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

As Fall approaches, farmers markets and gardens are overflowing with the bounty of summer harvests—especially sweet, vine-ripened tomatoes! On the coast, our evenings are growing cooler, making soup a welcome addition to the dinner table. There’s something about a warm bowl of tomato soup that just feels like home, especially when it’s made with fresh,...Read More

Don’t you love discovering something new at the farmers’ markets? We do too. We especially enjoyed finding the unique citrus fruit called “finger limes” at Prevedelli Farms’ booth recently. Finger limes are at their peak season from late summer to early fall. Their versatility and unique texture make them a popular ingredient among chefs and...Read More

Roasting peppers brings out their natural sweetness and flavor, and makes them supple. Roast peppers over a direct flame on the stove or outside, or over coals on the grill, or in the oven under the broiler. What you will need: Peppers (however many you are roasting) Some olive oil or grapeseed oil A heat...Read More