Featured Seasonal Produce

Our farmers markets are a veritable showcase of the freshest California grown produce available year round.

The Central Coast is one of the most productive regions in the U.S. With its mild marine climate and fertile alluvial soil, we enjoy four seasons of vegetables and fruits. Known as the “Salad Bowl of the world,” our area produces numerous varieties of lettuces and greens, along with vegetables, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries as well as orchard fruits like heirloom apples, Blenheim apricots and many other row crops.

November Highlight: Persimmons

A sure sign that November is here is the warm orange glow emanating from many stalls at the market. This deep red-orange luminescence comes from what is known throughout much of the world as kaki (a Japanese word, pronounced ‘kah-kee’), a fruit we know as persimmon. ‘Persimmon’ is a variant...

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October Highlight: Pumpkins

Pumpkins in the US are widely recognized as the classic orange-skinned winter squash with orange flesh, often used for Halloween carving and pies. However, the term “pumpkin” encompasses a diverse array of squash varieties from around the world, boasting a range of shapes, colors, and sizes. While the typical pumpkins...

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fresh autumn pears with leaves, top view

September Highlight: Pears

Pears are among the world’s most captivating fruits, celebrated for their voluptuous contours and buttery texture. A perfectly ripe, luscious pear stands unrivaled as one of autumn’s sweetest pleasures. This ancient fruit even captured the admiration of the famous Greek poet Homer, who referred to pears as a “gift of...

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August Highlight: Tomatillos

Get ready to spice up your salsa with the zesty flavors of tomatillos! These little green gems are hitting their peak season at farmers markets, bringing a burst of tangy goodness to your kitchen. Dating back to the Aztecs, who cultivated them as far back as 800 BC in Mexico,...

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July Highlight: Stonefruit

Stone fruit season has finally arrived! The market booths are filled with sweet, juicy peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, pluots, and apriums. Did you know California grows about 90 percent of the nectarines and plums produced in the US and approximately 70 percent of all the peaches? A Bounty of Varieties...

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June Highlight: Olallieberries

It’s officially berry season on the central coast. Cane berries such as blackberries are a Northern California summer favorite, and among the most prized members of the blackberry family is the olallieberry. Despite its large, bumpy shape, the olallieberry’s sweet and tangy taste have garnered a near-fanatical following. The olallieberry...

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May Highlight: Rhubarb

Rhubarb falls into the ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ category, it seems. Those of us who love it eagerly anticipate its arrival in early spring and get out the recipes for galettes, pies, coffee cakes, muffins, and jam. Though rhubarb is generally associated with pie making, it’s quite versatile. Here are some surprising facts...

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April Highlight: Beets

In California, several varieties of beets are grown, each with its own unique flavor profile and culinary uses. Here are some common varieties and suggestions for how to use them: Red Beets: Red beets are perhaps the most common variety cultivated in California. They have a sweet, earthy flavor and...

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March Highlight: Cabbage

Throughout history, cabbage has played diverse roles beyond a mere culinary dish. From ancient Egyptian Pharaohs to renowned explorer Captain Cook, its uses have ranged from hangover cures to wound compresses. Despite the myth of babies sprouting from cabbage patches, this cruciferous vegetable remains a staple in many cuisines worldwide,...

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