By Stella Singer –
The Castro Farmers’ Market is nearing its seasonal closure on November 19, 2025. The summer season at the market brims with stone fruit, tomatoes, and melons, but, now that we are in early fall, it is time to turn our sights to the variety of produce that October brings. From squash, nuts, and artichokes, to apples, pomegranates, and persimmons, fall is an exciting time at the farmers’ market! And remember that, once the Castro Market closes, you can still get your farmers’ market fix at the Divisadero Market, which takes place at Fell Street and Baker Street on Sundays 9 am to 1 pm or the Fillmore Market, at O’Farrell and Fillmore Street on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Market Highlights: Persimmons, Pomegranates, and Apples
With such a sweet, distinctive flavor and gorgeous orange color, persimmons are a fall fruit superstar. Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons are the most commonly grown varieties in California and have a short season lasting from September to December and peaking in October.
Fuyu persimmons are round can be eaten fresh like an apple. They are ripe when they are firm and yellow-orange and stay good on the counter for 2–3 weeks.
Hachiya persimmons are pointed like an acorn and are best when fully ripe and incorporated into a recipe. Hachiya persimmons are ripe when they have the squishy texture of a water balloon and their skin is a deep orange. This indicates that the fruit’s tannins have broken down, making it super sweet with a jelly-like texture. Once ripe, Hachiya persimmons only stay edible for 2–3 days. Stop by Allard Farms, started in 1909 in Byron, for both pomegranates and persimmons. Arata Fruit, a fourth-generation farm that handpicks all their fruits and vegetables, is another great stop for persimmons.
October also ushers in the pomegranate season in California, bringing these marvelous fruits to many farmers’ market stands. What’s better than cracking open a juicy pomegranate and munching on the seeds? These fruits make a delicious snack, salad topping, or juice. Pomegranates are abundantly used in Persian cooking, and their juice and molasses are a refreshing and unique way to enhance many different recipes.
When selecting a pomegranate at the market, keep in mind that the juiciest fruits are heavy with deep red skin. Ken’s Top Notch makes the trek from their farm in Fresno to bring a variety of produce, including pomegranates and persimmons, to the market each week.
Other quintessential autumn fruits are apples. Baked into a pie or snacked in slices, they come in so many different varieties and especially at farmers’ markets where you will find many more than you’ll see at most grocery stores. With many farmers returning to growing traditional heirloom varieties, you’ll discover apples with better flavor than the grocery store hybrids we’re used to.
The Gravenstein, Arkansas Black, and Pink Lady are just a few of the old varieties that farmers have returned to growing. Rainbow Orchards, a farmers’ market darling, can supply you with all your apple needs. They’ve got varieties like Honey Crisp, Pippen, and Fuji—and refreshing apple cider!
Farm-Fresh Fall Veggies Too
If it’s vegetables you’re after, stop by Fifth Crow, Orozco, or Jacob’s Farms for a wide array of fall produce including artichokes, squash, and greens like kale and chard. October marks the start of winter squash season so keep an eye out for varieties like Butternut, Acorn, and Kabocha. Look for squash with deep, saturated colors—no soft spots or cracks—and a hard stem.
So come visit the market before its seasonal closure. The Castro Farmers’ Market takes place at 270 Noe Street, off Market, on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm. After the break following the November 19 seasonal closure, the market will reopen in April 2026.
For more information, seasonal recipes, and a full list of vendors, please visit https://www.pcfma.org/castro
Stella Singer is a recent UC Berkeley graduate who writes and designs for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. With a background in environmental journalism and science, she brings a keen interest in food systems and sustainability to her work.
Farmer’s Market Finds
Published on October 9, 2025
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