Author: Melissa Mayer

Bacon, Mexicola and Gwen Avocados, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoons, Baby Cauliflower, Celery Root, Cherimoyas, Citrus: Buddha’s Hand, Grapefruit, Meyer lemons, Mandarins, Kumquats (late winter), blood oranges, Pummelos, Tangelos, Dates, Dragon Fruit, Escarole, Fennel, Kale: Black, Peacock, Kohlrabies, Leeks, Mushrooms: Black Trumpet, Chanterelle, Oyster, Shitake, Nettles, Parsnips, Radicchio, Radishes, Sapotes, Sorrel, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Winter Squash

MARKET FORECAST: JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SEASON, MCGRATH FARMS HAS TAHITIAN SQUASH.  WINDROSE FARM HAS UNIQUE VARIETIES AS WELL, INCLUDING THE SWEET AND DELUXE MOROCCAN SQUASH!! RANCHO DEL SOL IS READY!  FIRST UP:  TANGELOS SO SWEET AND JUICY (YOU WILL WANT TO BE SOMEWHERE SAFE WHEN YOU BREAK INTO ONE….. NEXT UP:  15 PRIZED …

Eating is an agricultural act. We can eat only if land is farmed on our behalf by somebody, somewhere in some fashion.

“Food democracy has become the rallying cry of an emerging grassroots movement. Eating local is part of it. At the most basic level, though, food democracy requires a transformation of the food industry, so that workers and consumers can exercise control over what they produce and eat. As the Small Planet Institute defines it, Food democracy means the right of all to an essential of life–safe, nutritious food. It also suggests fair access to land to grow food and a fair return for those who labor to produce it. Food democracy concerns itself with the future as well: It implies economic rules that encourage communities to safeguard the soil, water, and wildlife on which all our lives and futures depend.”

HARVEST~ DEFINITION:  v.  The taking in of one’s crops.  n. the season when ripened crops are gathered. Autumn is the quintessential season that we pair the word harvest with.  The timing couldn’t be more perfect.  The trees are turning.  The air is cooling and the fields are the color of a season – a melody …

with an array of colors, sizes, flavors, shapes and names – baby bears, tigers, sugar pies and even cinderella, and the pomegranates are the gateway to a long season of holidays and festivities. These fruits stand out at the market and the table, their colors, textures and flavors so memorable and engaging, it is time to start indulging and honoring these autumn treasures now!!! What makes them even more valuable is that these fruits have all been grown and harvested sustainably, organically, biodynamically and in sync with Mother nature.

The beginning of fall has arrived and the summer is officially behind us. Pumpkins are shaping up and stone fruits are shipping out. Heirloom apples are filling baskets at the market, as are pears and soon, persimmons and winter squashes. The chile peppers are at their peak with several varieties tempting our palates eyes and mouths. Here are the newcomers to the market (each from heirlooms seeds) representing regions and quintessential to traditional and modern cuisines from around the world…