Organic Strawberries, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA
In peak sweet season from April to June, strawberries are considered a nutrient dense super fruit due to their high levels of Vitamin C, potent antioxidants, and potassium. While commonly enjoyed raw as a snack, sliced onto cereal, and in a multitude of desserts, strawberries may also add sweetness and acidity to salads and are perfect in smoothies. Store strawberries unwashed in the fridge for up to two to three days.
Strawberries are thought to be so named as, after picking, they were stored in straw lined baskets.
Organic Chioggia Beets, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA
Striking and beautiful, Chioggia beets hold a surprise inside. With fuchsia pink skin outside, when sliced Chioggias reveal gorgeous concentric circles of white and hot pink. Named for the Italian coastal city of their origin, Chioggias are an heirloom variety, brought to the US by Italian farmers in the 1860's. Slightly sweeter than their purple cousins, Chioggias beet roots are full of fiber, iron, B vitamins, and potassium, and their healthy greens rich in Vitamin C. To store, remove beet greens right away, wrap loosely in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator. Use the greens as soon as possible. Beet roots should be stored in a bag in the refrigerator and keep for more than 1 week.
Organic Italian Parsley, JJM, Watsonville, CA
Available year-round, Italian parsley (also known as flat leaf parsley) is a member of the Apiaceae group of herbs, renowned for their fresh fragrance and wide variety of uses. Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, parsley is now grown throughout the Northern hemisphere. Rich in flavorful oils, parsley imparts peppery, lively, fresh nuances to soups, raw and cooked sauces, and is a staple of traditional Italian cooking. Store loosely wrapped in the fridge for several days. If parsley becomes limp, snip off the ends and rehydrate in cool water.
Organic Red Butter Lettuce, PRIMAVERA, Vista, CA
Butter lettuce has a smooth buttery flavor with small notes of bitterness, and a tender texture. It pairs best with light and crisp vinaigrettes, as well as sweet fruit, cottage cheese or seafood, and works perfectly for lettuce wraps. Red Butter Lettuce is rich in calcium, iron, plus vitamins A and C. Store lettuce in the colder section of your fridge. Wrap in a plastic bag and use within 3 - 4 days.
Organic Rainbow Chard, BONPACK, Chowchilla, CA
While all chard leaves are green, the stems and ribs can vary from pale white to bright orange to fuchsia or deep red. Chard was given the name "Swiss Chard" to distinguish it from several varieties of spinach in early French seed catalogues. Considered to be one of the more healthful and nutrient dense vegetables, chard is ideal for steaming or sautéing, or added to soups or pastas. The crisp stems should be removed and cooked separately. In season in late spring and early winter, chard is rich in Vitamins A, C & K plus fiber, iron and protein. Wrap loosely in damp towels and store for two to three days in the refrigerator.
Optional Additions:
Vegetarian: Farmhouse Gouda, Rockhill Creamery, Richmond, UT
Omni: Farmhouse Gouda, Rockhill Creamery, Richmond, UT & Cube Steak, Canyon Meadows Ranch, Altamont, UT
Omni Plus: Farmhouse Gouda, Rockhill Creamery, Richmond, UT & Skirt Steak, Canyon Meadows Ranch, Altamont, UT
Extra Fruit: Meyer Lemons, Cunningham Citrus, So. California
Organic certification is provided by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).CCOF has been helping to create and maintain extremely high standards in organic farming since 1973.
