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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Basket full of tart crabapples
Crabapples remind me of the “Lemon Tree” folk song by Peter, Paul, and Mary. For those too young to remember, the lyrics went — “Lemon tree, very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.”   The same could be said for crabapples. Sometimes called...
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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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Golden brown crusty sourdough bread loaf
Sourdough may be in the spotlight these days, but don’t be fooled — it’s no passing trend. This rustic, tangy loaf is one of the oldest bread traditions in the world. Long before store-bought yeast existed, bakers relied on “starters” made with wild yeast and friendly bacteria in the air and grain to leaven their...
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It’s officially fig season — and we couldn’t be happier. This salad combines the sweetness of fresh figs, the creamy richness of Gorgonzola, and the peppery kick of arugula, resulting in a stunning dish that will elevate any light lunch or summer gathering. With its easy preparation and make-ahead potential, it’s an ideal choice for...
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Gazpacho is the perfect way to celebrate late summer’s bounty of ripe, dry-farmed tomatoes, colorful peppers, cucumbers, and fresh herbs found in abundance at farmers’ markets. Originally from Spain’s Andalusia region, gazpacho was once a humble field soup, made by farm workers using what was on hand, a little olive oil, and no cooking at...
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The farmers market stalls are brimming with peppers, and each week the variety expands. Shoppers are greeted with baskets overflowing in shades of green, red, yellow, orange, and even deep purple. From sweet bell peppers to spicy chilies, this is peak pepper season—and the perfect time to bring home something new to try. Peppers are...
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There’s nothing like the crisp sweetness of locally grown apples — and Prevedelli Farms has one of the biggest selections around including heirlooms.

Now’s the perfect time to make apple butter, applesauce, or a batch of spiced apple chutney for the holidays. (Homemade gifts? yes, please! )

Find delicious, seasonal apple recipes on our companion site edibleparadise.com — your go-to source for local cooking inspiration.

What’s your favorite apple variety? Tell us in the comments! If you have a favorite apple recipe you’d to share for our website, please email akeller@montereybayfarmers.org. 

The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College is open until noon! 

#montereybayfarmersmarkets #prevedellifarms #appleseason #shoplocal #eatlocal #edibleparadise #farmfresh #homemadegifts #applerecipes #farmersmarketfinds #supportlocalfarms

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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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