The Patch is back! And how perfect that the Sonoma farm's reappearance coincided with the solstice and the first day of summer. The Patch has two large fig trees, already bearing beautiful fruit. It's a tad later than usual; we typically see The Patch in mid spring, with [...]
“Are you still buying tomatoes?” a customer asked me at the Sebastopol farmers market on Sunday. She wanted to know if they were still good enough for salads and because I had not finished my shopping yet and tomatoes are, at this time of year, a moment-to-moment consideration, suggested she [...]
For years, The Patch has been the first local farm with tomatoes. Lazaro Calderon’s booths at local farmers markets appear sometime in April, when he has some of the best-tasting Nantes carrots around, and the race is on. By mid-May, customers are asking when he expects to have the first [...]
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Have trouble remembering what’s in season when? Looking for a favorite recipe from the Seasonal Pantry or Pairing archives? Michele Anna Jordan, Press Democrat columnist, chef, teacher and author of almost 20 books, draws from 17 years of columns and articles for seasonal suggestions, recipes and menus and tips on exactly where to get the finest local foods at their peak moment. And, yes, she takes requests. Just name the dish or even a few of the ingredients and, like magic, you’ll find the recipe here in no time. Any questions related to ingredients, cooking, nutrition and eating are welcome.