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!

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Husk cherries also known as ground cherries.
If you’ve wandered through our farmers markets and spotted little papery lanterns piled in baskets, you may have stumbled upon one of California’s most delightful late-summer gems: husk cherries, also known as ground cherries. Though not widely known, these small fruits are worth seeking out for their unique flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and charming...
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German Sweet and Sour Cabbage, or Apfelrotkohl, is a beloved side dish that captures the essence of hearty German cooking. Its vibrant red hue, tender texture, and perfect balance of tangy vinegar, sweet apples, and warm spices make it a standout on any table. Traditionally served during fall and winter, this dish is especially popular...
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Display of raw peanuts at KT Farm's farmers market booth.
California, long celebrated for its rich agricultural diversity, is quietly becoming a notable player in the peanut industry. While the state is better known for crops like almonds and pistachios, peanuts have found a thriving niche—especially in the Central Valley, where warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils create ideal growing conditions. Among the varieties...
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If you’ve ever wandered through a farmers market in late fall or winter, chances are you’ve spotted the kabocha squash — sometimes called the “Japanese pumpkin.” With its squat, round shape, deep green skin, and sunshine-bright flesh, this little powerhouse has a way of catching the eye. But it’s not just beautiful — it’s one...
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Quince is a fruit with stories to tell. Long before apples became the familiar symbol of temptation, quince was believed to be the real “forbidden fruit” of the Garden of Eden. In Greek mythology, it was linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and many believe the “golden apple” Paris gave her was actually a...
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Pear and blue cheese salad on porcelain plate on rustic wooden table, close-up. Pear salad made from green salad leaves, rocket salad, slices of fresh pears, pieces of blue cheese, walnuts and honey
When the days grow shorter and the evenings turn cool, this pear salad with a walnut vinaigrette becomes one of our fall favorites. Sweet, juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese come together in a classic combination, elevated by an aromatic walnut oil dressing. Walnut oil is a flavorful and heart-healthy alternative to olive...
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Have you met Clara from Clara’s Eggs Farms yet? 🐓 She’s one of our newest vendors at the market — bringing truly farm-fresh eggs from her flock of happy, free-range Rhode Island Red hens.

Fall baking is in full swing, and if you’ve never baked with super fresh eggs, you’re in for a treat — they make your cakes rise higher, your muffins richer, and your custards silkier. 

Stop by Clara’s Eggs Farms today, say hello, and pick up a dozen (or two!) for your weekend baking. Once you’ve baked with farm-fresh eggs, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #claraseggsfarm #freerangechickens #eggs #bakers

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Something special at Minazzoli Farms booth today!  Minazzoli Farms’ Early Sweet pomegranates are here — a rare variety with pale, rosy skins and juicy, sweet-tart arils. These early-season gems are bursting with flavor. 

Perfect for sprinkling over salads, blending into smoothies, or simply enjoying by the handful.

The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon at the Del Monte Shopping Center. 

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #minazzolifarms #pomegranates #supportfarmers

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Pears have arrived at the farmers markets!

You’ll find these beauties at Pinnacle’s booth today—perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy.

We love pears for their delightful flavor, buttery texture, and incredible versatility! Try them:
✨ Sliced into your favorite salads
✨ Roasted with a drizzle of honey, then topped with blue cheese or toasted walnuts
✨ Or simply enjoyed on their own for dessert!

For more delicious pear inspiration, visit our companion website edibleparadise.com — just type “pears” in the search box and voilà! A collection of seasonal recipes will pop right up. 👩‍🍳

The Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon — come shop, taste, and celebrate the best of fall! 🍂

#montereyfarmersmarket #delmonteshoppingcenter #pears #pinnacle #philfosterranch #edibleparadise

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Good morning from the Monterey Farmers Market!

It’s a chilly, crisp fall morning—perfect for a cozy market stroll and a little plant inspiration. 

First stop: Bay Area Orchids. Just look at this stunning color combination! While orchids may look exotic, they’re surprisingly easy to care for—and can reward you with blooms year after year.

