StrawberriesKalemushroomsCabbageBeetsAsparagus 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 Learn More Healthy Kale Kale, the queen of the greens, is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with vitamin E (antioxidant), calcium, phytonutrients, and helps lower cholesterol — not only is it one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet, it tastes great in salads, braises, soups and even smoothies. Here are some tips for selecting, storing and prepping winter greens from our market chef.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
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Mushrooms What were once exotic are now commonplace — shiitakes, oysters, cremini, chanterelles, and Portobellos. The Monterey Bay area produces over 200 million pounds of mushrooms per year and is the second largest producer of mushrooms in the US and third in the world. Pennsylvania, where mushroom farming was pioneered, ranks first in the US for mushroom production.
Spore-Powered Superfood
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Cabbage While cabbage is available year round in our area, it’s especially appreciated in early spring for making homemade sauerkraut! It’s a great beginner’s project. Rich in probiotics, sauerkraut promotes gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria to the digestive system, aiding in digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption. TIME TO MAKE SAUERKRAUT Learn More Beets Both red and gold beets are abundant in essential nutrients that offer a myriad of health benefits. They are delicious roasted, steamed, or raw. Beets can be used in savory or sweet dishes lending their rich, earthy flavor to salads, soups, pickles, and vegetable medleys. Click on the link below for our favorite recipes! A VERSATILE VEGGIE PACKED WITH ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS Learn More Asparagus Without a doubt, asparagus is one of the harbingers of spring at the farmers’ markets. And these nutritious spears can be cooked in numerous ways — grilled, roasted, steamed, or sauteed. Add them to quiches, pasta or salads, or enjoy them as an appetizer.
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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!

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Halved fresh raw green finger lime caviar with sour pearls close up
Don’t you love discovering something new at the farmers’ markets? We do too. We especially enjoyed finding the unique citrus fruit called “finger limes” at Prevedelli Farms’ booth recently. Finger limes are at their peak season from late summer to early fall. Their versatility and unique texture make them a popular ingredient among chefs and...
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Roasting peppers brings out their natural sweetness and flavor, and makes them supple. Roast peppers over a direct flame on the stove or outside, or over coals on the grill, or in the oven under the broiler. What you will need: Peppers (however many you are roasting) Some olive oil or grapeseed oil A heat...
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Peppers have arrived at the farmers markets and the mix and varieties increase each week. Chilies and peppers are popular for several reasons, including their unique taste, versatility in cooking, health benefits, and cultural significance. Here are some more fun facts about peppers: Peppers were originally cultivated in Central and South America and have been...
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Who doesn’t appreciate the special joy of indulging in ripe, juicy, and flavorful tomatoes during the summer season? Summer tomatoes are highly anticipated by many food enthusiasts because they tend to be at their peak of sweetness and flavor. The warmth of the summer sun seems to infuse these tomatoes with an extra burst of...
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When it comes to cooking pastured or grass-fed meats, remember that these meats are leaner than the usual grocery store grain-fed meats, so you need to cook them a little differently. Grilling For grilling steaks, keep the degree of doneness to medium at the most, although I recommend medium-rare. Use a lower heat and check...
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Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill and enjoy deliciously marinated meats. A good marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with rich flavors, transforming your barbecue into a gourmet experience. The Science of Marinades Marinades typically consist of three key components: oil, acid, and flavor enhancers. The oil...
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