Brussels sprouts used to have a bit of a reputation, didn’t they? Many of us grew up seeing them mostly on Grandma’s Thanksgiving table, where their strong taste and unpleasant smell didn’t always make them the crowd favorite. But times have changed, and so have our cooking methods! Thanks to innovative recipes and techniques, Brussels...Read More

One of our former plant vendors, Sarah Machado from Upstarts Organic Seedlings, is also a very fine baker and cook. Sarah shared her favorite pumpkin pie recipe. “This recipe is my twist on Libby’s famous pumpkin pie. The recipe makes two 9-inch pumpkin pies. If you have time, instead of using canned pumpkin, make your...Read More

The kabocha squash, often called the “Japanese pumpkin,” is a winter squash known for its delicious flavor, rich texture, and culinary versatility. This humble squash stands out not only for its delightful taste but also for its efficiency—both the tender skin and the seeds are edible, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. Kabocha squash is celebrated...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

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

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

Standing in front of a vast display of pears can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to remember which variety is best for your recipe. We hope this guide will make your selection easier! The key to picking the perfect pear lies in your personal preferences and the dish you’re planning to create. Pears come...Read More

Crabapples remind me of the “Lemon Tree” folk song by Peter, Paul, and Mary. For those too young to remember, the lyrics went — “Lemon tree, very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.”   The same can be said for crabapples. Sometimes called...Read More