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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!

10 reasons to visit Sierra Nut House Wine Bar and Bistro

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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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If you’ve lived in the Fresno area for any length of time, chances are you’ve either given or received a gift of delicious dried fruit or nuts from Sierra Nut House at least once.

Sierra Nut House has been in operation since 1969. The business began on the family’s almond farm in Clovis, CA, and it was followed by a gift shop that was built at Chestnut and Sierra. Sierra Nut House’s Wine Bar and Bistro is the most recent addition, located in the Villagio Shopping Center across from River Park on Blackstone and Nees.

Sierra Nut House

Sierra Nut House Wine Bar and Bistro located on Blackstone and Nees in the Villagio Shopping Center

This week, I had a meeting at the Wine Bar and Bistro—my first visit there—and I was blown away by how much it offers customers. I felt compelled to share with you, dear readers, some of the amazing things beyond fruit and nuts that await you upon your visit.

Here are my 10 reasons to visit the Sierra Nut House Bistro and Wine Bar.

1. Comfort foods

They make amazing breakfast pastries, frittatas, and hearty panini (wrap-style grilled sandwiches) from scratch. I tried the Apple Bread Pudding with slivered almonds and local raisins, which was served warm. It was heavenly!

2. All-you-can-drink coffee

Multiple roasts of coffee are served with free refills for dine-in guests, all day.

Sierra Nut House

Enjoy espresso beverages of drip coffee at the Sierra Nut House Bistro and Wine Bar’s café counter

3. Soup du Jour

Sierra Nut House Wine Bar and Bistro offers amazing soups each day, made with flavorful, fresh, and healthy ingredients. All of the soups listed on the Soup du Jour board were unique and mouth-watering, no standard-issue chicken soup to be seen.

4. Healthy and hearty options

If you like delicious salads, chicken bowls, and cheese plates, they’ve got ’em!

Sierra Nut House

Yummy, fresh lunch options on display in the Sierra Nut House café

5. Sugar-free selection

Once upon a time, Fresno used to have a Sugarless Shack store that offered sugarless candies and treats that even diabetics could enjoy. Sierra Nut House now fills that void, offering a wide selection of sugarless sweets.

Sierra Nut House

Sierra Nut House’s selection of sugar-free candies

6. CHEESE

Sierra Nut House offers a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, Italian snacks (including my family’s personal favorite, taralli, which are like savory, crispy, pretzels) and spreads—all items that make a wonderful snack or hostess gift combination.

Sierra Nut House

Just a few of the amazing cheeses available for purchase

7. Gift selection

Speaking of hostess gifts, Sierra Nut House offers a huge selection of wine, chocolates, local honey, jams, and nuts that can be purchased pre-wrapped or as a custom, you-fill-it gift basket.

Sierra Nut House

Just a fraction of the wine selection

Sierra Nut House

Local honeys for sale 

Sierra Nut House

Chocolate lovers rejoice: there’s a full aisle of gourmet goodies for you.

Sierra Nut House

A few examples of prepared gift items available for purchase

8. Chocolate

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll find hand-dipped truffles, fruits, and nougats in the cold case at the wine bar.

Sierra Nut House

Hand-dipped chocolates

9. Great staff

Sierra Nut House is known for customer service and knowledgeable staff who are happy to help customers select excellent gifts and wrap them expertly.

10. Fantastic atmosphere

Sierra Nut House’s Wine Bar and Bistro offers pleasant, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a glass of wine with a friend or loved one.

Sierra Nut House

Interior view

Sierra Nut House

Outdoor seating

For more about what the Sierra Nut House has to offer, and to order online, visit their website here, and make sure to follow them on Facebook for updates.

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.

Get your fruit fix at Wawona’s Peach Tree stand

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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In this weather, there’s very little that’s more refreshing than a nice, juicy peach. Happily for the people in FresYes, it’s still easy to find fresh produce, even as stone fruit season winds down.

You could use the Fresno County Fruit Trail to follow the fruit. However, there are some spots that are located smack dab in the middle of town, and the Wawona Peach Tree is one of them.

Although it’s late in the season, The Peach Tree is open and serving up local peaches. Located on Minnewawa and Nees in Clovis, this farm stand is family owned and has been operating since 1952.

