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Love fresh produce? FresYes Realty is now a pickup location for Ooooby Fresno

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FresYes Realty

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We’ve got amazing news! You can now swing by FresYes Realty to grab your Ooooby box on Tuesdays between 12-6 p.m.!

What exactly is Ooooby Fresno? Put simply, it’s fresh, seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables delivered to your neighborhood. How it works is, you choose the size of box you want, place your weekly (or every other week) order, then pick it up at your delivery site—which can now be the FresYes office located at 7785 N. Palm Ave. #109!

ooooby fresno pickup

Photo: Ooooby Fresno

Farmers Market delivered to you

Ooooby is basically like having a farmers market delivered to you. It’s perfect for those who just can’t find the time to wander the markets every week. 

Each box features a certain amount of fruits and vegetables. Prior to delivery, you’ll receive an email letting you know what’s in your box that week (to see what’s currently in the boxes, click here.) You’ll also receive recipes and info about where exactly your produce was grown.

Sounds great, right? To learn more about Ooooby Fresno and what community-supported agriculture is all about, read this. And click here to get started on ordering your Ooooby Fresno delivery today!

Special deal just for you

For a FREE introductory box, use code FRESYESORGANIC when you sign up for Ooooby Fresno.

Corn expected to arrive this week at Fresno State

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

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[Update 6/6: Fresno State has announced the corn will definitely be available beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, June 8!]

Word on the street is Fresno State corn will be going on sale this week at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market.

I talked to folks at the university and they tell me they anticipate Friday, June 8, will be the big day. An official press release is expected to go out soon. Keep an eye out on the Farm Market Facebook page for updates.

Fresno State says the farm market will open early at 7 a.m. for the first day of corn sales. Usually a line of folks starts gathering before the doors even open. The student-run market is located at 5368 N. Chestnut, between Barstow and Shaw.

Fresno State corn

Fresno State sweet corn is expected to go on sale this Friday. [Photo: Geoff Thurner]

An increase in price

The traditional yellow and white varieties of corn will cost .50 cents an ear this year. That’s up from .40 cents per ear in 2017.

The sweet corn is the market’s most popular product and usually sells out daily, especially on opening day. Last year, 38,586 ears of corn were sold the first day—a record high.

David Sieperda, the campus farm manager, said, “This is a time of year that we all look forward to at the Gibson Farm Market. Our vegetable crop unit takes great pride in carefully growing Fresno State sweet corn and exposing our student works to the daily aspects of crop management, which is a key part of our university’s mission.”

Proceeds from the Gibson Farm Market sales go toward students and programs. In addition to corn, the market sells other student-produced products, like wine, meat, ice cream, nuts, salsa, and syrups.

Fresno State corn

Fresno State grows yellow and white corn in their fields. [Photo: Geoff Thurner]

Best way to eat Fresno State corn

I can personally attest to the fact that people go crazy for Fresno State’s corn. I’ve waited in line for it many times! It’s just so darn good. It really is better than all the other corn out there. My favorite is the traditional yellow.

I asked folks on Facebook what they like about Fresno State’s sweet corn and they weren’t shy in answering.

“My husband likes it grilled, but I think boiled makes it super sweet and soft,” says Jenny Toste of Easton. “Just butter and salt and I’m set.”

“We love it because it is non GMO and safe to eat,” says Michelle Malloy of Clovis. “We like it boiled with butter and salt.”

“I like it boiled with a cup of sugar in the water, to sweeten it up,” says Christine Edwards. “And of course butter!”

Vanessa Castaneda likes to prepare her corn with a bit of spice. “We love it boiled, than eat it with butter, mayonnaise, Mexican cheese, and Tajin on top,” she says.

Fresno State corn

Fresno State Corn will sell for .50 cents an ear this year. [Photo: Geoff Thurner]

Fresno State first began growing corn on campus fields in 1981. In 2016 more than 740,000 ears were sold.

The Gibson Farm Market is open daily. You can check to see if sweet corn is sold out for the day by calling 9559) 278-4511.

The 2018 FresYes Guide to Farmers Markets

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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It’s that wonderful time of year again when Valley spring crops are at their peak and summer crops are just around the corner. That’s right, it’s farmers market season!

