An uplift in mood is clearly evident come spring at the farmers market. And the beauty of cooking and eating along a somewhat seasonal track is the joy that comes from seeing favorites return after a long absence.
Below are a few items you’ll find in abundance now along with recipe links. And if you do live in Marin, check out the Spring Schedule of Local Farmers Markets below.
Click images for recipes
ARTICHOKES
This recipe is straightforward and full of flavor. Artichokes are trimmed, seared and then sit covered to cook for 45 minutes. And although a dip isn’t necessary, here’s a good one to accompany a more simple steamed artichoke.
ASPARAGUS
Go with the fatter spears to avoid them becoming stringy when roasted. This recipe is a great meld of flavors.
BEETS
A simple, versatile and tasty recipe. Feta works well too.
CARROTS
I usually make this recipe without the orange juice and use fresh or dried rosemary, thyme or a combination.
STRAWBERRIES
Although the freezing-for-winter strategy extends strawberries’ lifespan, there’s nothing like the freshly picked. Click the image above for recipes.
MARIN COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Spring Schedule
SUNDAY
SAN RAFAEL, 8:00-1:00, Marin County Civic Center Parking Lot
TUESDAY
MILL VALLEY, 3:00-7:00pm, Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave (Starts in May)
WEDNESDAY
CORTE MADERA, 12:00-5:00 pm, Corte Madera Town Center, Highway 101 & Tamalpais
FAIRFAX, 4:00-8:00pm, Bolinas Park, 124 Bolinas Avenue (Start in May)
THURSDAY
SAN RAFAEL
8:00am-1:00pm, Civic Center, Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium’s Parking Lot
6:00-9:00pm, Downtown San Rafael, 4th Street between Lincoln and B Streets
FRIDAY
MILL VALLEY, 9:30am-2:30pm, CVS Pharmacy Parking Lot, 759 E Blithedale
BOLINAS, 2:00-6:00pm, Star Route Farm, 95 Olema-Bolinas Road
SATURDAY
LARKSPUR, 9:00am-2:00pm, Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing Circle