Artichokes are a type of thistle, cultivated to be edible. They seem like a lot of work to prepare, but it’s so worth it! The Pajaro Valley in California is the perfect growing area for these beauties, growing on family farms all over the area. Sauté steamed artichokes with garlic, fry, or make into a classic dip.
Watsonville, CA
Tomatero Farm began in 2004 when Adriana and Chris started out on four leased acres in Santa Cruz County with a borrowed tractor. The name comes from the Spanish word for tomato picker, given by Adriana's Nicaraguan grandmother when she heard their first crop would be tomatoes. The farm has been certified organic from the start, built around a simple belief that good soil grows good vegetables. Adriana and Chris rotate their crops constantly and rest the land between plantings, using beneficial plants, insects, and native hedgerows to keep the soil fertile. What started on four acres now spans 40 acres across six parcels, growing everything from strawberries and tomatoes to broccoli, fennel, leeks, chard, and several kinds of kale.
