Who doesn’t appreciate the special joy of indulging in ripe, juicy, and flavorful tomatoes during the summer season? Summer tomatoes are highly anticipated by many food enthusiasts because they tend to be at their peak of sweetness and flavor. The warmth of the summer sun seems to infuse these tomatoes with an extra burst of...Read More

With its vibrant red flesh and juicy sweetness, watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for many. But beyond its refreshing taste, this beloved fruit also offers a range of health benefits that make it a perfect addition to your diet. Hydration Powerhouse: As its name suggests, watermelon is incredibly hydrating. Comprising about 90% water, this...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

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

Growing kitchen herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to have a fresh supply of aromatic flavors right in your kitchen, backyard, or deck. Whether you have limited outdoor space or simply want easy access to your favorite herbs, container gardening offers a practical solution. Many herbs and starts are available at the...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

To learn how to use and combine the flavors of herbs, you must become familiar with them. And the best way to do this? Use your nose. Smell them individually and in combination. Take a pinch of one and smell it. Then add a pinch of another and smell it. Add something else and smell...Read More

Spring with its longer days and more daylight mean that hens are beginning their egg production cycle. Full egg production, generally an egg per day for each chicken, is in summer. Mother Nature has been rough on California this year with colder and wetter weather, so it’s been a slow start for ‘the girls.’ The...Read More

Without a doubt, asparagus is one of the harbingers of spring at the farmers’ markets. And these nutritious spears can be cooked in numerous ways — grilled, roasted, steamed, or sauteed. Add them to pasta or salads, or enjoy them as an appetizer. When selecting asparagus, check the bottom of the bunch to see that...Read More

Whether you call it ‘stock’ or the trendier term ‘bone broth’ — healthy and flavorful soups start with a nutrient and mineral-rich base of good stock. Bone-based stocks provide calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, phosphorous, and other trace minerals. Stock can be made with leftover bones from dinners or you can purchase bony parts of chicken,...Read More