Wawona's Peach Tree

Here you can buy fresh peaches by the bag or box. The varieties change throughout peach season. For example, the elusive Fay Elberta variety is finished, but now is the time to grab the Summer Sweet variety, known for its firmness and flavor. If you’re not a peach expert, there are often samples of the peaches available inside the stand. After a taste test, you might find a new favorite!

Wawona's Peach Tree

For some, buying a whole box of fresh produce can seem daunting. If you’re looking for an easier way to add fruit to your diet, The Peach Tree has you covered. They sell Wawona’s frozen products as well. Personally, I think their frozen bags of fruit mixes make the best smoothies because the fruit is generously sliced. You can also grab fruit cups for lunches and Peach Jewels.

Peach Jewels are frozen pastries, similar to bite-sized pie, that you can cook straight from the freezer. They come in a gluten-free option and in peach and berry. It’s a local treat and one of their most popular products. Plus, they’re an easy after-school (or after-work) snack that supports both local business and your taste buds.

Wawona’s Peach Tree is also a great place to grab gifts, with jams decorative items for sale, as well as treats from Basilwood Farms.

Wawona's Peach Tree

The Peach Tree stays open year round.

Current Hours (change by season)
Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location
1265 N. Minnewawa Ave. Clovis, CA
For more information, call (559) 299-2901, visit the Wawona website or check out their Facebook page.

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!

What I Hate About Summer in Fresno

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Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

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Let me start by saying, my mother instructed us to never use the word ‘hate’. But I just don’t think “My Least Favorite Thing About Summer in Fresno” has the same punch, so sorry, Mom. You raised me better.

What do I hate about summer in Fresno? I hate it when people complain about the heat. Back to my mom, we never complained about the heat to her. We were instructed that it is summer and summer is hot. Her message was clear, we got no reaction from her, and it clearly wasn’t worth repeating the complaint or pursuing the issue any further.

There are a couple of lighter, still annoying variations to complaints about the heat. The question “Hot enough for ya?” is either mildly irritating as a cliché or hilarious if delivered with the appropriate level of parody. “It’s a dry heat” is in the same category. We’ll get to humidity a little further down the blog.

Part of our issue is the places we compare ourselves to. We are about 80 miles from an extremely rare slice of mild weather called the Pacific Coast. It’s a very narrow band of land that stays mild because of its proximity to a cold ocean. It’s like comparing yourself to the top one-tenth of one percent of the most-fit people in the world. No matter how hard you work out, you’re not going to look good, even though you might be in better shape than the other 99%.

summer in fresno

Some people think Fresno’s weather is a liability. These people haven’t gotten out much. If weather was a liability for cities, then Chicago wouldn’t exist. That city has killer humidity in the summer and freezing rains in the winter. Seattle is gloomy 10 months out of the year, and they’re a boom town. Minneapolis hit -60F in 1996, and they’re very successful. Congress took a recess in the summer because Washington, DC was a malarial swamp and, if you’ve been there recently, you’ve seen that it’s exploded with growth. Weather just isn’t that big of a factor in a city’s success.

The United States is pretty well divided by the Rocky Mountains. If you go east of the Rockies, you’re going to have humidity in the summer. If you’ve experienced humidity, you know that a dry heat is a good thing. Try putting on a business suit in Houston in July… and yet they have some pretty good businesses headquartered there.

I think that my favorite comparison is with Phoenix. When I first got my iPhone, I put Phoenix on my weather app. When someone complains about our heat, I show them that Phoenix is regularly 8-10 degrees warmer. They don’t have any escape routes from the heat like we do, either. Their nearest beach is on the balmy Gulf of California, and they are surrounded by desert. And yet, Phoenix has seven Fortune 1000 companies. The San Joaquin Valley has none. It’s not the heat.

So let’s reframe our attitudes. It’s hot in the summer and pretty damned mild the rest of the year. When the sun sets, we have incredible summer evenings. We don’t have mosquitoes carrying away children like they do in much of the country, so we can enjoy those backyard barbecues. I know you’ve noticed how many backyard pools we have when you’ve flown to or from FAT (FYI: it’s not called FYI). We can also escape the heat quite easily. Head to the coast for a weekend break or drive an hour to Shaver Lake or Bass Lake to cool off. Go camping in our beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains if it’s too warm.

