The Richmond farmers market is a beacon of shining light in the once industrious town of Richmond California. During World War II ‘Rosie the Riveter” and scores of men and women built Liberty ships and tanks for the war effort. This was a long time ago and now Richmond has a tough and gritty reputation. Now I know that some of you will say there are nice neighborhoods. This may be true but literally, just over the train tracks is the ‘Iron Triangle’. [This name comes from the three railroads that border this area.} Poverty, crime and a murder rate that is horrendous plagues this urban neighborhood. The farmers market is a glimmer of hope and fresh vegetables.
Fridays, the salt mine gives me leave from my work duties. I have a routine of visiting Catahoula’s for my morning coffee and then traveling to this farmers market. This market is not your typical Bay Area farmers market. You will not find many organic, polished or designer type vegetables. The prices of this produce is reflected and is probably one third the cost Berkeley farmers market, eight miles away, is able to charge. What you will find is fresh vegetables sold directly from the farmers. This is an opportunity for the neighborhood to buy fresh and reasonably priced produce. There are a couple of booths that specialize in Asian greens and vegetables. Lots of produce staples are available for purchase.
Each week a drawing is held for a prize basket that is filled to the brim with produce. Yours truly was the lucky winner this week. This basket had a dozen and one half fresh eggs, fruits, greens, caramel corn, sweet potato’s and a whole lot more. It is very possible a vegetable soup may be created later. I enjoy visiting this market each week. It is a genuine Bay Area find. The fruit vendor and I would be on first name basis but he does not speak a lick of English. I would like to leave you with a photo of the live chicken vendor. I am and never will be brave enough to purchase her wares.
Richmond Farmers Market (Friday mornings)
24th St & Barrett Ave
Richmond, CA 94804
I must say I've never seen a live chicken vendor. Growing up on the farm, I'd run screaming to the house when my dad was getting ready to kill a chicken for dinner. Didn't seem to bother me to eat it, however.
ReplyDeleteLea Ann, I like my chicken to be cold and wrapped from the market. That is as far as I go. I guess you could say I am a little chicken. sorry.
ReplyDeleteI've been to that market a few times and I like what they sell, except that it's very limited in variety. Good for fresh staples, like broccoli. And Richmond's reputation doesn't scare me - I like that it scares the riffraff out.:-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a less crowed market. That seems nice. I am with you on the chicken.
ReplyDeleteI love farmers markets, especially when the farmers themselves are selling their produce (not just some guy who buys from farmers). Congrats on scoring the produce basket!
ReplyDeleteZoomie, Did you know the Richmond Seed bank is right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are not scared, but it would be prudent to be cautious while visiting this neighborhood.
Greg, It is on my Friday routine. You park almost right next to the booths. I get staples and am back in a flash.
Zia, This basket was huge. I made a nice soup and will be snacking on fruits all week. It made my day.
In the daytime, there is nothing to fear - and plus that market is right next to city hall. The worst that could happen is you'd be run over by a careless politician.
ReplyDeleteZoomie, I go there every Friday and work in Richmond. I try to be aware of my surroundings. You may be right but statistics have basis from facts.
ReplyDeleteChilebrown, yes, but those incidents happen almost entirely in the Iron Triangle and after dark. Don't tar all of Richmond with that single brush. The vast majority of our citizens are law-abiding, hard working sweet people like me.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a video on murdering and plucking a chicken. Sounds like something I could do.
ReplyDeleteAnd Zoomie, it's admirable to be proud of your city, but jeez, daylight does not keep bullets from flying. Be safe!