Food & Drink

A newbies guide to Sacramento farmers markets: Which fruits are in season? + more tips

By Brianna Taylor

Farmers’ markets are a staple to life in Sacramento.

Whether Sacramentans quickly pass through to pick up their favorite items or friends agree to do their weekly food run together and chat — markets attract crowds of patrons ready to shop the region’s fresh, local produce.

The agricultural region is home to more than 40 regional farmers markets including the largest California Certified Farmers’ Market in the state, according to Visit Sacramento. And with more than 1.5 million acres of farmland around the city and a year-round growing season, chances are your last meal was grown at a local farm.

But shopping at a farmers market can be tricky — and expensive.

Here’s what you need to know about Sacramento’s farmers market locations, how to get the most out of a market run and what produce should look like when you buy it to get the most bang for your buck:

Sacramento-area farmers markets

Here’s a list of a several farmers markets, both seasonal and year round, stretching from Sacramento to Folsom:

You can also find a list of Certified Farmers Market locations by county on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s website.

Cape Zern, of Davis with his sons Cooper, 7, and Cruz, 3, ride in a wagon at the Davis Farmers Market at Central Park in Davis in December.
Cape Zern, of Davis with his sons Cooper, 7, and Cruz, 3, ride in a wagon at the Davis Farmers Market at Central Park in Davis in December. Sara Nevis snevis@sacbee.com

How to get the most out of your market run

Ask yourself these questions before heading to the next farmers’ market run for an easier shop:

What do I want to eat for the week?

Create a shopping list of foods you’ll need for a week’s worth of meals to not over shop, over spend and avoid food waste.

When’s the best time to shop?

The best looking produce sells fast so get to the market early, well before it closes.

Can I get this cheaper?

Don’t rush your visit. Walk the entire market and note the prices offered at different vendors for the same produce. Maybe it’s even cheaper at your local grocery store.

How do I not spend too much?

Money goes fast. Create a limit before you get to the market and be sure take note of your purchases throughout your trip. Another tip: leave your card at home and take a certain amount of cash to shop with.

Should I bring cash or my card?

Not all vendors accept card payment so bring backup cash and change.

Should I shop in bad weather?

Markets are traditionally busy during days with nice weather. But when the forecast is not great, markets usually have smaller crowds and more food to choose from.

How can I be eco-friendly?

Bring a couple of reusable bags big enough to carry your market items to cut down on plastic use.

Know what’s in season

Seasonal produce can vary depending on growing conditions and weather, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In Northern California, strawberries are in season between March and November and oranges are a year-round seasonal fruit, according to Seasonal Food Guide, a national database of seasonal food.

Here’s when several fruits and vegetables commonly found at farmers markets in the Sacramento area are in season, according to Seasonal Food Guide:

FRUITS

  • Avocados - February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
  • Apples - August, September, October, November
  • Cucumbers - April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
  • Blueberries - May, June, July, August
  • Tomatoes - April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

VEGETABLES

Seasonal Produce Guide has more produce listed on its website.

HOW TO PICK THE BEST PRODUCE

Knowing what produce should look like when purchasing it can be difficult. Here’s what to look out for when picking out the following produce at the market, according to Food Print:

  • Onions - Avoid brown or mushy onions. Choose onions that feel heavy and don’t show signs of sprouting.
  • Oranges - Pick oranges with a medium firmness and that feel juicy when lightly squeezed.
  • Spinach - Look for perky, evenly colored leaves with no mushy spots.
  • Strawberries - Look for berries that are glossy, fragrant and have a deep color from the base to the stem.
  • Tomatoes - Look for heavy, fragrant tomatoes. Scarring is normal.
  • Mushrooms - Look for mushrooms without slimy, moldy or black spots.
  • Lemons - Lemons should be firm but not rock hard and should feel heavy.
  • Kale - Leaves and stalks should be firm and dry.
  • Asparagus - Look for the thinnest stalks because they’re the most tender. Watch out out for limp and wilted asparagus.

This story was originally published June 11, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

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