Summer Tomatoes
Guy Clark had it right when he wrote his ode to this delicious fruit: “Only two things money can’t buy; that's true love and homegrown tomatoes.” Tomatoes are the most popular backyard crop in the US and one of the most anticipated late summer crops at the farmers markets. Whether you like heirlooms, cherry, striped, yellow, orange, red, burgundy, or purple skinned tomatoes — you'll find an astonishing selection the farmers markets.
Queen of the Summer Farmers Markets
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Let Grilling Season Begin! Barbecues – on the beach or in your backyard – once June arrives, alfresco dining is in. Round up your friends and family and fire up the grill. Whether you are grilling hamburgers, steaks, fish, lamb or veggies, we have a collection of marinade recipes that will make meals sizzle with flavor! Marinating meat serves as a meat tenderizer and flavor enhancer. Marinades start with an oil and acid, such as vinegar, citrus juice or wine... Summertime and the livin' is easy...
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Favorite Summer Desserts What better way to enjoy sweet, summer fruit? Ice cream is simple to make — just assemble your ingredients, chill and churn. Here are a few of our favorite ice cream recipes. Ice cream recipes include Chai, Peach, Banana Rum, Apricot Almond, Blueberry, Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Kefir, Lemon Kefir, Dark Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Bosenberry, Bing Cherry, Tangy Lemon, Sorbets and Gelatos, and many more. Ice cream is the quintessential summer dessert! Learn More
Peaches
Embrace the season's peak and savor the taste of summer with every bite of luscious, sun-kissed peaches from the Golden State. 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.
Queen of the Summer Farmers Markets
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Figs
California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They can be enjoyed fresh, straight off the tree, or used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. The history of California Mission figs can be traced back to the late 18th century when Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California as part of their mission to establish agricultural settlements.
AN ANCIENT FRUIT WITH MODERN APPEAL
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Watermelon
Did you know watermelon has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable? It's about 92% water, and is also low in calories and fat free. And all parts of the watermelon, including the rind and seeds, are edible!
A MELON WITH LOTS OF HEALTH BENEFITS
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Edible Paradise :: Seasonal Cooking
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!
You cannot miss the colorful dahlias this morning at Santa Rosa flowers—they are ✨spectacular!✨ There’s nothing quite like fresh flowers to freshen up the decor.
The Aptos Farmers Market is open today until noon.
You cannot miss the colorful dahlias this morning at Santa Rosa flowers—they are ✨spectacular!✨ There’s nothing quite like fresh flowers to freshen up the decor.
The Aptos Farmers Market is open today until noon.
Fresh chestnuts are available today at Minazzoli Farm’s booth at the Aptos Farmers Market! If you’ve never had these autumn treats, now’s the time to try them.
Here’s how to roast and peel them:
1️⃣ Score an X on the flat side of each chestnut.
2️⃣ Roast in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Let them cool slightly, then peel while they’re still warm for easy removal.
Enjoy them as a cozy snack or add them to your favorite holiday dishes! You can freeze them, too. Chestnuts are especially delicious in stuffing.
Fresh chestnuts are available today at Minazzoli Farm’s booth at the Aptos Farmers Market! If you’ve never had these autumn treats, now’s the time to try them.
Here’s how to roast and peel them:
1️⃣ Score an X on the flat side of each chestnut.
2️⃣ Roast in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Let them cool slightly, then peel while they’re still warm for easy removal.
Enjoy them as a cozy snack or add them to your favorite holiday dishes! You can freeze them, too. Chestnuts are especially delicious in stuffing.
Good morning from the Aptos Farmers Market! The first autumn pomegranates have arrived at the market from Schletewitz Family Farms. These ruby gems are not just gorgeous—they’re packed with flavor and antioxidants.
Here’s a quick tip on how to enjoy them:
1️⃣ Cut the top off and score the skin.
2️⃣ Submerge in water and gently pull the sections apart to release the seeds (no mess!).
3️⃣ Eat them fresh, toss them into salads, or sprinkle over yogurt and oatmeal for an extra pop of sweetness and crunch.
Good morning from the Aptos Farmers Market! The first autumn pomegranates have arrived at the market from Schletewitz Family Farms. These ruby gems are not just gorgeous—they’re packed with flavor and antioxidants.
