The Foodie Guide

“In keeping with South American farmstead traditions, the cheeses are produced from 1-2 day old milk in a 50 gallon vat. The goats are first milked mechanically, then finish off by hand. About half the cheese is used in making fresh pasteurized cheese while the other half is kept raw and used in aged cheese. The fresh cheese is immediately sold in markets and restaurants while the aged cheese must mature for 60 days. Javier only uses vegetarian rennet, high quality cultures, and organic herbs to produce his cheese. All of the cheese is produced by hand on-site in small batches to ensure quality.”  -CUESA

Tags: Queso Cabrero, Queso Casero, Queso Crema, Queso Fresco, Requeson

“In addition to being certified organic, Blossom Bluff Orchards is a member of California Clean, an organization started in the early 1980’s by Central Valley small family farmers committed to environmentally responsible farming. Fran and Ted’s main criteria for selecting new varieties is flavor, and most fruit is picked at the highest maturity, so what you buy is ready to eat. “

Tags: apricots, Asian pears, blueberries, Cherries, nectarines, peaches, persimmons

“Farming the rich soil of the Central Valley is a Martino family tradition that Bella Viva carries out with pride. We produce and sell exceptional fresh and dried fruit, nuts and chocolate to loyal customers at our stands in northern California’s celebrated farmer’s markets, in select restaurants and to our online customers across the country

Named for our daughters, Vivian and Belle, Bella Viva means beautiful long life in Italian. The name captures the essence of Bella Viva Orchards and all we at Bella Viva aim to provide for our customers.Quality is of utmost importance to us here at Bella Viva. Growing the fruit that we dry and market enables us to have complete control over the fruit quality from the initial growing phase on through the final packaging and delivery.

To our long-time customers, we say welcome back. To our new ones, we say welcome home to Bella Viva .”

Tags: confections, dried fruit, orchards

“Bariani Olive Oil is committed in producing an authentic extra virgin olive oil which is raw and once only available thru the turn of the century. Produced in a limited quantity, the olive oil is a registered organic product and with the particular and discriminatory taste of the family, the quality is always guaranteed.”

“An aspect of our extra virgin olive oil is that it will differ in flavor and taste every year due to our traditional process of extraction. However, you will always find the same subtle characteristics that differentiate our olive oil from any other and that accommodate even the most discriminating palate. A great complement to any food and a perfect choice at any special occasion. Available in 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml sizes.”

Tags: olive oil