Summer is synonymous with long days, warm nights, and the sweet relief of cold treats. Among the favorites, ice cream stands out as a quintessential summer indulgence. Making homemade ice cream with summer fruits from the farmers market is a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Freshly picked strawberries, juicy peaches, tangy blackberries, and...Read More

California peaches have rightfully earned a reputation for their succulent flavor and heavenly aroma. For those who seek the pure, classic taste of peaches, the yellow varieties are an ideal choice. Bursting with juiciness and sweetness, these peaches have a tangy bite due to their slightly higher acid content. On the other hand, California white...Read More

It’s officially jam-making season, and the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets are a haven for jam enthusiasts. In early June, a stunning array of berries, including strawberries, olallieberries, blackberries, blueberries, loganberries, raspberries, and gooseberries, are in season. Moreover, cherries and Blenheim apricots overlap for a short period, while early stone fruits such as plums, apriums,...Read More

When it comes to apricots, there is one variety that stands out above the rest – the Blenheim apricot, a true California treasure. This variety gained prominence in the United States when it was introduced to California’s Santa Clara Valley in the 1880s. The region’s warm climate, ample sunshine, and well-drained soil provide ideal conditions...Read More

Small pickling cucumbers are available now at KT Farms at the Aptos Farmers Market, so this is the ideal time to make pickles. Making a small batch of pickles is a great weekend project that combines creativity with practicality. If you’re new to canning, following this simple guide for your first project will hopefully build...Read More

Cherry clafoutis makes a wonderful Memorial Day dessert and is one of the best ways to celebrate our short season of cherries. This is a simplified version of the classic French dessert — we prefer to pit our cherries, rather than leaving them whole. It is best served warm, ideally fresh out of the oven....Read More

The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College now includes gardening books in its cookbook exchange program! The idea of swapping books isn’t new (Andrew Carnegie introduced it in the early 1900s), but we’re excited to offer this opportunity for our market customers to share their favorite reads. Simply leave a cookbook or gardening book and...Read More

With the summer months fast approaching and the abundant seafood available at the farmers market, here’s a quick reference guide for selecting fish and how to cook it perfectly every time. This year, you’ll find fresh and frozen fish at H & H Fresh Fish Company (Aptos Farmers Market), La Marea by the Sea (Monterey...Read More

Planning an Easter brunch for the family or hosting a relaxed Sunday gathering with friends? Hosting a weekend brunch is a breeze with most of the prep work done ahead, ensuring you get to join the fun too! Crafting a brunch menu entails a mix of savory and sweet offerings served buffet-style. From overnight French...Read More

On St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no dish quite as iconic as a hearty serving of corned beef. This traditional Irish-American dish, gently braised with spices and vegetables, symbolizes the festive Irish spirit of the occasion. Served alongside steaming cabbage, carrots, and creamy new potatoes or boxty, each bite of succulent corned beef evokes the rich...Read More