Visit the Fabulous New Farmers’ Market at Mission Bay

By Darya Pino
Science Editor

Earth Day was the perfect choice to kick off the new Mission Bay farmers’ market because everything about it rocked my world. Along Gene Friend Way stalls of beautiful fruits and vegetables were accompanied by vendors selling gourmet foods, artisan goods and colorful flowers, making a lovely addition to our Wednesday mornings at a campus that is finally beginning to feel like a real community.

The new market runs on Wednesdays from 10 to 3. This week I found most of the expected seasonal highlights including strawberries, spring onions, fresh peas and young lettuces. However I was surprised to also find an impressive variety of exotic greens including okra leaves, bitter melon leaves and lemongrass. I bought a bunch of amaranth greens simply because they were so beautiful. I did a quick Google search and decided to use them for an Indian style lentil dish with tamarind. Delicious!

Other vendors offered smoked fish, cured olives, vegan cookies, rustic breads, local nuts and fresh pasta. I indulged in some homemade tabouleh and also brought home some sweet raw orange blossom honey.

The market bustled for the entire day, and a lot of the produce was sold out by 2:30. For the best selections, be sure to get there early – before lunch is ideal.

The new market is a welcome boon to a campus that has always suffered from limited food options. It is also a convenient mid-week grocery opportunity for Mission Bay residents, students and employees.

See you next week at the market and bon appetit!

For more information about shopping and cooking at your local farmers market please visit SummerTomato.com