And don’t forget that the heat is what ripens all of the fruit and vegetables we grow for the world. Those peaches, grapes, berries, figs, and tomatoes don’t come to life until it gets up to 100 degrees. Remember how much better our produce is than those other places that have humidity or cloud cover? We grow the best food in the world here for a reason.

summer in fresno

We’ve only had air conditioning for a couple of generations and yet somehow people survived. My house doesn’t have central air conditioning and neither do many of my neighbors‘ homes. There are still hardworking people putting down asphalt, picking crops, and putting roofs on houses during the summer months. If you are leaving an air-conditioned house in an air-conditioned car headed to an air-conditioned office… maybe you need to work a little harder on your ability to withstand mild discomfort.

So it’s in our power to decide to be positive if we choose to be. The summer comes around every year — it’s pretty predictable. We don’t live in the south where humidity is unbearable. We don’t endure frozen rain in the winter like the midwest and northeast.

Complaining is contagious and doesn’t help a thing. If you do need to complain, don’t complain to me. I’ll be out in the garden enjoying some heat-ripened goodies followed by a glass of sangria made from some of my grapes and peaches in a glass of local wine or a crisp Tioga-Sequoia Golden 99.

Meet Your Local CSA: Harvest Fields Organic Farm

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Jenna Ardaiz-Brown

I'm a seasoned traveler, am intrigued by just about anything creative, and enjoy activities that run the gamut- knitting, downhill skiing, reading, and swing dancing, just to name a few. And of course, I write.

I was born in Fresno and grew up here, as did my husband and my parents. I'm thrilled to be raising my young son here too! I've gone away for school and spent brief periods in other parts of California, but have always ended up homesick for my hometown.

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The fantastic rain we got over the winter combined with our world-renowned amounts of sunshine make the FresYes area a produce bonanza right now. What better time to bump up your fruit and veg consumption with a subscription to a CSA box?

In the last few weeks, I’ve been introducing you to CSA (community-supported agriculture) services here in the Valley. I’ve covered Ooooby Fresno and The Farmer’s Daughter CSA. Today, the CSA parade continues with Harvest Fields Organic Farm!

Harvest Fields Organic Farm at a Glance

Website: Found here

Contact: (559) 824-4506

Pick up/Home Delivery: Both. They’ll deliver to your door every Tuesday, or you can pick up at various Fresno locations or at the farm.

Box Sizes Available:
• Standard mini box – $15 (5-7 items)
• Standard small box – $22 (8-10 items)
• Standard large box – $30 (10-12 items)
• Custom box – minimum $22 (You pick whatever you want from their web store.)

Just FYI: Harvest Fields Organic Farm is unique. They’re a non-profit that operates as part of a school campus here in Fresno. The CSA is run by four people, but students and volunteers are heavily involved in the process of growing beautiful produce as part of their education.

Harvest Fields Organic Farms CSA

Tomatoes as far as the eye can see!

Harvest Fields Organic Farm Questions Answered

Like with Ooooby Fresno and Farmer’s Daughter, I sent out some questions to Harvest Fields and here’s what I got back, courtesy of Director David Obermiller.

Jenna Ardaiz-Brown: What path led you to starting up your business?

David Obermiller: My belief is that agriculture plays an important part of education in America. Connecting kids with hands-on learning. Kids get to learn where food comes from, and how it grows.

What’s your favorite aspect of running a CSA?

Being connected with the customer and seeing the process of “farm to plate.” We love serving people with their practical daily needs.

Your personal favorite product you include in the boxes is…?

I love fruits, our navel oranges especially. By the way, I think we have the sweetest oranges in Fresno!

What sets your business apart?

This is a mission-driven farm. Our goal is to educate our children and adults via agriculture. We also have plans in the near future to provide gardening workshops, organic cooking schools, and much more. We are here to serve the communities of the Fresno area.

What the heck am I supposed to do with all this fennel?!!

What is fennel? Just kidding! We have the options for our customers to customize their box. If they don’t want it, they don’t have to get it.

 

Peak produce season is gearing up fast. If you’d like to give CSA boxes a try, this would be the perfect time to give it a shot and see what all the fuss is about! And don’t forget: there’s one more CSA I’ll be profiling in this series. Next time: Abundant Harvest Organics.