The autumn brings bountiful apples, persimmons, and artichokes to local Central Coast markets.
Fall in the Monterey Bay area is the perfect time to celebrate fresh, local produce. Take your family to farmers markets and farm stands for inspiration and advice—or navigate to a new market using Edible Monterey Bay’s handy guide. Shop local retailers like Elroy’s Fine Foods in Monterey or Windmill Market in Salinas, or make a family field trip to Castroville, where artichokes are a hometown specialty.
Artichokes
Among the most famous crops in Monterey County, artichokes have been grown in the Salinas Valley for over 100 years by Ocean Mist Farms and other local producers. These green globes are shipped nationwide, but nothing beats enjoying them here at the source.
Follow the “Artichoke Trail” shared by See Monterey to discover family-friendly stops, including:
- The Giant Artichoke in Castroville – Try the hearty sandwich at the deli and grab a classic photo.
- Pezzini Farms – Dare to taste an artichoke cupcake!
- Wild Plum Café & Bakery in Monterey – Enjoy a family brunch featuring their pan-roasted veggie omelet with local artichokes.
Persimmons
Persimmons are a seasonal delicacy that arrive in October.
“These bright orange beauties are perfect for snacking, salads, or baking into warm autumn treats,” says Renée Murillo, co-owner of Windmill Market in Salinas, which offers both Fuyu and Hachiya varieties.
Chef Andrew E. Cohen of the Aptos Farmers Market and Edible Paradise offers tips for choosing the perfect Hachiya:
- Avoid undertones of green or yellow, which signal the fruit is unripe.
- Look for black vertical streaks and slight skin cracking when ripe.
- Fully ripe persimmons should feel soft; the calyx (stem cap) should twist off easily.
Apples
Few fall flavors are more nostalgic than apples. Locally, families can taste test a wide range of varieties, including Gala, Fuji, Pippin, Braeburn, GoldRush, Gravenstein, and Honeycrisp.
Local farms bringing apples to Santa Cruz County farmers markets include:
- Epicenter – Westside Market
- Billy Bob – Westside Market and Live Oak
- Casalegno Family Farm – Scotts Valley and Felton
- Prevedelli Farm – Downtown Santa Cruz
- Live Earth Farm – Scotts Valley, Westside, Felton, and Downtown Santa Cruz
- Pinnacle Farm – Downtown Santa Cruz
Recipes to Try
Bring fall flavors home with these local recipes from Edible Paradise and Monterey County contributors.
Dried Persimmon Slices
by Annaliese Keller, Edible Paradise
Ingredients:
- 12 ripe, firm Fuyu persimmons
Method:
- Peel and slice persimmons crosswise into 1/8-inch slices.
- Bake at 175°F (150°F if convection) for 8–10 hours, flipping after 4–5 hours.
- Fruit should be leathery, not sticky. Cool completely and store in airtight containers.
Perfect for snacks, salads, cookies, or cereal.
Apple Butter
by Culinary Cam
Ingredients:
- 6 apples (peeled, cored, diced)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp local honey
- Spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom
Method:
- Simmer apples with vinegar, water, sweeteners, and spices until soft.
- Uncover and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (about 1 hour).
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or process in jars with a water bath for long-term storage.
Easy Baked Artichokes
by Adrienne Meier, Ocean Mist Farms
Ingredients:
- 2 large artichokes, rinsed and trimmed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, slivered
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Squeeze lemon and drizzle olive oil over artichokes, tucking garlic between leaves. Season with salt.
- Wrap each artichoke in double foil and bake (1 hour for medium, 1 hr 20 mins for large).
- Unwrap, scoop out the fuzzy center, and serve with lemon or butter.
Celebrate Fall Flavors
From Castroville’s artichokes to Santa Cruz’s apple orchards, the Monterey Bay region is truly “the salad bowl of the world.” Take your family to a local farmers market, experiment with these recipes, and savor the season while it lasts.
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