Here’s a quick tip on how to enjoy them:
1️⃣ Cut the top off and score the skin.
2️⃣ Submerge in water and gently pull the sections apart to release the seeds (no mess!).
3️⃣ Eat them fresh, toss them into salads, or sprinkle over yogurt and oatmeal for an extra pop of sweetness and crunch.
Looking for a crunchy, refreshing snack? Stop by KT Farm’s booth at the Monterey Farmers Market and grab some fresh jicama.
Jicama has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crisp, refreshing texture similar to a pear or apple. Perfect for crunchy snacks, salads, tacos, or on its own with a sprinkle of lime and chili.
Looking for a crunchy, refreshing snack? Stop by KT Farm’s booth at the Monterey Farmers Market and grab some fresh jicama.
Jicama has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crisp, refreshing texture similar to a pear or apple. Perfect for crunchy snacks, salads, tacos, or on its own with a sprinkle of lime and chili.
Good (☀️sunny☀️) morning from the Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center!
This morning Rancho Padre has sweet ripe table grapes in addition to their cold pressed juices. Grapes make healthy addition to school lunches and are wonderful added to salads. However, during the hot late summer days, one of our favorite ways to enjoy them is frozen! Just pop a few washed and dried bunches in your freezer.
The farmers market is open until noon! There’s lots of free parking and easy access.
Good (☀️sunny☀️) morning from the Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center!
This morning Rancho Padre has sweet ripe table grapes in addition to their cold pressed juices. Grapes make healthy addition to school lunches and are wonderful added to salads. However, during the hot late summer days, one of our favorite ways to enjoy them is frozen! Just pop a few washed and dried bunches in your freezer.
The farmers market is open until noon! There’s lots of free parking and easy access.
Tomorrow the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation will be at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College selling raffle tickets for the upcoming Twilight Tapestry Gala in September. (See our previous post for details.) Every ticket purchase supports the Foundation’s mission to provide high-quality healthcare for everyone in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding areas.
A very special thank you to Ryan from Lavender Creek Company for donating this beautiful basket to support the cause! Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating items? Please contact the Foundation office at 831-761-5681.
Tomorrow the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation will be at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College selling raffle tickets for the upcoming Twilight Tapestry Gala in September. (See our previous post for details.) Every ticket purchase supports the Foundation’s mission to provide high-quality healthcare for everyone in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding areas.
A very special thank you to Ryan from Lavender Creek Company for donating this beautiful basket to support the cause! Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating items? Please contact the Foundation office at 831-761-5681.
Join the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets in supporting the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation at the Twilight Tapestry Gala! This special event will be held under the stars on the rooftop of the Watsonville Civic Plaza Center on September 21, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
As the inaugural gala, the Twilight Tapestry Gala promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and exceptional opportunities to support and enhance community health services. All proceeds will benefit the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation, helping them continue their mission to provide high-quality healthcare for everyone in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding areas.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event! Tickets are on sale now at @Eventbrite or through the foundation office at 831-761-5681.
Join the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets in supporting the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation at the Twilight Tapestry Gala! This special event will be held under the stars on the rooftop of the Watsonville Civic Plaza Center on September 21, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
As the inaugural gala, the Twilight Tapestry Gala promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and exceptional opportunities to support and enhance community health services. All proceeds will benefit the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation, helping them continue their mission to provide high-quality healthcare for everyone in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding areas.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event! Tickets are on sale now at @Eventbrite or through the foundation office at 831-761-5681.
Who doesn’t love stopping by Sweet Elena’s Bakery booth? Not only is it a visual delight to see all of the beautiful pastries, but they also taste as delicious as they look! You’ll find tarts, quiches, croissants (don’t miss the almond ones 😋), galettes made from local fruit, and of course, their signature artisan breads. Pick up some goodies for the long weekend ahead!
The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon today.
The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College will be open tomorrow from 8 until noon.
Who doesn’t love stopping by Sweet Elena’s Bakery booth? Not only is it a visual delight to see all of the beautiful pastries, but they also taste as delicious as they look! You’ll find tarts, quiches, croissants (don’t miss the almond ones 😋), galettes made from local fruit, and of course, their signature artisan breads. Pick up some goodies for the long weekend ahead!
