Dan and Alice Todd are 4th generation farmers with 11 acres of organic Bartlett green pears in Potter Valley in Mendocino County. In 2013 Dan’s oldest son Andy returned home to learn the craft of farming and continue the family’s legacy with his children. “If I could give one message to the consumer it would be buy quality fruit, don’t just buy because it’s pretty. I do think there is a distinct difference with pears and where they come from, and I think Mendocino Pears are pretty exceptional, “ says Dan Todd.

La Granjita or “The Little Organic Farm” is a small 2.5 acre farm run by Victor Cortez and Veronica Ceja in Hollister, CA. After 25 years in Mexico, they immigrated to Gonzales, California to form their family and in search of more opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Now harvesting Watermelon Gherkins, Anaheim, Jalapeno, Serrano, Green Bell Peppers and Mixed Medley Cherry Tomatoes.

Fresh dug fingerling new potatoes are now in season from Sunrise Organic Farm in Lompoc, California. New potatoes have not been cured, meaning that the skin is thin and delicate. New potatoes are often creamy and less starchy than more mature potatoes.  

Cape Gooseberries are full of seeds with a texture and flavor similar to a tomato but with a deeper flavor and a hint of tartness.

California is winding down on apricots as the Pacific Northwest starts up. Now harvesting out of the Yakima Valley, sweet Robada and White Lightning apricots.

For over 30 years Chris Cadwell from Tutti Frutti has specialized in beautiful streaked, striped and unique shaped heirloom tomatoes. Cherokee Purple, Vintage Wine, Brandywine and Persimmon are a few of the incredibly flavorful varieties grown.

California Lemons are very tight as the season winds down early and the Mexico crop won’t start up until late July. Variegated Pink Lemons are a great alternative and easy to spot by their vibrant green streaks against a bright yellow background. The pretty pink flesh gives a nice burst of tartness and has less seeds than a Eureka lemon.

Earl’s long relationship with Burkart begin over 20 years ago. Picked at optimum maturity with the highest sugar levels, Burkart stone fruit has outstanding flavor and is a real crowd pleaser! Richard Burkart grows high-quality organic stone fruit on 65 acres near Dinuba along the northern border of Tulare County about four hours south of San Francisco.

The California stone fruit season is off to an excellent start. Wonderfully sweet and juicy California peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums are now coming out of the Central San Joaquin Valley. Earl’s sells by the variety. Download Earl’s Stone Fruit Calendars and follow the flavor.