Edible Paradise :: Seasonal Cooking

Edible Paradise celebrates the year-round abundance of the highest quality, freshest food grown on the Central Coast by our family farmers at the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. If you enjoy preparing and eating locally grown food, this blog is for you!

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Dried beans are a cornerstone of every well-stocked pantry. Nutritious, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, they can be transformed into soups, stews, salads, dips, and side dishes. While cooking with dry beans requires a little planning, the results are far superior to canned beans in both taste and texture. Here are some essential tips and techniques...
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Jujubes (pronounced joo-joob) may not be the most familiar fruit at the farmers market, but these small stone fruits have been treasured in Asia for thousands of years. Sometimes called “red dates” or “Chinese dates,” jujubes are prized for their versatility and rich nutritional value. Fresh jujubes are an excellent source of vitamin C and...
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Fall pumpkins and squash
It wouldn’t be fall without the arrival of winter squash! With their vibrant colors, varied shapes, and naturally sweet, earthy flavors, winter squash varieties are a hallmark of the autumn harvest on the Central Coast. From creamy butternut to nutty kabocha, hearty acorn to richly flavored delicata, local farmers bring a wide array of squash...
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I was a latecomer to the galette. Not quite a pie, and not quite a tart, this open-face pastry is made from a simple crust, a layer of fruit, and edges folded roughly around the filling. As a classically trained pastry chef, it didn’t initially appeal to me. I’m convinced most pastry chefs (and chocolatiers,...
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Whether you call it “stock” or the trendier term “bone broth,” healthy and flavorful soups begin with a nutrient and mineral-rich base. Bone-based stocks provide calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and other trace minerals. You can make stock with leftover bones from dinner or purchase bony parts of chicken, turkey, beef, or even fish. Cool...
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Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a remarkable vegetable celebrated for its unique flavor, nutritional value, and endless culinary possibilities. Often called “lady’s finger” for its slender shape and tender texture, okra has been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries. These vibrant green pods, usually between three and seven inches long,...
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There’s nothing like the crisp sweetness of locally grown apples — and Prevedelli Farms has one of the biggest selections around including heirlooms.

Now’s the perfect time to make apple butter, applesauce, or a batch of spiced apple chutney for the holidays. (Homemade gifts? yes, please! )

Find delicious, seasonal apple recipes on our companion site edibleparadise.com — your go-to source for local cooking inspiration.

What’s your favorite apple variety? Tell us in the comments! If you have a favorite apple recipe you’d to share for our website, please email akeller@montereybayfarmers.org. 

The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College is open until noon! 

#montereybayfarmersmarkets #prevedellifarms #appleseason #shoplocal #eatlocal #edibleparadise #farmfresh #homemadegifts #applerecipes #farmersmarketfinds #supportlocalfarms

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Have you met Clara from Clara’s Eggs Farms yet? 🐓 She’s one of our newest vendors at the market — bringing truly farm-fresh eggs from her flock of happy, free-range Rhode Island Red hens.

Fall baking is in full swing, and if you’ve never baked with super fresh eggs, you’re in for a treat — they make your cakes rise higher, your muffins richer, and your custards silkier. 

Stop by Clara’s Eggs Farms today, say hello, and pick up a dozen (or two!) for your weekend baking. Once you’ve baked with farm-fresh eggs, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #claraseggsfarm #freerangechickens #eggs #bakers

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Something special at Minazzoli Farms booth today!  Minazzoli Farms’ Early Sweet pomegranates are here — a rare variety with pale, rosy skins and juicy, sweet-tart arils. These early-season gems are bursting with flavor. 

Perfect for sprinkling over salads, blending into smoothies, or simply enjoying by the handful.

The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon at the Del Monte Shopping Center. 

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #minazzolifarms #pomegranates #supportfarmers

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Pears have arrived at the farmers markets!

You’ll find these beauties at Pinnacle’s booth today—perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy.

We love pears for their delightful flavor, buttery texture, and incredible versatility! Try them:
✨ Sliced into your favorite salads
✨ Roasted with a drizzle of honey, then topped with blue cheese or toasted walnuts
✨ Or simply enjoyed on their own for dessert!

For more delicious pear inspiration, visit our companion website edibleparadise.com — just type “pears” in the search box and voilà! A collection of seasonal recipes will pop right up. 👩‍🍳

The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon — come shop, taste, and celebrate the best of fall! 🍂

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #pears #pinnacle #philfosterranch #edibleparadise

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Good morning from the Monterey Farmers Market!