The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon today.
The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College will be open tomorrow from 8 until noon.
Here are some things you don’t see at most farmers markets! We love the specialty vegetables grown by KT Farms! You’ll find jujubes, peanuts, and okra today at the Monterey Farmers Market.
Jujubes are small, sweet fruits, often referred to as “Chinese dates,” that can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various recipes for their chewy texture and mildly sweet flavor.
And here’s how to roast fresh peanuts!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Rinse the fresh peanuts and pat them dry.
- Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peanuts are golden brown and the skins are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool before eating.
Here are some things you don’t see at most farmers markets! We love the specialty vegetables grown by KT Farms! You’ll find jujubes, peanuts, and okra today at the Monterey Farmers Market.
Jujubes are small, sweet fruits, often referred to as “Chinese dates,” that can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various recipes for their chewy texture and mildly sweet flavor.
And here’s how to roast fresh peanuts!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Rinse the fresh peanuts and pat them dry.
- Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peanuts are golden brown and the skins are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool before eating.
Swing by Prevedelli Farms’ booth at the Monterey Farmers Market to pick up some of these Black Beauty heirloom tomatoes. These beauties aren’t just a feast for the eyes with their dark, almost black skin — they’re also bursting with a sweet, earthy taste that’s perfect for summer salads, salsas, tarts, and more!
The farmers market is open today until noon at the Del Monte Shopping Center.
Swing by Prevedelli Farms’ booth at the Monterey Farmers Market to pick up some of these Black Beauty heirloom tomatoes. These beauties aren’t just a feast for the eyes with their dark, almost black skin — they’re also bursting with a sweet, earthy taste that’s perfect for summer salads, salsas, tarts, and more!
The farmers market is open today until noon at the Del Monte Shopping Center.
Time for a little farmers market humor from Mora Family Farm! But, it’s no joke— a serious apple harvest has begun! Mora Family Farm has a huge selection of apples of many sought-after local varieties and heirlooms.
Did you know Watsonville was once considered the ‘apple capital’? In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Watsonville and the surrounding Pajaro Valley became a significant hub for apple production, particularly known for its high-quality apples like the Newtown Pippin. The region’s climate, with cool foggy mornings and warm afternoons, created ideal growing conditions for apples.
We are so lucky to have multigenerational small farms like Mora Family Farms continuing the tradition of growing the famous Watsonville apples.
Time for a little farmers market humor from Mora Family Farm! But, it’s no joke— a serious apple harvest has begun! Mora Family Farm has a huge selection of apples of many sought-after local varieties and heirlooms.
Did you know Watsonville was once considered the ‘apple capital’? In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Watsonville and the surrounding Pajaro Valley became a significant hub for apple production, particularly known for its high-quality apples like the Newtown Pippin. The region’s climate, with cool foggy mornings and warm afternoons, created ideal growing conditions for apples.
We are so lucky to have multigenerational small farms like Mora Family Farms continuing the tradition of growing the famous Watsonville apples.
Exciting find at the farmers market today — check out these unique finger limes from Prevedelli Farms. Known as “citrus caviar,” these tiny gems burst with flavor and add a zesty pop to any dish. Perfect for seafood, salads, cocktails, and more.
Finger limes are a unique type of citrus fruit native to Australia. They are small, elongated, and resemble tiny cucumbers or fingers, hence the name. Inside, they contain tiny, round juice filled ‘pearls’ that burst when bitten, releasing a tangy, citrusy flavor similar to a mix of lime and lemon with hints of grapefruit.
Exciting find at the farmers market today — check out these unique finger limes from Prevedelli Farms. Known as “citrus caviar,” these tiny gems burst with flavor and add a zesty pop to any dish. Perfect for seafood, salads, cocktails, and more.
Finger limes are a unique type of citrus fruit native to Australia. They are small, elongated, and resemble tiny cucumbers or fingers, hence the name. Inside, they contain tiny, round juice filled ‘pearls’ that burst when bitten, releasing a tangy, citrusy flavor similar to a mix of lime and lemon with hints of grapefruit.