Brussels sprouts, members of the cruciferous family (Brassica oleracea), may resemble tiny cabbages, but these emerald-green clusters hold far more than charm. Usually one to two inches in size, they thrive in cool coastal climates and reach peak sweetness after the first autumn frost—making fall the perfect season to enjoy them at their very best....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

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

Few herbs capture the essence of summer quite like basil. With its unmistakable aroma and vibrant flavor, basil is a culinary staple—especially in Italian cuisine. So beloved by the ancient Romans, it came to symbolize love and fertility. While sweet basil—the familiar green variety—is the most common, this fragrant herb comes in many forms. Purple...Read More

Summer corn is known for its sweet and delicious taste and is an American staple for barbecues, picnics, and beach cookouts. Whether you cook it on the grill, boil it, or use its kernels in various recipes, fresh corn is a delightful addition to many dishes and meals. Locally grown California corn has a very...Read More

It’s officially berry season on the Central Coast, and with it comes one of Northern California’s most beloved summer fruits: olallieberries. This bumpy, deep-purple berry may look rugged, but its sweet-tart flavor has earned it a cult-like following among berry lovers. A member of the blackberry family, the olallieberry is prized for its complex flavor...Read More

Rhubarb tends to spark strong opinions—you either love it or leave it. But for those of us who love it, May marks the peak of rhubarb season and the perfect time to bake, simmer, and savor. While most people associate rhubarb with pies, this vibrant stalk is surprisingly versatile, adding its signature tartness to galettes,...Read More

Lavender, with its unmistakable fragrance and calming properties, has long been prized for its beauty and therapeutic benefits. Native to the mountainous regions of the Western Mediterranean, this versatile herb was introduced to America by early settlers and has been cultivated for centuries. Of the approximately 40 known species, English lavender remains the most sought-after,...Read More

Once considered a Roman delicacy, asparagus is a perennial vegetable that is a member of the lily family. The “spears” are the shoots from an underground crown. It takes about three years for crowns to mature to the point of producing, but once they do, the crowns produce asparagus for about 20 years. Spears are...Read More

It is a great time for leafy greens at the farmers markets. I mean this in a couple of ways, too. It is great to have the greens since it is winter and there isn’t a huge variety of things growing. But best of all, this is a great time for eating them because the...Read More