How To Find Deals on Local Spring Produce in Portland

Spring has arrived in the Pacific Northwest, bringing longer days and locally grown produce. Eating seasonally offers peak flavor and potential savings, even as grocery prices rise with inflation.

Here’s a guide to what's being harvested in Oregon and Southwest Washington during May and June.

Supporting local farms helps the regional food economy and provides the freshest ingredients for your meals.

By using this guide, you’ll know when and where to get the best, freshest spring produce.

Asparagus

• Local Season: Mid-April through June
• Local Growers: Many farms in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Basin distribute asparagus to local markets and stores. Look for regional signage, as specific farm names aren't always labeled in larger chains. Montecucco Farms in Canby, Ore., is a significant local producer often found in stores.
• Savings Tip: Prices drop significantly mid-season. Watch the weekly Stumptown Savings newsletter for deals.

Rhubarb

The tart stalks of the rhubarb plant pair perfectly with another PNW springtime star: strawberries.

• Local Season: April through June
• Local Growers: Often grown by smaller farms and backyard gardens. Less likely to be farm-branded in major stores. Sauvie Island Growers sometimes features it at markets.
• Savings Tip: Compare price per stalk vs. price per pound if options exist.

Spring Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula, Kale, Mustard Greens)

• Local Season: April through June (many available year-round, but local harvest peaks now)
• Local Growers: Gathering Together Farm (Philomath, Ore.), Sauvie Island Organics (Multnomah County, Ore.), Deep Roots Farm (Albany, Ore.), Persephone Farm (Lebanon, Ore.). Many smaller farms supply markets and CSAs.
• Savings Tip: Buying whole heads/bunches is often cheaper per ounce than pre-washed bags

Peas (Snap, Snow, Shelling)

• Local Season: Late April/May through June
• Local Growers: Many Portland-area farms grow peas for markets and direct sales. Farm-branded options are less likely in large supermarkets.
• Savings Tip: Fresh peas can be pricey early in the season. Wait for peak season (later in the spring) for better deals.

Where To Get All This Produce

New Seasons and Whole Foods often carry produce from local farms, usually labeling them by name.

Fred Meyer, Safeway, Albertsons, QFC: These chains carry Oregon/Washington asparagus during peak season. Look for "Grown in Oregon/Washington" signs.

WinCo and Costco often carry local produce when it’s competitive.

Farmers markets also should have all this fresh produce, from farms directly.

For more tips like this: Check out the Stumptown Savings newsletter. You can also find the longer version of this article online.