Go Apple Crazy at Local Farmers' Markets

By Christina Spittler Mon., Oct. 15 2012 at 9:30 AM

Categories: Farm Fresh

Christina Spittler

As tomato season comes to an end and sweet potatoes and winter squashes usher us into the final months of the year, the modest and always-appealing apple is in full swing at your local Farmers Market. Because different varieties ripen at different stages in the season, the time for the early birds, like best all-around-baker the Gravenstein and trendy, pink-fleshed Pink Pearls, has come and gone. But at any farmers' market in the city, you are bound to find a tasty apple variety to keep that pesky doctor away (not sure why he was after you in the first place, but that's really none of our business).

Rainbow Orchards out of Camino is currently harvesting their aptly-named Red and Yellow Delicious varieties and hope to have some Fujis in the next week or so. Look for them at the Upper Haight, UCSF, Fillmore, and Castro markets.

Lone Oak Ranch out of Reedley is right in the middle of their certified organic Fuji harvest and will have them at the Sunday Divisadero Farmers Markets.

Inzana Ranch out of Hughson is bringing their Granny Smiths and Fujis as well as quince and apple pears to the Upper Haight and Fillmore markets.

And for you insatiable and devout apple-holics, Jolie Devoto of Devoto Gardens in apple-crazy Sebastopol might have anywhere from five to 15 dry farmed, certified organic, antique apple varieties for sale at her stand at the Ferry Plaza or Inner Sunset markets. Lucky for you, her cider-ready Winesaps still have another few weeks at the markets, along with the tart Sierra Beauties (which according to Devoto make the best apple butter), but it's the last week for her sweet and tangy Mutsus (say moot-sue). She is looking forward to the Arkansas Blacks that they will harvest in two weeks as well as their Fugis, which she says taste like candy.

Whatever the variety, pronunciation, or application, in San Francisco there is no better time than now to hit up the Farmers Market and pay off whatever debt you owe that doctor in delicious, fall apples.

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