escapes section featured San Francisco farmer's markets, I had no idea there were that many, four to be exact. I sometimes go to the Ferry Plaza especially when fresh beans are available. I bought 5 pounds of fresh lima beans for $9 the last time I was there. Lima beans are a pain to prepare but really worth it in the end if you make a big batch. I fully intend to explore these markets as soon as I finish with school, which is a week from now. Here's the schedule:

Saturdays - Alemany Market on Alemany Blvd. (6am-5pm)
Wednesdays (7am-5:30pm) & Sundays (7am-5pm) - The Heart of the City Farmer's Market at the Civic Center
Thursdays - Crocker Galleria Market (11am-3pm)
Saturdays (8am-2pm) & Tuesdays (10am-2pm) - Ferry Plaza Market