It’s a chilly, crisp fall morning—perfect for a cozy market stroll and a little plant inspiration. 

First stop: Bay Area Orchids. Just look at this stunning color combination! While orchids may look exotic, they’re surprisingly easy to care for—and can reward you with blooms year after year.

Orchid Care Tips:
✅ Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is best.
✅ Water: Once a week—allow roots to dry slightly between waterings.
✅ Airflow: Keep in a well-ventilated spot.
✅ Temperature: Comfortable room temps (60–80°F).
✅  Fertilize: Use orchid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growth.

Pick up one (or two!) today—you might just find your new favorite houseplant! For an instant centerpiece, nestle 2 or 3 into a a low vessel like a soup tureen. (Line it first with a plastic bag to protect it if it’s a special piece.) Add a couple of small maidenhair fern plants, then loosely fill in any gaps and the tops of the pots with florist’s moss.

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✨ First of the Season! ✨

Red Garnet Sweet Potatoes have just arrived at Sea to Sky Farms! 🍠

These beauties are known for their rich orange flesh, naturally sweet flavor, and velvety texture. Perfect for roasting, mashing, or baking into cozy fall dishes. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants—making them as nourishing as they are delicious.

Swing by the Monterey market today or Aptos Farmers Market on Saturday and pick some up while they’re fresh from the fields! 

And don’t miss all of the new fall recipes at our companion site, Edible Paradise (link in bio). Go to the search box, type in ‘sweet potatoes’ and recipes will pop up! 

The Monterey Farmers Market is open today until noon—come by and see us! 

#montereyfarmersmarket #seatoskyfarms #sweetpotatoes #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket #shoplocal

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Warm, nourishing, and packed with goodness — that’s what you’ll find at Kitchen Table Cultures. They craft chicken and beef bone broths using only pastured, grass-fed proteins. You’ll also find nutrient-rich tallow and handmade soaps.

So, why is bone broth so special? Slow-simmered bone broth is naturally rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support healthy joints, digestion, skin, and immunity. It’s one of the oldest comfort foods — and one of the most beneficial. 

Whether you sip it by the mug, use it as a base for soups and stews, or add it to your favorite recipes, Kitchen Table Cultures makes it easy to bring wholesome nourishment to your table.

Find them today at the Aptos Farmers Market and stock up! We are open until noon. 

#aptosfarmersmarket #kitchentablecultures #bonebroth #grassfed #pastureraised #farmersmarketfinds #beefbroth #chickenbroth #organic

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One of the not-so-best-kept secrets at the market? La Marea of the Sea!

From fresh-shucked oysters to shrimp and fish tacos, their food is truly unmatched. And the magic doesn’t stop there — every taco starts with a handmade corn tortilla, pressed and cooked fresh to order.

Next time you’re feeling hungry at the Aptos Farmers Market, treat yourself (or grab lunch to go) at La Marea of the Sea. Simply the best! 

#aptosfarmersmarket #lamareaofthesea #freshseafood #fishtacos #shrimptacos  #oysters #farmersmarketfinds

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Brighten your home (and your cooking!) with Pacific Rare Nursery’s beautiful selection of potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, and herbs.

Herbs are one of the easiest (and most rewarding) things to grow — and having your own kitchen garden means fresh flavor at your fingertips. 🌱✨

Come discover your favorites today at the Aptos Farmers Market, open until noon. See you soon!

#aptosfarmersmarket #pacificrarenursery #freshflowers #kitchengarden #herbs #farmersmarketfinds #pottedplants #gardenerslife

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Have you tried Foustman’s Salami yet? This locally handmade salami is crafted with care, contains no nitrates, and comes in an incredible variety of flavors.

It’s one of our market favorites — perfect for cheeseboards, picnics, or tucked into your favorite sandwich. 

Find Foustman’s at the Aptos Farmers Market this Saturday, 8–12. Come taste what makes them so special!

#foustmanssalami #aptosfarmersmarket #supportlocal #farmersmarket #caterers #cheeseboard #partytime

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Lots of fresh-picked goodness from Cortez Farms! Each week you’ll find a gorgeous spread of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries…and yes, even sweet late summer corn.

Berry season won’t last much longer — so now’s the time to stock up! Freeze a few baskets for smoothies, baking, or whip up homemade jam to tuck away for holiday gifts. 

Find Cortez Farms at the Aptos Farmers Market, open until noon today. 

#aptosfarmersmarket #berries #cortezfarms #farmersmarketfinds

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