Foodwise | January 10, 2025 | View as Webpage

This California Farm Shortens the Supply Chain for High-Quality, Loose-Leaf Tea

Locally grown tea is rare in California, and even at farmers markets, most artisan tea makers source leaves through the global market. Redwood Tea Estate, a fifth-generation farm based in Stockton, recently became one of a select few to sell tea grown and crafted entirely in the United States. Every Saturday, the Sunbury family brings high-quality loose-leaf tea from their farm in Stockton directly to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

There are only three commercial tea farms on the West Coast and only a handful in the continental United States. This means that most of the tea in America comes from large brands that often buy from unethical suppliers. As a result, the global supply chain for tea provides next to nothing to the farmers who grow it. Together, Patrick Sunbury and his father, Eric, are creating a shortened and sustainable supply chain for tea that places quality over quantity.

This Week's Picks

Washington navel oranges | Ya Li pears | Chicories | Fennel | Piracicaba broccoli | Dried apricots | Purple cauliflower | Fingerling potatoes | Halibut | Breakfast radishes

Tomorrow's Demo: Thassanee Ruthaiwat

Tomorrow at 11 am, join us at the Foodwise Classroom for a demo with Chef Thassanee Ruthaiwat! She'll be showing everyone how to make a spicy Thai Red Curry. As always, recipe cards and free samples will be available to all.

Volunteer in the New Year

Resolve to support your local food community in 2025! Make friends, gain skills, and give back volunteering at Foodwise farmers markets and education programs. Join us for an orientation at the Ferry Building on Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 pm, to learn about ways to get involved.

Chochoyotes con Verduras

This kid-friendly recipe comes from Chicano Eats by Esteban Castillo. Roll a few chochoyotes (small masa dumplings), cook them in a warm broth with vegetables, and enjoy.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Featured Vendors

Amalia and Saul created Tonantzin to bring traditional flavors from Mexico City and Oaxaca to the Bay Area. Stop by and taste their classic tamales, birria, calabacitas, and more. Visit Tonantzin on Saturdays in January at the La Cocina booth.

As grocery stores face egg shortages, you can still find local eggs at the farmers market. In Chileno Valley, Joy Dolcini raises chickens, ducks, and quail on pasture for eggs and meat. Support Farmer Joy and other egg farmers on Saturdays.

Community Happenings

Wild Plants & Medicinals Walk with forageSF | January 11 | SF 

After Dark at the Exploratorium: Buzz | January 16 | SF 

MLK Jr. Community Day at In The Black Marketplace | January 18 | SF

45th Annual EcoFarm Conference | January 22-25 | Pacific Grove

Foodwise Demo: Vina Thakkar Patel, The Spice Collector’s Cookbook | January 25 | SF

Love Bites! Food and Wine Tasting (proceeds benefit Foodwise) | February 13 | SF

Foodwise Demo: Reina Montenegro, Chef Reina | February 22 | SF

Market Updates

This is the most up-to-date info about this week's seller attendance at the time of publication. Please check in at the Foodwise Info Booth for any last-minute changes.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Saturday, 8am-2pm | January 11

La Cocina Pop-Up: Tonantzin

New! Signal Coffee(south driveway)

Returning: Allstar Organics, Bariani Olive Oil, Flora Gelateria, Four Sisters Farm, Gavel's Farm, Glashoff Farms, Green Thumb Farms, Hodo, KIS Juice, Saltwater Bakeshop

Out: Brooks and Daughters, Gumbo Social, Nusa, The Farmer's Wife

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday, 10am-2pm | January 14

En2action/Ujamaa Kitchen Pop-Up: Remy Creations

Returning: Green Thumb Farms

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Thursday, 10am-2pm | January 16

En2action/Ujamaa Kitchen Pop-Up: Remy Creations

Mission Community Market | Closed for the season. Returns March 20, 2025.

Visit foodwise.org for seasonality charts, recipes, and more!

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Ferry Plaza Farmers Market | Sat 8am-2pm | Tue & Thu 10am-2pm

Mission Community Market | Closed for the season. Returns March 20, 2025.

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