Each year, it is my pleasure to provide you with a roundup of the many wonderful farmers markets all across the Fresno area. Without further adieu, I present to you:

The 2018 FresYes Guide to Farmers Markets

(All markets are linked to web pages with additional information for your easy reference.)

2018 farmers markets

The Vineyard Farmers Market is held under the iconic arbor at Blackstone and Shaw in Fresno.

2018 farmers markets

Beautiful fresh flowers and bouquets greet shoppers at he Vineyard Farmers Market

The Vineyard Farmers Market

The Vineyard Farmers Market, now in its 38th year of operation, is a Fresno staple operating twice weekly, year round (rain or shine). It’s located under the beautiful, vine-covered arbor on the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw avenues in central Fresno.

The Vineyard operates on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

The Saturday vendors tend to be a bit more plentiful than the Wednesday vendors, but you can find everything from fresh, organic stone fruit and berries to locally made gourmet cheeses, artisan chocolate, and farm-fresh eggs on both days.

My best tips are:

  1. Be sure to check out Thao Farms at the far west end of the arbor for some of the best and most varied vegetables you’ll find anywhere.
  2. Arrive early during the summer if you want to get the greatest variety in berries. Mendoza Farms is very popular and always has a line (though it moves quickly!).
  3. Go early on a Saturday and enjoy a pastry from La Boulangerie and a coffee from Fabiano’s before you shop for the week’s produce. It’s heaven!

More info: Vineyard Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

Fresno Kaiser Farmers Market

The Fresno Kaiser Farmers Market is offered right in front of the Kaiser medical campus on Fresno Street, just north of Herndon, every Wednesday throughout the year.

During the winter months, the market begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. During spring and summer, it runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting year round).

At the Kaiser market, you can shop for fresh produce, gluten-free baked goods, pickled vegetables and olives, freshly squeezed juices, and even handmade, natural soaps!

This market is a great place to take a lunch break because Casa de Tamales and Raw Fresno are there, so you can enjoy a locally sourced lunch while you peruse the offerings of more than 20 regular vendors and 10+ rotating seasonal vendors. Bliss Baking offers gluten-free pastries on the first and third week of each month, and Bread and Butter offers international pastries and desserts on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month.

More info: Kaiser Farmers Market

River Park Farmers Market

The River Park Farmers Market is now a year-round market, taking place every Tuesday evening from 5-9 p.m. The market sets up directly west of Edwards theater and focuses on organic and locally grown produce, as well as prepared foods like Mexican-style corn on the cob (elote), tacos, and shaved ice.

The River Park Farmers Market also provides free entertainment such as live music, dance performances, and appearances of popular characters and heroes, such as Captain America, for meet and greets with kids (and the young at heart!)

More info: River Park Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

Shoppers enjoy a balmy evening at the River Park Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

A Sanchez Corn Bowl with Chile and Cheese from the River Park Farmers Market.

Old Town Clovis Farmers Market

This is actually a two-part market.

One part is the year-round market that happens from 8-11:30 a.m. every Saturday in the old DMV parking lot at 625 Pollasky Ave. in Clovis.

The other, perhaps better-known, market is the one that happens Friday evenings from 5:30-9 p.m. beginning the first weekend in May and running through the end of September.

Vendors at each are extremely varied and offer everything from delicious fruits and nuts to fresh lobster and chicken chow mein. Though the Saturday morning market is considerably smaller than the seasonal, Friday night market (which offers live entertainment, music, children’s activities, and food trucks) it is not light on options.

More info: Old Town Clovis Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

The Market on Kern

This farmers market takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, May through October, on Kern Street between M and N streets. The market offers those of us working and living downtown an awesome opportunity to buy some of the best produce around.

The Market on Kern features a great selection of produce as well as handmade gifts and ready-to-enjoy foods. Please note: this part of Kern Street is closed to traffic during the weekly market, and parking in the area is mostly metered, so having a few quarters on hand will make for a smooth experience.

More info: The Market on Kern

Manchester Center Farmers Market

This year-round farmers market takes place in the Manchester Center parking lot on the corner of Blackstone and Shields every Friday from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Vendors offer local produce, and a variety of international foods are provided by multiple food trucks. If you’re looking for a tasty lunch and some fruits and veggies to take home for the weekend, Manchester’s Farmers Market may be the perfect stop for you.

