Drying persimmons is easy, with or without a dehydrator. Your kitchen oven will do the job just fine. Dried persimmon slices make delicious snacks or can be added to salads, cookies, cereal, or bread. The trick for best results is to use a mandoline or Benriner slicer to make certain the persimmon slices are even....Read More

Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking? Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking. Choose “pie” or "sugar" pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they're perfect for pies, muffins,...Read More

The name “pomegranate” derives from the Latin pomum (‘apple’) and granatus (‘seeded’). Jewish scholars believe that the pomegranate was the original “forbidden fruit” of the Garden of Eden. The pomegranate has been a prominent symbol in many religions and cultures since Biblical times, when Moses promised his followers that they would find the fruit in...Read More

Quince is believed to predate the apple and is often referenced in ancient texts, possibly as the fabled “forbidden fruit” from the Garden of Eden. Greek mythology intertwines quince with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, speculating that the golden apple presented to her by Paris was, in fact, a quince. The Greek word for quince,...Read More

Raw peanuts are a rare find at most California farmers’ markets, but we’re fortunate to have K T Farms as a vendor. They bring unique produce, including these fresh peanuts, to our markets. How to Cook Fresh Peanuts Roasting or boiling fresh peanuts is a simple and satisfying way to transform this classic snack. Whether...Read More

California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. These figs are grown primarily in our sunny state of California, where the climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for their cultivation. Here are some interesting facts: Figs are members of...Read More

Pears, walnuts, and blue cheese make a delightful classic fall salad, elevated by this aromatic walnut oil dressing. Walnut oil is a healthy, flavorful alternative to olive oil, ideal for salad dressings, pesto, and drizzling over fish or pasta. We especially love the organic, cold-pressed walnut oil from Manzanita Manor Organics at the Aptos Farmers...Read More

California, known for its diverse agriculture, is a surprising yet significant player and is positioned to become an emerging leader in the peanut industry. While our state is more famous for almonds and pistachios, peanuts have carved out a niche, particularly in the Central Valley. California’s peanut production benefits from its unique climate, providing the...Read More

Popovers are airy rolls with a soft interior and a crispy exterior made from egg batter and are very similar to Yorkshire pudding. Popovers require a very hot oven — so double-check that your oven temperature is correct using an oven thermometer. Popovers are wonderful to serve with stews or homemade soup. INGREDIENTS: Vegetable oil*...Read More

Pears are among the world’s most captivating fruits, celebrated for their voluptuous contours and buttery texture. A perfectly ripe, luscious pear stands unrivaled as one of autumn’s sweetest pleasures. This ancient fruit even captured the admiration of the famous Greek poet Homer, who referred to pears as a “gift of the gods.” The Romans developed...Read More