5 San Antonio farmers markets to shop when produce aisles feel scary

It seems so long ago that women were allowed to laugh alone with a salad. Now, everyone in San Antonio is side-eying their Caesar, wondering if cyclospora lurks under all that Parmesan. If locals don’t want to subsist on Ritz crackers and salami, it might be time to add a local farmers market to the weekly grocery haul.

While farmers markets aren’t an infallible bulwark against a day in the bathroom, some food safety experts say they do have a major benefit — customers are able to ask where exactly the produce is grown and when it was harvested.

Still, before setting out with that unbleached tote, it’s best to have realistic expectations. Lettuces are not in season, despite any dreams of abundant Cobbs. But jot down a few summer recipes using seasonal fruits and veggies, and we may all find joy in our salads again.

Pearl Farmers Market
Arguably the most well-known of San Antonio’s farmers markets, Pearl’s Saturday market is popular with folks who don’t take a single cucumber home. But your mission is to find peak-season tomatoes. Oven-dry some sourdough from Loaf, salt the tomatoes, and save any of the pulled juices to mix in with a vinaigrette. Ta-da! A panzanella that can be tossed with shallots, garlic, and basil, if the source doesn’t give you the heebie jeebies.
Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm.

Alamo Heights Farmers Market
This small-but-mighty market has been posting plump watermelons on its Instagram this summer. Grab two. The first is for snacking or blending with coconut water, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt — a hydration beverage Gatorade can’t touch. The second is for a seasonal standout, juicy cubes tossed with mint, feta, black pepper, olive oil, and maybe a little honey bought on site. Pickle the rinds for later; they make a terrific slaw for pulled pork.
Sundays, 10 am-2 pm.

St. Paul Square Sundays at the Square
The historic district’s weekly happening is more of a party than a traditional farmers market, so don’t expect to leave with all of the ingredients for ratatouille. Start with coffee at El Tigre, do some yoga or hoof it with the run club, and buy as many peppers as you can find. Since brunch is obviously on the table, you’ll want something easy while the buzz wears off. Roast all those peppers in generous batches, then peel the skins while binging The Pitt. Save most of them for salsas and sausage sandwiches and toss the rest with sumac and dill for an easy snack.
Sundays, 9 am-2 pm.

San Antonio Food Bank Farmers Markets
The beloved local nonprofit isn’t just concerned with fighting food insecurity; it wants to make sure all San Antonians get the nutrition they need. Produce vouchers are available for eligible WIC participants and seniors. But anyone can pick up calabacitas from Lytle’s Aguilar Farms. Roast them, char late summer corn and red peppers on the burner, and toss with lime juice and oil. Throw in some cotija or even a few shakes of Kraft parm.
Various locations and dates; check online for details.

Sunset Ridge Farmers Market
This North Side market focuses solely on regenerative agriculture, a practice that reduces water use and helps with soil health. The selection is constantly changing, but shoppers can usually find glorious pastel eggs. Use them in a classic Southern egg salad with homemade mayo and some radishes for crunch.
Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm.