It's summertime and there is an abundance of delicous produce to be found in the farmers markets this month. Here are three tasty things to eat right now and where to find them.
Early Girl Tomatoes at Dirty Girl Produce
Early Girl Tomatoes are a variety of dry-farmed tomatoes that take advantage of groundwater rather than overhead water that comes from rainfall. The result is a firmer, more flavorful tomato, perfect for slicing up and serving in sandwiches and salads. Since they're a bit meatier than heirlooms, Early Girls are also great for slow roasting and candying. Find these bright red gems at Dirty Girl Produce, at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the Stonestown Farmers Market on Sundays. You can also find them on restaurant menus at Tosca, Dirty Habit, Nopa, and Slanted Door.
Sour Mexican Gherkin Cucumbers at Lonely Mountain Farm
Photo By Omar Mamoon
They may look like tiny watermelons, but these adorable nuggets are actually cucumbers. Also known as "mouse melons" or more playfully referred to as "Barbie melons," these tiny cucumbers are grown by Lonely Mountain Farm, a 12-acre family-run operation in Corralitos (just an hour east of Santa Cruz). As the official name suggests, the cucumbers are slightly sour in taste, a bit "lemony," and are super in salads, prime for pickling, and great for garnishing in cocktails. Lonely Mountain Farm is at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays, or find the cucumbers in dishes at restaurants including Zuni, Lazy Bear, and Perbacco.
Pluots at Tory Farms
Photo By Omar Mamoon
Stone fruit season may be our favorite season, and the pluots from Tory Farms are the best of the bunch. Pluots are the yummy baby of plums and apricots, with a tart outer skin and sweet meat inside. Tory Farms grows about 12 varieties, including Dapple Dandies (pictured), Flavor Kings, Flavor Grenades, and Flavor Hearts. You can find Tory Farms on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Ferry Building Farmers Market, where they've sold the delicous fruits of their labors for the last 10 years. You can also find their stone fruits in dishes at acclaimed restaurants throughout San Francisco, including Quince, Cotogna, Frances, Boulevard, Zero Zero, and The Whole Beast.
Follow @doughandco and @streetfoodsf for all things delicous.