More info: Manchester Center Farmers Market

…

You really can’t go wrong with fresh produce and products from any of these markets. See you out there!

Are you ready to invest in a healthier city? Food Commons Fresno announces DPO

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Jol Devitro

Jol Devitro is a writer, actor, and artist who’s recently returned to Fresno after 25 years of adventuring out of the valley. He’s excited to be rediscovering his hometown, exploring and highlighting the cultural diversity that makes Fresno such a vibrant, unique melting pot.

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Fresno has long enjoyed the reputation of being the bread, fruit, and nut basket of the world, which is why it can be startling to discover the existence of food deserts still in our midst. Food deserts are areas where affordable, healthy produce is scarce. Residents of a food desert might have to travel for miles to come up with a satisfactory head of locally grown lettuce or a bag of, say, Fresno-raised stone fruit.

In an effort to eradicate these food deserts from our fair region and bring farm-fresh organic produce into the hands of local residents at fair prices, Food Commons Fresno was established in 2015. Committed to supporting organic and sustainable farming practices, fostering employment diversity, and empowering small-scale farmers, as well as creating value for customers, Food Commons Fresno was founded on principles set forth by national non-profit organization The Food Commons, whose vision is “to create an economically thriving business that brings food, health, employment, and social and economic justice to a community.”

Since then, Food Commons Fresno has succeeded in enacting the first phase of its plan, launching Ooooby (Out of Our Own Backyards), a subscription-based farm-to-home local produce box that can be either picked up or delivered to one’s door. By partnering with local farms such as Tower Urban Family Farms and the TD Willey Farm, whose CSA (community supported agriculture) business it acquired and converted into Ooooby, Food Commons Fresno has been able to rapidly expand its customer base.

Food Commons Fresno DPO

Direct Public Offering announced

But that’s just the beginning of its far-reaching plan to reshape the valley’s agri-business model. Food Commons Fresno also aims to connect local organic farmers to local shops and restaurants that would in turn supply fresh organic produce to the community; and moreover, it would facilitate the creation and aid the development of new businesses that would do the same. And so, to these ends, it has established a wholesale processing and distribution hub where produce from trusted farmers is collected then marketed directly to participating restaurants and institutions. In addition, Food Commons Fresno last year converted a second facility, on Belmont, into a commissary kitchen to be used by food trucks and bicycle food cart vendors.

After years of laying this groundwork, Food Commons Fresno is hoping you’ll come on board with its mission of promoting “health, equity, stewardship and economic development” in Fresno and throughout the San Joaquin Valley, “while making fresh, local produce both accessible and affordable” for area residents. It’s just announced a state-approved Direct Public Offering that will allow local residents to invest in the company and, in turn, permit Food Commons Fresno to raise funds for the next stages of its development, which include the launch of its first retail market, as well as the purchase of additional farmland.

Food Commons Fresno DPO

Open house for investors held Jan. 30

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ooooby Fresno and Food Commons Fresno will host an open house designed specifically to attract local investors into the pool of its newly announced DPO. You’re invited to come hear all the details of the offer and how you can participate. The open house is happening at 202 Van Ness Ave. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Fresh Local Produce is Yours For the Picking: A List of Local U-Picks

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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It’s nearly summer and the Central Valley is living up to its abundant agricultural reputation. The blossoms we celebrated in February have given way to a plethora of produce.

You can find a delicious variety of produce this time of year at your local farmers market or farm stands. However, if you’re looking for a unique and tasty way to keep the kids (or yourself) busy, there are a few places you can go to pick it yourself.

u-pick farms

So delish. Will you berry me?

Now is the time to get picking and gather your share of our local bounty. Each fruit has its peak season, giving you a chance to enjoy a variety of vitamin-rich treats all summer long. Remember: when you’re planning a trip to pick your own, wear close-toed shoes, slather on some sunblock, and pack gloves for prickly varieties like blackberries.

Naylor Organics

There’s a lot of juicy produce to be picked down in Dinuba. Naylor Organics consists of 40 acres of apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines and has been organic since the 80s. And, if a day trip seems too draining, they offer the unique option of staying on their farm overnight with the promise of fresh orange juice and muffins in the morning.

