A Love Letter to Asparagus

Dear Asparagus,

We’ve missed you.

After a long winter apart, seeing you again—fresh from California fields—feels like running into an old crush. Same bright green color, same snappy texture, same sweet flavor.

You’re officially back, and honestly… you’re showing off a little.

How do you show up so perfect, season after season? Tender spears, vibrant color, and that fresh, grassy flavor that makes people remember why spring produce is such a big deal. It probably helps that you’re coming to us from Durst Organic Farm, one of the last organic asparagus growers in California, where decades of careful farming in Yolo County have made spring asparagus something truly special.

And while people love to debate skinny versus thick stalks, the truth is that spear size, whether extra small or colossal, doesn’t determine tenderness. Freshness is what really matters, and right now you’re about as fresh as it gets.

You set such a high bar and, dare we say, are a bit of an overachiever. As a perennial crop, a single asparagus plant can produce harvests for 15 years or more—but only after making a farmer patiently wait three full years before producing your first marketable spears. Good things take time, and you’re proof.

Let’s make this the best season yet.

With admiration,

VV Team

Are We There Yet?

There’s so much to look forward to as we march into Spring! Here’s what’s ahead:

Cherry: Local California-grown cherry crop is expected to be a week early this season. All of our fingers (and toes) are crossed for good weather until late April.

Pixie Tangerine: These need a little more time to color up but should be coming on any day now!

New Crop Potato: California season is just around the corner. We may see our first shipment in less than 2 weeks from the Desert Gem label. Early field reports show excellent quality and nearly flawless potatoes!

Rhubarb: Expected to come on in mid to late April.

Zucchini: California-grown squash will be available by the end of the month from the Something good label!

New and Exciting!

Asparagus: California-grown asparagus is here!  We’re sourcing ours from our longtime partner, Durst Organic Growers in Yolo County, California. Supply may be limited to start, so be patient. This season, you’ll also see vibrant purple asparagus—don’t miss it! More affordable Mexican-grown asparagus will continue be available through Easter, but supply is becoming limited and prices are heading up.

Did you know? After the first 3 years needed to establish a field, asparagus can regenerate and produce harvestable spears year after year. One of Durst’s fields is now 8 years old!

Bartlett Pear: Argentinian-grown pears are here! The first arrivals of the season are fairly green,but when fully yellow and ripe, Bartletts develop a very juicy texture and are super sweet.

Fava Bean: AKA Broad Beans. The flavor is delicate, buttery and nutty. Some fans describe the sweet vegetal taste as “tasting like spring!”  A chef’s favorite, we recommend them in soups or salads!

Strawberry: Hooray! We’re fully into California season from Watsonville to Santa Maria.  JW/Martinez Farms offers the Keystone variety (small & sweet), larger sweet berries are from AG Berry Farm. For full flavor, let the berries come to room temperature before enjoying!

Promotable

Artichoke: Earthy with a slightly nutty flavor, artichokes complement any number of spring dishes. While the outside petals are firmer, they become softer as you get to the inside leaves. The tender heart is very sweet, with a less intense flavor.

Avocado: California-grown Hass crop has started, and although priced slightly higher than Mexican imports, small sizes are a great deal right now. Check with your Account Manager for a custom promotion!

Grape Tomato: Good supply and sharp price. Lean into grapes while the tomato category is tight overall.

Little Gem Lettuce: Crisp, tender, and versatile! Both red and green These babies have become a super popular lettuce variety in recent years, particularly in high-end restaurants; think Little Gem Cesar!  Little Gems are abundant right now—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or tossed whole on a grill!

Ruby Grapefruit: Juicy, bright, and bursting with flavor! Ruby Grapefruit is sweet, tangy, and at its prime—ideal for breakfast, salads, or a fresh twist in cocktails. Don’t miss this seasonal star.

Table Carrot: Sweet, crunchy, and versatile! Table carrots are abundant and perfect for snacking, roasting, or adding vibrant color to any plate.

Zucchini: Prices have dropped, and quality is high—perfect time to push volume! Fresh, tender zucchini is ready for grilling, sautés, or any summer favorite. Grab more while it lasts! California-grown zucchini is about 2 weeks away!

Limited

Bell Pepper: All colored bells are extremely limited or gapping

Celery

Cucumber: Slicers continue to be limited and high priced. Bulk Persians are gapping.

Grape: Waiting for the next arrival from Peru, Mexican expected soon.

Green Bean: Mexico-grown beans are gapping. California-grown  beans from the desert areas should be starting up soon!

Green Daikon: Gapping

Raspberry: Gapping and/or very limited – a heatwave came through Mexico, burning all the fruit.

Red Bagged Beet: Very limited.

Straightneck Squash: Extremely limited.

Tomato: Beefsteak and One &Two Layer are limited. Romas are gapping until April.

Del Cabo Sugar Plum cherry tomatoes are now limited

Done for the Season

Kent Mango

Tulip & Sweet William floral bouquets from Thomas Farms

Yellow & Red-skin Dragon Fruit from Tierra Organica, our friends in Ecuador