Orchid Care Tips:
✅ Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is best.
✅ Water: Once a week—allow roots to dry slightly between waterings.
✅ Airflow: Keep in a well-ventilated spot.
✅ Temperature: Comfortable room temps (60–80°F).
✅  Fertilize: Use orchid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growth.

Pick up one (or two!) today—you might just find your new favorite houseplant! For an instant centerpiece, nestle 2 or 3 into a a low vessel like a soup tureen. (Line it first with a plastic bag to protect it if it’s a special piece.) Add a couple of small maidenhair fern plants, then loosely fill in any gaps and the tops of the pots with florist’s moss.

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✨ First of the Season! ✨

Red Garnet Sweet Potatoes have just arrived at Sea to Sky Farms! 🍠

These beauties are known for their rich orange flesh, naturally sweet flavor, and velvety texture. Perfect for roasting, mashing, or baking into cozy fall dishes. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants—making them as nourishing as they are delicious.

Swing by the Monterey market today or Aptos Farmers Market on Saturday and pick some up while they’re fresh from the fields! 

And don’t miss all of the new fall recipes at our companion site, Edible Paradise (link in bio). Go to the search box, type in ‘sweet potatoes’ and recipes will pop up! 

The Monterey Farmers Market is open today until noon—come by and see us! 

#montereyfarmersmarket #seatoskyfarms #sweetpotatoes #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket #shoplocal

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Warm, nourishing, and packed with goodness — that’s what you’ll find at Kitchen Table Cultures. They craft chicken and beef bone broths using only pastured, grass-fed proteins. You’ll also find nutrient-rich tallow and handmade soaps.

So, why is bone broth so special? Slow-simmered bone broth is naturally rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support healthy joints, digestion, skin, and immunity. It’s one of the oldest comfort foods — and one of the most beneficial. 

Whether you sip it by the mug, use it as a base for soups and stews, or add it to your favorite recipes, Kitchen Table Cultures makes it easy to bring wholesome nourishment to your table.

Find them today at the Aptos Farmers Market and stock up! We are open until noon. 

#aptosfarmersmarket #kitchentablecultures #bonebroth #grassfed #pastureraised #farmersmarketfinds #beefbroth #chickenbroth #organic

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One of the not-so-best-kept secrets at the market? La Marea of the Sea!

From fresh-shucked oysters to shrimp and fish tacos, their food is truly unmatched. And the magic doesn’t stop there — every taco starts with a handmade corn tortilla, pressed and cooked fresh to order.

Next time you’re feeling hungry at the Aptos Farmers Market, treat yourself (or grab lunch to go) at La Marea of the Sea. Simply the best! 

#aptosfarmersmarket #lamareaofthesea #freshseafood #fishtacos #shrimptacos  #oysters #farmersmarketfinds

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Brighten your home (and your cooking!) with Pacific Rare Nursery’s beautiful selection of potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, and herbs.

Herbs are one of the easiest (and most rewarding) things to grow — and having your own kitchen garden means fresh flavor at your fingertips. 🌱✨

Come discover your favorites today at the Aptos Farmers Market, open until noon. See you soon!

#aptosfarmersmarket #pacificrarenursery #freshflowers #kitchengarden #herbs #farmersmarketfinds #pottedplants #gardenerslife

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Have you tried Foustman’s Salami yet? This locally handmade salami is crafted with care, contains no nitrates, and comes in an incredible variety of flavors.

It’s one of our market favorites — perfect for cheeseboards, picnics, or tucked into your favorite sandwich. 

Find Foustman’s at the Aptos Farmers Market this Saturday, 8–12. Come taste what makes them so special!

#foustmanssalami #aptosfarmersmarket #supportlocal #farmersmarket #caterers #cheeseboard #partytime

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Lots of fresh-picked goodness from Cortez Farms! Each week you’ll find a gorgeous spread of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries…and yes, even sweet late summer corn.

Berry season won’t last much longer — so now’s the time to stock up! Freeze a few baskets for smoothies, baking, or whip up homemade jam to tuck away for holiday gifts. 

Find Cortez Farms at the Aptos Farmers Market, open until noon today. 

#aptosfarmersmarket #berries #cortezfarms #farmersmarketfinds

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