Naylor Organics
38918 Road 64
Dinuba, CA

Call ahead for an appointment at (559) 824-0811.
Follow them on Facebook here or check out their website for farm stays here.

u-pick farms

Apricots are a versatile, sophisticated pre-curser to peaches.

Rancho Notso Grande

This spot is located in Hanford so consider making a day of it and stopping by Superior Dairy. You could even time your trip to coincide with Hanford’s free Concert in the Park events (more info here). Hanford is such a cool little town, it’s worth a visit even if you don’t like fruit.

Rancho Notso Grande is a U-Pick and farm stand for the whole family. In addition to fruit, they sell local goodies like honey, wine, and soap (to name a few items). Even if picking your own isn’t your thing, this place is still worth a visit because you can purchase them already picked.

Rancho Notso Grande
11961 Excelsior Ave.
Hanford, CA

Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Call for more info at (559) 269-1152.
Ranch Notso Grande Facebook page is here 

u-pick farms

Berries and cherries kick off the U-Pick season

Genesis Organic Farm (and Discovery Gardens)

This U-Pick is also located in Hanford and is by appointment only. I am sorry to say that cherry season has ended, but there’s always a new fruit around the corner here in the Valley.

If you’re feeling especially ambitious you can also join Discovery Gardens, which is run by the same people. If you enroll in the program, you’re given 80 square feet of prepared soil to garden, and seeds, plants and materials. Although there’s no guarantee you’ll actually grow something, your odds are good because weekly gardening classes are also offered. As an additional bonus, members get a special price for the U-Pick farm.

Genesis Organic Farm
7595 Central Valley Highway
Hanford, CA

By appointment only, call (559) 852-7901.
To be added to their email list for fruit picking updates, check their website here.

Mountain Brook Ranch

Cherries, boysenberries, and other heavenly fruits grace this mountain ranch, which is just a short hop up Auberry Road for those in FresYes.

If you’re not up for an afternoon of berry picking, you can purchase already-picked produce here as well. The farm stand often sells out by afternoon, so a morning trip is your best bet if you want to purchase. Also, like all farming endeavors, things depend on the weather. If your heart is set on a specific fruit, or if you just want to make sure you don’t leave empty-handed, be sure to call ahead.

Right now boysenberries are ripe, so grab a bucket and your grandma’s pie crust recipe.

Mountain Brook Ranch
17971 Auberry Rd
Clovis, CA

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday (but call to make sure the fruit is cooperating first)
Call for more info at (559) 299-8141.
Mountain Brook Ranch Facebook page is here.

Riverdance Farms

If you find yourself heading north this summer, consider an RSVP to Riverdance Farm’s U Pick in Livingston. Here, depending on the time of the year, you can pick anything from lavender and oat hay to cherries and berries.

Call ahead to set up a time and to find out what’s available for picking. Currently the U Picks are by appointment only, but every year they have a U-Pick Festival to celebrate the peak picking season.

Riverdance Farms
11585 Livingston Cressey Rd.
Livingston, CA
Call for more info at (209) 761-0081.
Check out their Facebook page here or their website here.

u-pick farms

Peaches do NOT come from a can. Get in my cobbler!

Two Sisters U-Pick Apricots

Okay, so, this spot is already closed for the year. What can I say? In my defense, its season opened May 28, so you have to be quick! Fruit waits for no man.

I am including Two Sisters anyway because it’s a fabulous local spot with rave reviews and you’ll want to mark your calendar for next season. This U-Pick specializes in apricots and is only open for a few weeks a year. You don’t want to miss your window next year, so keep an eye on their Facebook page and mark your calendar for “around Memorial Day.”

Two Sisters is cash-only and prices are about $20 for a 1/2 bag. A family business, Two Sisters shares over 200 trees with the public on their farm in Easton every year.

Two Sisters U-Pick Apricots (closed for the year as of June 5)
583 W. Lincoln
Fresno, CA

Follow them on Facebook here.

 

So there’s a few options for the inner farmer in you. If you have a secret U-Pick spot I didn’t cover, be sure to drop it in the comments. Have a fabulous, fruit-filled summer and be sure to send me a slice of all the pie you make!

Updated Spring/Summer 2016 Farmers’ Market Roundup!

