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Strawberries

Strawberries are the harbinger of spring — they usually the first fruit to ripen in spring. Strawberries are grown in every state in the U.S., but California grows over 75% of the commercial strawberries in the U.S. Strawberries are packed with nutrients and make a healthy snack, a delightful addition to salads, or healthy desserts.

First Fruit of Spring

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Strawberries

Kale

mushrooms

Cabbage

Beets

Asparagus

Edible Paradise celebrates the year-round abundance of the highest quality, freshest food grown on the Central Coast by our family farmers at the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. If you enjoy preparing and eating locally grown food, this blog is for you!

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Mushrooms — Monterey Bay’s Culinary Treasure

Did you know that Monterey Bay is the second-largest mushroom producer in the U.S. and third in the world? Pennsylvania leads U.S. production, pioneering mushroom farming techniques that even influenced China, now the global leader in shiitake production. A World of Varieties Mushrooms once considered exotic—like shiitakes, enoki, lion’s mane, oysters, cremini, chanterelles, and portobellos—are...

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Meyer Lemons — A California Favorite

The Meyer lemon owes its presence in the U.S. to a USDA agricultural explorer named Frank Meyer, who discovered it in 1908 during one of his expeditions to Asia to collect new plant species. Among the 2,500 plants he introduced to the U.S. was the unusual thin-skinned, lemon-mandarin orange cross, which became the Meyer lemon,...

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Gifts From Your Kitchen

Looking for unique holiday gift ideas for friends and family? You might not need to look any further than your pantry to make gifts from your kitchen! Right now, farmers’ markets are brimming with seasonal goodies like dried fruits and nuts—perfect for creating delectable homemade treats. Late fall fruits like apples and persimmons are ideal...

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How to Make Hot Honey

Transform your dishes with this simple yet irresistible hot honey recipe! Perfectly balancing sweet and spicy, this versatile condiment enhances everything from appetizers to fried chicken, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and cornbread. It even adds a delightful kick to tea or cocktails—and makes a thoughtful holiday gift for food-loving friends and family. Thanks to our...

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Our Thanksgiving Planning Guide: Recipes, Tips, and Ready-Made Delights for a Memorable Feast

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share gratitude, and indulge in a memorable feast. Whether you’re planning a classic Thanksgiving spread for family or a cozy Friendsgiving with close friends, our farmers market has everything you need to make it memorable. From seasonal favorites like apple and pecan pies (including a gluten-free pie crust option)...

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Freshly harvested root vegetables, including turnips and rutabagas, placed on a rustic wooden cutting board in a cozy kitchen setting.

Turnips vs. Rutabagas: What’s the Difference?

At the farmers market, you might see turnips and rutabagas side by side, and it’s easy to mistake one for the other. Both root vegetables belong to the Brassica family, making them cousins to cabbages and Brussels sprouts. However, turnips and rutabagas have their own unique flavors, textures, and culinary uses that make them worth...

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