TOP PICKS FOR FRESH PRODUCE IN THE BAY AREA
I love a good fresh produce market, and while home in Cali, I've been searching for where to find the best quality produce that’s reasonably priced with a decent selection of fruits and veggies besides my local Trader Joe’s that never seems to have anything in stock. I'm honestly missing the Dallas Farmers market on Saturdays - but we move.
The good news! I found not just 1 but 3 places that have quickly become my go-to spots for fresh locally grown produce. See my top picks below and let me know your thoughts if you decide to check them out or know any other places I should consider.
YASAI PRODUCE MARKET - Berkeley, CA
Less than a block away from Peet’s Coffee on UC Berkeley’s College Ave. is Yasai Produce, a corner market with a small but good selection of organic fruits and veggies. And for the area, I’m glad to report the prices were reasonable. Everything I picked - pineapples, honeydew, cherries, and oranges were ripe. They also have a nice variety of juices, spices and other dry goods you might need during your grocery run.
Berkeley Bowl West - Berkeley, CA
This is another local gem for produce, and ideal if you’re looking for a larger selection than what you’ll find at Yasai. They have just about everything you’ll need here including less common fruits that are hard to get like Soursops. And I particularly loved the range of fresh pasta and sauces, and their unique selection of international brands. As a bonus, there’s a cute cafe near the entrance serving breakfast, lunch, pastries, and refreshers.
Farmers Market (Bishop Ranch) - San Ramon, CA
Last but certainly not least, is the San Ramon Farmers Market, located in City Center’s Bishop Ranch. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and choices available here, they have some of the best heirloom tomatoes I’ve tasted and seen, and the Asian plums are to die for. To add to the experience there are food trucks serving up a mix of cultural cuisines like authentic Hawaiian BBQ, Indian, Mexican and more. Within the same complex there’s an outdoor mall lined with restaurants and major retailers to make this a one stop shop for all your weekend festivities.