PEARS
There are over 3,000 pear varieties cultivated worldwide, with popular favorites like Bartlett, Warren, Bosc, and Anjou leading the pack. Pears are extremely versatile fruits, equally delicious eaten out-of-hand or sliced and served as an appetizer with your favorite cheese. Here's a pear guide to help you select the pears you like best. SWEET PLEASURES OF AUTUMN
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QUINCE While fresh quince can sometimes be challenging to find, it is worth the effort. Quince makes flavorful marmalades, jams, and jellies without having to use pectin, owing to its abundant natural pectin content. Click the link below for our favorite quince recipes! A HIDDEN GEM OF FALL Learn More Sweet Potato or Yam? If you’re a little confused about the differences between yams and sweet potatoes, you’re not alone. Many of us think about fluffy, soft orange yams topped with marshmallows served at Thanksgiving — but chances are, you have never tasted a true yam. What we call 'yams' are in fact sweet potatoes. And sweet potatoes are not potatoes. But many stores use the terms ‘yams’ and ‘sweet potatoes’ interchangeably to describe these tubers. Why?
Tuber tutorial — here’s what you need to know!
Learn More
Winter Squash The Fall farmers market is full of colorful displays of many varieties of winter squash in all shapes and sizes — from familiar pumpkins and butternut squash to more exotic items like turban and kabocha squash. Our market chef, Andrew Cohen, shares his tips for selecting the best winter squash.
Fall Harkens Arrival of Winter Squash
Learn More
Homemade Apple Pie
The Pajaro Valley, once known as the apple capital of the US, still produces a huge variety of flavorful, heirloom apples. One “secret” our best pie bakers shared is to use a couple of varieties in a pie, such as a combination of Jonagold and Mutsu apples. If you’re looking for a great pie recipe or need a fool-proof pie crust, here’s our best apple pie recipe collection!
Nothing Says “Home” Like Apple Pie
Learn More
FIGS California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They can be enjoyed fresh, straight off the tree, or used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. The history of California Mission figs can be traced back to the late 18th century when Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California as part of their mission to establish agricultural settlements. AN ANCIENT FRUIT WITH MODERN APPEAL Learn More PEARS
There are over 3,000 pear varieties cultivated worldwide, with popular favorites like Bartlett, Warren, Bosc, and Anjou leading the pack. Pears are extremely versatile fruits, equally delicious eaten out-of-hand or sliced and served as an appetizer with your favorite cheese. Here's a pear guide to help you select the pears you like best. SWEET PLEASURES OF AUTUMN
Learn More

PEARS
There are over 3,000 pear varieties cultivated worldwide, with popular favorites like Bartlett, Warren, Bosc, and Anjou leading the pack. Pears are extremely versatile fruits, equally delicious eaten out-of-hand or sliced and served as an appetizer with your favorite cheese. Here's a pear guide to help you select the pears you like best. SWEET PLEASURES OF AUTUMN
Learn More
QUINCE While fresh quince can sometimes be challenging to find, it is worth the effort. Quince makes flavorful marmalades, jams, and jellies without having to use pectin, owing to its abundant natural pectin content. Click the link below for our favorite quince recipes! A HIDDEN GEM OF FALL Learn More Sweet Potato or Yam? If you’re a little confused about the differences between yams and sweet potatoes, you’re not alone. Many of us think about fluffy, soft orange yams topped with marshmallows served at Thanksgiving — but chances are, you have never tasted a true yam. What we call 'yams' are in fact sweet potatoes. And sweet potatoes are not potatoes. But many stores use the terms ‘yams’ and ‘sweet potatoes’ interchangeably to describe these tubers. Why?
Tuber tutorial — here’s what you need to know!
Learn More
Winter Squash The Fall farmers market is full of colorful displays of many varieties of winter squash in all shapes and sizes — from familiar pumpkins and butternut squash to more exotic items like turban and kabocha squash. Our market chef, Andrew Cohen, shares his tips for selecting the best winter squash.
Fall Harkens Arrival of Winter Squash
Learn More
Homemade Apple Pie
The Pajaro Valley, once known as the apple capital of the US, still produces a huge variety of flavorful, heirloom apples. One “secret” our best pie bakers shared is to use a couple of varieties in a pie, such as a combination of Jonagold and Mutsu apples. If you’re looking for a great pie recipe or need a fool-proof pie crust, here’s our best apple pie recipe collection!
Nothing Says “Home” Like Apple Pie
Learn More
FIGS California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They can be enjoyed fresh, straight off the tree, or used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. The history of California Mission figs can be traced back to the late 18th century when Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California as part of their mission to establish agricultural settlements. AN ANCIENT FRUIT WITH MODERN APPEAL Learn More SEASONAL TOMATOES California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They can be enjoyed fresh, straight off the tree, or used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. The history of California Mission figs can be traced back to the late 18th century when Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California as part of their mission to establish agricultural settlements. QUEEN OF THE MARKETS Learn More

