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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Cornbread is an all-American bread, tracing its humble roots back to the days of the early settlers. When the first colonists arrived in North America, wheat flour was unavailable and they had to turn to local resources to make their bread. Corn was one of the first crops to be grown by the Native Americans,...
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The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College has launched a new Cookbook Exchange program. While the “leave-a-book, take-a-book” concept is nothing new (in fact, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie is credited with the concept of a book exchange movement at the turn of the last century), we hope that our Cookbook Exchange will serve as a place...
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I was a latecomer to the galette. Not quite a pie, and not quite a tart, this open-face pastry consists of a pie crust pastry, a layer of fruit, with the edges of the crust folded roughly around the filling. As a classically trained pastry chef, it didn’t appeal to my sensibilities. I’m convinced most...
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Fresh jujubes (pronounced joo-joob) are stone fruits about the size of small dates with a spongy texture and mild apple flavor. The taste ranges from mildly sweet-tart to sweet. Under-ripe fruit can taste chalky or floury, but jujubes gradually become sweeter as they mature. Despite their thick skin, the skin is edible, albeit a bit...
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Gazpacho immediately comes to mind when the late summer harvests of ripe dry-farmed tomatoes, colorful peppers, and herbs are available in an abundance farmers’ markets. Originally a popular soup from the Andalusia region of Spain, ‘gazpacho’ has become a generic term for any cold soup served cold that has a vegetable or fruit base.  My...
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Seafood lovers rejoice! May 1 is the official opening day for local Wild King Salmon from our beautiful Monterey Bay! H & H Fresh Fish Company also has bigeye tuna, opah, king salmon, rockfish, swordfish, yellowtail, petrale sole, scallops, rock crab claws, mussels, and prawns. This year, H & H Fresh Fish Company will be...
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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. 

🧡🍁Happy first day of Fall!🍁🧡

#aptosfarmersmarket #aptosia #santarosaflowers #cabrillocollege #dahlias #fallflowers #floraldecor #decor

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.

🧡🍁Happy first day of Fall!🍁🧡

#aptosfarmersmarket #aptosia #santarosaflowers #cabrillocollege #dahlias #fallflowers #floraldecor #decor
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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. 

#chestnuts #AptosFarmersMarket #autumnvibes #fallflavor #minazzolifarms #farmersmarket

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.

#chestnuts #AptosFarmersMarket #autumnvibes #fallflavor #minazzolifarms #farmersmarket
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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.

#aptosfarmersmarket #fallflavors #cabrillocollege #Pomegranates #farmersmarket  #healthyeating  #supportlocal

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.

#aptosfarmersmarket #fallflavors #cabrillocollege #Pomegranates #farmersmarket #healthyeating #supportlocal
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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. 

Montereyfarmersmarket #monterey #KTFarms #jicama #healthysnacks #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket

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.

Montereyfarmersmarket #monterey #KTFarms #jicama #healthysnacks #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket
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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. 

#monterey #montereyfarmersmarket #ranchopadre #tablegrapes #grapes #healthysnacks #snacks

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.

#monterey #montereyfarmersmarket #ranchopadre #tablegrapes #grapes #healthysnacks #snacks
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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. 

#communitysupport #watsonvillechf #aptosfarmersmarket #lavendercreekcompany #communityhealth #fundraisingevent

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.

#communitysupport #watsonvillechf #aptosfarmersmarket #lavendercreekcompany #communityhealth #fundraisingevent
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🌟A NOTE FROM CATHERINE BARR🌟

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.

#TwilightTapestryGala #SupportLocalHealth #WatsonvilleCommunityHospital
#MontereyBayCertifiedFarmersMarkets #CommunityHealth #PajaroValley
#FundraiserEvent #HealthcareForAll #GalaUnderTheStars #CharityEvent
#SupportingOurCommunity #HealthcareHeroes

🌟A NOTE FROM CATHERINE BARR🌟

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.

#TwilightTapestryGala #SupportLocalHealth #WatsonvilleCommunityHospital
#MontereyBayCertifiedFarmersMarkets #CommunityHealth #PajaroValley
#FundraiserEvent #HealthcareForAll #GalaUnderTheStars #CharityEvent
#SupportingOurCommunity #HealthcareHeroes
...

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. 

#labordayweekend #montereyfarmersmarket #sweetelenasbakeryandcafe #sweetelenas #bakedgoods #croissant  #galettes #artisanbread

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.

#labordayweekend #montereyfarmersmarket #sweetelenasbakeryandcafe #sweetelenas #bakedgoods #croissant #galettes #artisanbread
...

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.

#montereyfarmersmarkets #jujubes #peanuts #okra #smallfarms #specialtycrops #californiagrown #ktfarms #howtoroastpeanuts

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.

#montereyfarmersmarkets #jujubes #peanuts #okra #smallfarms #specialtycrops #californiagrown #ktfarms #howtoroastpeanuts
...

Good morning! 

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. 

#FarmToTable #HeirloomTomatoes #MontereyFarmersMarket #SupportLocalFarms #EatFresh #PrevedelliFarms #DelMonteShoppingCenter #blackbeautytomatoes

Good morning!

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.

#FarmToTable #HeirloomTomatoes #MontereyFarmersMarket #SupportLocalFarms #EatFresh #PrevedelliFarms #DelMonteShoppingCenter #blackbeautytomatoes
...

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. 

#morafamilyfarm #montereyfarmersmarket #monterey #apples #watsonvilleapples #applepie #baking #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket

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.

#morafamilyfarm #montereyfarmersmarket #monterey #apples #watsonvilleapples #applepie #baking #delmonteshoppingcenter #farmersmarket
...

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.

#fingerlimes #farmersmarket #monterey #montereyfarmersmarket #montereychefs #marketfind #prevedellifarms #citruscaviar

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.

#fingerlimes #farmersmarket #monterey #montereyfarmersmarket #montereychefs #marketfind #prevedellifarms #citruscaviar
...