Red dandelion (left), Hon Tai Sai flowers

The thick, succulent spear-shaped leafs to the left in the photo are an Italian variety of purple-stemmed dandelion. The flowers are the Chinese green hon tai sai going to seeds. The flowers are good in soups, salads, or stir fries, according to the signage on the market table where I found these. The Marin Civic Center market is about 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Price: $1.50/each bunch

Shiitake mushrooms with Royal Trumpet mushrooms in center.

This generous one-pound helping of two kinds of mushrooms was a bargain. They are from Solano Mushroom Farm, producer of an array of unusual Asian varieties.

Price: $6/1-pound bag

Spring onions and leeks

Fava beans (back), dried cranberry beans

Price: $3/pound for favas

Dried figs

Price: $2.50/bag