Spring Produce Showing Up
Bay Area and Fremont markets are seeing fresh spring greens, asparagus, herbs and early berries despite drought worries—vendors say yield is solid for now but they're watching water closely. Farmers recommend shopping early for best selection and considering discounted “seconds” to stretch family meal budgets. (napavalleyregister.com, pcfma.org)
Irvington Farmers’ Market runs Sundays 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 4039 Bay St. in Fremont and lists “Herbs” as a seasonal highlight this spring. (pcfma.org) The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association operates dozens of Bay Area markets and reports Market Match programs that can double CalFresh/EBT spending — with a limited-time top-up of up to $15 extra per market visit to stretch food budgets. (pcfma.org) “Seconds” — imperfect but edible produce — are routinely sold by farmers at steep discounts (farmers’ newsletters and market programs cite examples as low as about $0.50 per pound for oversupplied items). (blog.farm2.me) Practical preservation guidance for discounted seconds — canning, freezing, and pickling recipes — is widely recommended by food-preservation outlets to convert blemished surplus into months of family meals. (motherearthliving.com) Regional water data show the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation set a 2026 Central Valley Project allocation of 65% for municipal and industrial use and 15% for agriculture in late February, a figure local water agencies cite when discussing irrigation pressure on growers. (valleywater.org) State tracking tools list March 29, 2026 precipitation status and local groundwater/well conditions to inform drought response, which vendors reference when saying they’re “watching water” for the season ahead. (cww.water.ca.gov) Napa Farmers’ Market lists more than 60 small regional farms in its vendor roster and highlights spring items that include Delta asparagus and early raspberries, reflecting what’s reaching Bay Area stalls right now. (visitnapavalley.com) Market-timing guides and vendor notes consistently advise arriving near opening for the widest selection of early-season berries and greens, while later hours sometimes yield discounts on remaining stock. (tastingtable.com)