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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Pot of bean and vegetable soup sitting on counter
There’s something reassuring about a pot of beans simmering on the stove. An onion softens, garlic warms in a little oil, and the kitchen begins to smell like dinner. Add a few vegetables, some herbs, perhaps a handful of pasta or a ham bone saved from another meal, and a humble bag of dried beans...
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Homemade pumpkin puree
Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking? Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking. Choose “pie” or "sugar" pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they're perfect for pies, muffins,...
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Choosing the best pumpkins for making pie
A beautiful pumpkin pie begins long before the cinnamon comes out of the cupboard. It starts with choosing the right pumpkin—and that isn’t usually the big orange one the children have picked for carving. Those Halloween pumpkins have an important job, but making a rich, silky pie filling generally isn’t their specialty. For baking, you...
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Late summer tomatoes at Borba Family Farms stand at Aptos Farmers Market.
Autumn may be filling the farmers market with apples, persimmons, and winter squash, but don’t pass by the tomatoes just yet. Our farmers still have loads of beautiful field-grown, sun-ripened tomatoes—and there’s time to put some away for winter. Look for tomatoes from Pinnacle Organic, Spade & Plow Organics, KT Farms, Borba Family Farms, Munak...
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Freezing pies for the holidays.
With fresh fruit at the farmers market and time to enjoy the process, now is a lovely moment to put a homemade pie or two in the freezer. There’s something about autumn that brings us back to baking. Perhaps it’s the cooler mornings, the apples piled high at the farmers market, or simply the thought...
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Preparing chestnuts for roasting in oven.
There’s something wonderfully inviting about the aroma of roasting chestnuts. Gently sweet and earthy, with a tender, almost potato-like texture, they’re a seasonal pleasure worth slowing down for. Serve them warm on a chilly evening, or set some aside for holiday stuffing, creamy soups, and rich winter braises. You don’t need an open fire to...
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Just in time for holiday baking, the new crop of walnuts has arrived at Minazzoli Farm!

There’s nothing quite like freshly harvested California walnuts — rich, buttery, and deliciously crunchy! Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving pie, baking holiday cookies, making homemade granola, or simply enjoying a handful as a snack, fresh walnuts are a wonderful pantry staple.

And with holiday baking season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up! Walnuts freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy that fresh-from-the-farm flavor for months to come.

Find Minazzoli Farm today at the Monterey Farmers Market at Del Monte Shopping Center!

#MontereyFarmersMarket #MinazzoliFarm #CaliforniaWalnuts #WalnutHarvest #HolidayBaking

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🐄 There’s always something wonderful to discover at Schoch Family Farmstead!

Best known for their delicious raw milk, artisan cheeses, yogurt, and butter, this local family dairy has expanded its offerings to include farm-raised meat, traditional beef tallow, and handcrafted tallow skin balm!

Beef Tallow: Rendered from the prized fat surrounding the kidneys (known as suet), this traditional cooking fat is especially valued for its purity and quality. With its high smoke point, beef tallow is wonderful for roasting potatoes, sautéing vegetables, and creating beautifully crisp, golden fried foods.

Tallow Skin Balm: Here’s an old-fashioned farmstead product making a comeback! Made with rendered beef tallow, jojoba oil, and essential oils, this rich, nourishing balm helps soften and moisturize dry skin. It’s a lovely example of how traditional farm ingredients can find new uses beyond the kitchen.

We love seeing local farms embrace the old-fashioned wisdom of making good use of everything they produce.

📍 Monterey Farmers Market
Del Monte Shopping Center
🗓 Friday | 8 AM – 12 PM

#MontereyFarmersMarket #SchochFamilyFarmstead #BeefTallow #TallowBalm #FarmsteadProducts

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Have you ever tasted a cherry guava?

These colorful little fruits from Borba Family Farms might be one of the sweetest discoveries at the Monterey Farmers Market today!

Available in two beautiful colors, cherry guavas are small, fragrant tropical fruits with a delicious sweet-tart flavor.

❤️ Red cherry guavas, also known as strawberry guavas, have a lovely fruity flavor with hints of strawberry and tropical guava.

💛 Yellow cherry guavas, often called lemon guavas, have a bright, aromatic flavor with a refreshing citrusy note.

How do you eat them? Just rinse and enjoy! The thin skins are edible, and the juicy flesh is filled with small seeds. They’re also wonderful for making homemade jam, jelly, fruit sauces, and refreshing drinks.

If you’ve never tried cherry guavas, here’s your chance to discover something new!

Stop by Borba Family Farms at the Monterey Farmers Market at Del Monte Shopping Center and bring home a basket of these colorful seasonal treats.

The farmers market is open until noon. See you soon!

#MontereyFarmersMarket #BorbaFamilyFarms #CherryGuava #StrawberryGuava #LemonGuava

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🍎 Crunch time at the Aptos Farmers Market! 🍏

Which apple gets YOUR vote?

Sam Lathrop of Prevedelli Farms is serving up a delicious apple tasting at the market this morning! From sweet and juicy to crisp and tart, there’s a whole world of apple flavors to discover.

