Culinary Features | Edible Paradise

Welcome to Culinary Features

Shopping at your local farmers market for locally grown, farm fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts is a big step in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle!

In the Culinary Features section, you’ll find educational resources for cooking and preparation tips, learn how to make pantry staples that are healthier for you at a fraction of the cost of store-bought items, and informative nutrition and health news articles.

Turkey Roasting Guide

Turkey is one of the easiest birds to cook, but many feel daunted by the ‘star of the show’ importance placed on the main course during the holidays! Here’s our tried and true method for cooking a turkey that results in a beautiful presentation, and is also super flavorful and moist, too. The drippings will...

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I Yam What I Yam

Have you ever wondered about what the difference is between sweet potatoes and yams? Sweet potatoes are also called ‘yams’ — however, these tuberous root vegetables are actually from two very different plants. Sweet potatoes are related to morning glories and true yams are related to palms and grasses. When you buy a ‘yam’ at...

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How to Steam Sweet Potatoes

Although we love baked sweet potatoes, steaming is quicker and produces a perfectly moist potato. Steamed baked potatoes take about 30 minutes, while baked potatoes take at least an hour. This method is for medium-sized potatoes. However, if you have only large-sized potatoes, you can cut them in half. (1) Fill the lower part of...

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How to Make Fresh Pumpkin Purée

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,...

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How to Boil or Roast Fresh Peanuts

Raw peanuts are a rare find at most California farmers’ markets, but we’re fortunate to have K T Farms as a vendor. They bring unique produce, including these fresh peanuts, to our markets. How to Cook Fresh Peanuts Roasting or boiling fresh peanuts is a simple and satisfying way to transform this classic snack. Whether...

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A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pear

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...

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Basic Fermented Hot Sauce

Discover the satisfaction of creating your very own homemade hot sauce — it may even tempt you to ditch store-bought options! The possibilities are nearly endless for various combinations of hot chilies and seasonings to concoct your perfect blend. You can use all of one kind of pepper or chili or use a combination. The...

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Chef’s Guide for Selecting and Cooking Fish

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...

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How to Make Hot Honey

This hot honey recipe is easy to make and can be used in so many delicious ways! Everyone loves this spicy-sweet condiment on everything from drizzling a bit over appetizers, on fried chicken, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and cornbread, or adding a bit to your hot tea or a cocktail. It also makes a great...

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