Organic Cilantro, ROUTE 1 FARMS, Santa Cruz, CA

Cilantro leaves are the world's most widely used fresh herb. The seeds are known as coriander, and are frequently used in curries and baking. Chop and use the leaves only (not the stems) in stews, soups or as a colorful garnish. The distinct aroma fades quickly in hot food, so cilantro is best added at the end of cooking or used raw in salads or salsas.

To best keep cilantro, trim the ends and store upright in a glass with about ½ inch of water. Loosely cover with plastic and replace the water as needed. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Organic Redbor Kale, TANGO, San Jaun Bautista, CA

Redbor kale is a curly leaf kale variety that can be both ornamental and deliciously edible. With deep vibrant green and magenta leaves, redbor kale has a mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture. Redbor kale can be used in any recipe that calls for kale. Sauté after removing its tough ribs and stems, or add to soups or stews. Redbor kale is especially well suited to long-simmering.

Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods - an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, K, B6, and Calcium, plus rich in Dietary Fiber, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus. Store Kale only a few days in the refrigerator, lightly wrapped in damp towels. Use kale quickly; its bitter flavors develop the longer it is stored. Wash thoroughly before use to remove dirt and grit.

Organic Cauliflower, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA 

Cauliflower gets its name from the Latin "caulis" (cabbage) and flower. A member of the nutrition packed Brassica family (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, etc.) cauliflower is rich in fiber, folate, vitamin C, B vitamins and valuable cancer fighting phytochemicals. Most often a pretty creamy white color, it can also be found in shades of orange, purple, and green. Store cauliflower in a bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Organic Early Girl "Dry Farmed" Tomatoes, LIVE EARTH FARM, Watsonville, CA

Early Girl tomatoes are  frequently one of the first tomatoes on the market.  Developed as a hybrid complement to "Better "Boy" tomatoes, their short growing period makes them ideal for "Dry Farming."  Dry farming developed as a way to conserve water in drought prone growing regions.  After the plants are transplanted, they receive no additional irrigation other than rainwater.   This causes the roots to grow deep into the soil to seek water.  In years with less rain, yields are reduced, resulting in a deeply flavorful, concentrated and rich tomato. 

Dry farmed Early Girls have achieved cult status.  Alice Waters of Chez Panisse remarked that "one of the best tomatoes I've ever had was an Early Girl that was dry-farmed up in Napa at a friend's house."  The flavor will rival the best heirlooms. 

Store tomatoes in a cool dry place for up to 5 days.  Do not refrigerate.

Organic Cucumber, COKE FARMS, San Juan Bautista, CA

Although widely considered a vegetable, cucumbers are, strictly speaking, a fruit. In the same family as melons and squashes, cucumbers are the fourth most widely grown vegetable in the world (behind tomatoes, cabbage and onions.) Now grown on every continent except Antarctica, cucumbers were first cultivated in India nearly 3,000 years ago.

Low calorie, with a high water content, and rich in Vitamins K & C, raw cucumbers are a quick and crunchy addition to salads. Cucumbers are best stored tightly wrapped in plastic or foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If only part of a cucumber is used, wrap the remaining portion tightly to plastic to minimize moisture loss, and use within 1 day.

Both organically grown and conventionally grown cucumbers may be waxed. Peel the cucumber before use to avoid the wax; however, under organic regulations, only non-synthetic, chemical free waxes may be used on organically grown cucumbers.

Optional Additions:

Additional Fruit: Organic Kadota Figs, MAYWOOD FARM, Corning, CA

Vegetarian: Dozen Eggs, CLIFFORD FAMILY FARM, Provo, UT

Omnivore: Dozen Eggs, CLIFFORD FAMILY FARM, Provo, UT and Ground Beef, CANYON MEADOWS RANCH, Altamont, UT

Omnivore Plus: Dozen Eggs, CLIFFORD FAMILY FARM, Provo, UT and Flat Iron Steaks, CANYON MEADOWS RANCH, Altamont, UT

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.