A conversation with Joey Smith, founder of Let’s Go Farm in east Santa Rosa, is inspiring, in a very focused way. The young man--he is just 30--is passionate about both farming and gardening. “One of my goals,” he explains, “is to show people that they can grow a [...]
Nancy Skall of Middleton Farm grows what may be the best asparagus I’ve ever tasted. Stalks range from about the diameter of a chopstick to that of your big thumb and shoppers in the know reach for the fattest ones. The thinnest stalks are not, as many restaurant menus [...]
At 9 a.m. Saturday morning, the legendary cowbell will ring in the first Healdsburg farmers market of 2013. The opening of this market heralds the beginning of the abundant season, when we’re no longer gasping with delight at those first precious radishes and instead are racing to keep up with [...]
As days shorten and evenings turn cold, there’s a sense of dismay among those of us who eat seasonally: Summer fruit is over, we sigh. But not to worry, not yet. Gravensteins may be gone and peaches, plums and nectarines are winding down, but there are plenty of melons, grapes, [...]
For eight years, Jeff Russell has farmed in east Santa Rosa, on Rincon Valley land purchased decades ago by his great aunt. Today, fruit trees--including French prune plums--planted more than a hundred years ago and likely purchased directly from Luther Burbank are still productive. Russell chose Redwood Empire Farm as [...]
Call it Bloomfield 2.0, Bloomfield Reborn or the Return of Bloomfield: Bloomfield Farms is back. For fifteen years, the farm--eighty acres hidden in plain view near the intersection of Roblar and Valley Ford Roads in Bloomfield--thrived. Under the direction of Mike Collins, one of the world’s leading permaculture authorities, the [...]
As promised in today's Fresh From Our Farmers, which focuses on Dry Creek Peach & Produce and which you can read here, here are some of my favorite peach recipes from the Seasonal Pantry archives. If you have a favorite recipe using peaches, tell us about it in the comment section [...]
In today's Seasonal Pantry, which you can read here, I ask for your favorite ways to enjoy summer's bounty. What do you do with Gravenstein apples, other than eat them? Do you make pesto at home? What is your favorite way to enjoy summer tomatoes? Got a trick [...]
For a few short weeks in mid summer, Berkeley’s Chez Panisse, perhaps America’s most iconic restaurant, serves a single Arctic Gem white peach as its fruit plate. Occasionally, there may be a few berries alongside but more often it’s just an Arctic Gem and a knife. The peach [...]
For reasons that remain a mystery to me, only half of today's Seasonal Pantry, which you can read here, was published. Here's what is missing. Later today, I'll have photos from the July 11 water tasting so be sure to check back. Rethink Your Drink Waters There are [...]
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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.