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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With the warmer spring weather upon us, and a sultry Valley summer just ahead I thought it would be a wonderful time to do an updated Farmers’ Market round-up for all of you lovely readers, so you can enjoy the freshest, tastiest and ripest product the Fresno area has to offer. (All markets are linked in their titles to web pages with additional information for your easy reference.)

The following Farmers’ Markets are currently operating:

Vineyard Farmer's Market

The Vineyard Farmers’ Market

The Vineyard is a Fresno staple, hosted twice weekly all year long under the beautiful, vined arbor on the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw Avenues in Central Fresno. The Saturday vendors tend to be a bit more plentiful than the Wednesday vendors – however fresh Valley produce can be purchased and enjoyed fully both days of the week.

More restaurants/bakeries and services join in the fun (in addition to growers) on Saturday mornings, but you can find everything from fresh, organic stone fruit to locally made gourmet cheeses, fresh squeezed orange juice, and flavored roasted coffees at the Vineyard. My best tips are to be sure to check out Thao Farms at the far West end of the arbor for some of the best and most varied vegetables you’ll find anywhere, and arrive early during the summer if you want to get the greatest variety in berries, as I. Mendoza Farms is very popular and always has a line (though it moves quickly!).

The Vineyard operates on Wednesdays from 3-6pm and Saturdays from 7am to noon. (Go early on a Saturday, and enjoy a pastry from La Boulangerie before you shop for the week’s produce. It’s heaven!

Asparagus at the farmers market

Kaiser Farmers’ Market

The Fresno Kaiser Farmers’ Market is a great thing offered right in front of the Fresno Kaiser Medical Campus on Fresno, just North of Herndon every Wednesday throughout the year. During the winter months, the market begins at 9am and goes until 1:30pm and during spring and summer, the market begins a tad earlier, and runs from 8am – 1:30pm.

This market is a great place to take a lunch break to, because Dusty Buns and Raw Fresno both join in the fun every Wednesday, so you can enjoy a locally source lunch while you peruse the offerings of the 21 regular vendors and 10+ rotating seasonal vendors.

At the Kaiser market, you can shop for fresh produce, gluten-free baked goods, pickled vegetables and olives, freshly squeezed juices, and even handmade, natural soaps!

Marketplace at El Paseo Farmers’ Market

Located in the new Market Place at El Paseo Shopping Center at Herndon Avenue and 99 in Northwest Fresno, this weekly market operates from 7am to 12pm every Saturday and boasts an impressive 70 vendors per season, including growers, food vendors and local artists. Not bad for the new kid on the block!

River Park Farmers’ Market

Taking place in the very center of River Park (for those new to the area, River Park is our largest shopping area, located on Blackstone near Alluvial/El Paseo), this market sets up directly West of Edward’s Theater, Tuesday evenings from 5-9pm and focuses on organic and locally grown produce. I was in the area this past week, and also noticed the delicious Elotes truck (corn on the cobb served with all the fixings!) and a funnel cake vendor were there, as were a few artists and other vendors. Though the number of vendors seems smaller compared to other markets currently, there’s still plenty to enjoy at this weekly, year-round market.

Empire Apples from the farmers market

Old Town Clovis Farmers’ Market

This is actually a two-part market, offering a year-round option on Saturday mornings in the old DMV parking lot (625 Pollasky Avenue, at Bullard in Clovis) from 8-11:30am and Friday evenings from 5:30-9pm beginning the first weekend in May and running through the end of September.

Vendors at each are extremely varied and offer everything from delicious fruits and nuts to fresh lobster and shaved ice! Though the Saturday morning market is considerably smaller than the seasonal, Friday night market (which offers live entertainment, music, children’s activities and food trucks) it is not light on options, so if you’re in Clovis and looking for locally grown goodness, be sure to check out the Saturday morning markets in addition to those held on Friday nights.

Operating Soon!

fm2

Market on Kern

The Downtown Fresno Market on Kern begins in just a few short weeks and offers those of us working and living Downtown an awesome opportunity to buy some of the best produce around each Wednesday, May-September. Offering a great selection of produce as well as handmade goods and ready-to-enjoy foods, this market is the perfect way to spend a lunch break while also stocking up on a few groceries and gifts.

Kern Street is closed to traffic between M and N for this seasonal, weekly market which kicks off its 2016 season on May 4th. The Market on Kern operates from 9am to 2pm.