It is September and Fall is just around the corner, with its cooler nights, shorter days, and new flavors in the produce aisle.
Fill your family lunchboxes with crisp, sweet Gala and Golden Delicious Apples, arriving fresh this month from Larsen’s Apple Barn in Apple Hill. Because their orchards are at a higher elevation, their peach season extends into September and they are able to send us late season yellow freestone peaches. September is also the month for Larsen’s sweet, seedless Black Marrow Grapes.
In Meadow Vista, Foothill Roots Farm is moving into fall production with succulent red and green oak leaf lettuces. Their bunched carrots are tender and exceptionally sweet as are their lovely Chioggia Beets.
We have sourced juicy, ripe organic pears from Harper-Boorinakis Ranch in Auburn and delicious honey from their own hives.
On our own Twin Brooks Farm, the barn is filling up with winter squash. The sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture of Butternut Squash make it one of our all-time favorites. When in season, we use lots of it cubed and roasted for salads, side dishes, and soothing soups.
Another favorite is the Honey Boat Squash, a Delicata type and by far the sweetest squash we have ever grown. Cut it lengthwise and bake or microwave until tender. This gourmet delight can be served without adornment, or add just a dab of butter.
FARM FOCUS: Barsotti’s Juice Company
For the Barsotti family it was love at first sight when they purchased their ranch in Apple Hill, El Dorado County, in 1976. With a log house, 37 acres of apple and pear trees, a large cold-storage facility and a complete fruit packing line, they had no idea how much work it would be to “squeeze” a living from the land.
Today, they make freshly pressed, flash pasteurized juice all year long, and deliver to markets throughout Northern California. After 40 years, Barsotti Juice Company is still a successful family run business. Father, Gael, watches over the entire operation, while son Michael runs the cider mill and daughter Cathy manages the sales and marketing.