Plan your farm fresh road trip.
It’s on! Asparagus season is in full swing. We’re blessed here with the perfect conditions for this favorite spring crop. Once the season begins, these delicious spears and other tender spring crops pop up at produce stands, farmers markets and restaurants all around the Valley. Asparagus season fills a short window from mid-April into June, so we’re right in the heart of it now. Don’t miss this perfect time for a road trip to take home, fresh, just-picked asparagus and savor restaurant specialties just minutes from the farm.
That’s just the beginning of it all. From now through October, Yakima Valley farmers markets, farm stands, u-pick farms and local restaurants make the most of the harvests from 3,000 farms that call the Yakima Valley home. In no time at all it will be time for berries and cherries as we look forward to the rest of harvest days to come.
In fact, his weekend marks the opening of the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market! In addition to all the fresh asparagus you could want, they’ll be full of vendors featuring other spring crops and artisan goods. Find them on S. 3rd Street from 9 am to 1 pm.
Take a look at our farm fresh road trips and harvest festivals to mark the calendar for your favorites.
So, Where to Find Farm Fresh Flavors?
In addition to the farmers market, take a tour of Valley locals’ favorite farm stands to stock up on seasonal produce and specialty products. McIlrath Family Farms is a cult favorite around the Valley for just-picked asparagus this time of year, green, white and purple. The McIlrath family began farming in the Yakima Valley in 1976. Visit them for a wide variety of produce and local goods including beautiful hanging baskets, plant starts and artisan foods. On the way into Yakima, stop at Precision Fruit and Antiques for fresh seasonal produce, artisan products, local wine and, of course, antiques. Imperial’s Garden is a must-stop in the Lower Yakima Valley. The Imperial family came to the Yakima Valley from the Philippines in 1983 and has built a thriving farm operation. Find an array of the latest seasonal produce at their stand. Don’t forget to check out their social channels for all the latest! Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards and Johnson Orchards are two more must-see stops for farm fresh flavors. Both offer a seasonal rotation of produce harvested from their orchards and farms, as well as thoughtfully curated foods and gifts. Ahtanum Berry Patch is your destination for just picked berries and baked goods.
Don’t miss local farmers markets. We eagerly await opening day at the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market on May 23. This lovely market features the best, carefully selected local seasonal produce, delicious foods and handcrafted goods. In Union Gap, visit the Yakima Farmers Market.
Restaurant Specials Abound
This time of year it’s hard to not find fresh, local asparagus on restaurant menus and local food trucks. James Beard Award winning Los Hernandez Tamales is famous for their annual asparagus and pepper jack tamales. In addition to delectable fried asparagus at quintessential Yakima drive-through restaurants to handcrafted creations at restaurants such as WaterFire Restaurant & Bar, Crafted and Provisions Restaurant + Market – Just to name a few! We can’t forget to mention the seasonal asparagus pizzas from Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co and Hop Town Wood-Fired Pizza! Throughout the season, find rotating seasonal specialties at local restaurants.
There’s More to Come!
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for upcoming harvest festivals! Check out our Farm Stand Road Trips and U-Pick stops for visits from now through October.
Categorized in: Farm Fresh Fun, Farmers Markets