🍎 Pink Lady? Golden Russet? Heirlooms? Or perhaps a new favorite you’ve never tried?

Stop by, say hello to Sam, sample a few varieties, and discover which apples deserve a place in your market basket this week!

Warning: You may come for one apple and leave with a bagful! 

#AptosFarmersMarket #PrevedelliFarms #AppleSeason #AppleTasting #WatsonvilleApples

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Tomato season isn’t quite over yet! Just look at these crates of gorgeous, sun-ripened organic tomatoes at Pinnacle this morning! From juicy, flavorful heirlooms to meaty Roma tomatoes, there’s still time to enjoy one of summer’s greatest gifts.

And here’s a thought: Why not save a little summer for winter?

🍅 Roast a batch of tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, then freeze for easy winter soups and sauces.

🍅 Turn those beautiful Romas into rich tomato sauce to freeze or safely can for your pantry.

🍅 Freeze ripe tomatoes for future stews, braises, and hearty winter meals.

There’s nothing quite like opening a jar of homemade tomato sauce on a chilly January evening and remembering the flavors of summer!

🍂 Need a little inspiration? Visit Edible Paradise for seasonal recipes, preserving ideas, and kitchen wisdom to help you make the most of the harvest.

www.edibleparadise.com — link in bio!

Monterey Farmers Market is open until noon. 

#MontereyFarmersMarket #philfosterranch #HeirloomTomatoes #RomaTomatoes #preservingtheharvest

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Fresh, crisp, and ready for dinner!

Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the best meals! These gorgeous, freshly harvested organic green beans from Prevedelli Farms are tender, crisp, and full of flavor.

For an easy fall side dish, toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt, then roast until lightly caramelized. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon, toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Delicious!

🍂 Looking for more seasonal cooking inspiration? We’ve been adding delicious new fall recipes, kitchen tips, and make-ahead ideas to Edible Paradise. From cozy autumn dinners to holiday baking, there’s plenty to explore!

Find your next favorite recipe at www.edibleparadise.com — link in bio!

Find Prevedelli Farms today at the Monterey Farmers Market, Del Monte Shopping Center.

#MontereyFarmersMarket #PrevedelliFarms #OrganicGreenBeans #EatSeasonally #EdibleParadise

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Good morning from the Monterey Farmers Market!

Looking for a beautiful way to brighten your home? Cymbidium orchids are blooming at Bay Area Orchids at the Monterey Farmers Market!

With their graceful sprays of exquisite flowers, cymbidiums add an elegant touch to any room. And here’s the best part: They’re easier to care for than you might think! Their spectacular blooms can last six to eight weeks—or even longer—with proper care.

A Few Simple Orchid Care Tips:

1️⃣ Bright, indirect light: Give them plenty of natural light, but protect the flowers from strong afternoon sun.

2️⃣ Water wisely: Water thoroughly when the potting mix begins to dry slightly. Never let the pot sit in standing water.

3️⃣ Keep them cool: Cymbidiums love cool, bright conditions, especially at night. Keep blooming plants away from heating vents.

Enjoy the show! With a little attention, these beauties can reward you with gorgeous blooms year after year.

Stop by Bay Area Orchids at the Monterey Farmers Market and discover how easy it is to bring a little orchid elegance home!

#MontereyFarmersMarket #BayAreaOrchids #CymbidiumOrchids #OrchidLovers #OrchidCare

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🍎 Think all apples taste alike? One bite may change your mind!

Join us THIS SATURDAY at the Aptos Farmers Market for a guided apple tasting with Prevedelli Farms! Taste locally grown organic apples side by side—from crisp and honey-sweet to bright, tart, and wonderfully aromatic—and discover a new favorite.

Meet Sam Lathrop, hear stories from the family’s more than 80 years of farming in the Pajaro Valley, and explore unusual and heirloom varieties you seldom find in supermarkets. Bring your apple questions, too! Sam will share tips for choosing apples for snacking, baking, and making an exceptional apple pie.

Aptos Farmers Market · Event booth
Saturday, October 17, 9:30 am

Come taste your way through apple season—and bring a friend!

#AptosFarmersMarket #MontereyBayCertifiedFarmersMarkets #PrevedelliFarms #AppleTasting #AppleSeason

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Good morning from the Aptos Farmers Market! 🌞

What’s your favorite way to start your Saturday morning shopping? For us, it’s a quick stop at Sweet Elena’s Bakery for a buttery almond croissant 🫣🥐 and a cup of hot coffee!

Sweet Elena’s has all kinds of tempting morning pastries, along with savory quiches, beautiful pies and tarts, cookies, and plenty of other treats to take home for the weekend.

Then it’s time to fill your market bag with fresh fall produce, flowers, and all the good things our farmers and food artisans have brought to market this morning.

The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College is open until noon. Come enjoy this beautiful Saturday morning with us! 

#AptosFarmersMarket  #FarmersMarket #ShopLocal #SweetElenasBakery #SaturdayMorning

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