fruit notes
Javier Zamora is the heart of JSM Organics, where he grows some of the most delicious berries (and veggies) around. He’s not only a skilled farmer; he’s also a mentor to other growers, a true steward of the land, and a lifelong educator committed to sharing knowledge and uplifting the farming community. His work goes far beyond the harvest. It’s about cultivating a future where sustainable farming and community are deeply connected. It seems every time I talk to Javier – which is often these days! – he has just wrapped up hosting another group of students on the farm. He’s always eager to share the connection that farming can foster, hoping to spark inspiration in the next generation of farmers. Engaging and ultimately recruiting a new generation of farmers is vitally important and Javier takes on this challenge with such affability and warmth. It’s hard to imagine a better ambassador for agriculture.
Javier is a 2012 graduate of the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), a program dedicated to helping farmworkers become farm owners. Since starting his own farm, he’s remained a vital resource for the ALBA community. Today, he leases parts of his land to three ALBA graduates, offering not just land but mentorship, equipment, and support. He’s helped many new farmers who came after him build their businesses from the ground up. Whether it’s ordering extra strawberry plants from the nursery for them, offering advice on developing a brand, or helping them navigate the early challenges of running a farm, Javier shows up with a heart of gold. He values anyone with the drive to grow food and is always willing to go the extra mile to support them. Javier wants to see others succeed – because he truly believes there’s room for everyone at the table, and endless opportunity to grow more food, foster community, and nurture the next wave of farmers.
This week, we’re so excited to feature not one but two special strawberries from our guy Javier of JSM Organics. We’ve been loving the Sweet Anne strawberries lately. The Chandler strawberries, believe it or not, are only going to keep getting better! Sweet Annes are semi-firm berries that are extra sweet with glossy red skin. Chandlers are soft-flesh berries with a rich, jammy flavor. Each variety offers a unique flavor and texture and Javier has leaned into it this season by planting seven different kinds of strawberries. When I asked how he chose which varieties to grow, he told me his focus was all about flavor, texture, and harvest timing. Strawberry season at JSM Organics lasts 5–6 months, owing to Watsonville’s ideal cool, coastal growing climate. (It’s not the “Strawberry Capital of the World” for nothing.) Chandlers are what's called “short-day” strawberries (also known as “June-bearing”), which means they produce most of their fruit in the spring and fall when days are shorter. Sweet Anne strawberries, on the other hand, are day-neutral—they fruit steadily throughout the season as long as temperatures stay favorable. It’s already been a sweet start to the field-grown strawberry season this spring, and there are more varieties like Monterey, Albion, Gaviota, Portola, and Sayulita still to come. Store berries in the fridge. Grown organically by JSM Organics in Royal Oaks.
This is an early harvest of ripe San Joaquin blueberries from Coastal Moon Farm! The berries are much bigger, and will fully come into production in the next couple of weeks. Store in the fridge. Grown organically by Coastal Moon Farm in Watsonville.
These classic Hayward kiwis are a familiar variety but farmer Ruthanne measures the sugars and waits to harvest until they are nearly double the standard of big, commercial growers. Enjoy firm or keep on the counter until they’re softer. Grown organically by Shared Abundance Organic Farm in Auburn.
Classically sweet-tart Ruby Red grapefruit. Our friends at Terra Firma are in full-swing of their late-season grapefruit harvest. They are our favorite super flavorful grapefruit! Store on the counter. Grown organically by Terra Firma Farm in Winters.
A Fremont mandarin in April really shines, when they’ve had some hang-time on the tree. Now, their rich clementine flavors have fully developed and their sugars have come into form. These are juicy, sweet, and tart, and the skin is deeply orange and zipper-easy to peel. Store on the counter. Grown organically by Garcia Organic Farm in Fallbrook.
The last Minneola tangelos of the season are found at the southern end of the state in Fallbrook. These are so sweet and flavorful, with a really nice balance of acid. Late season citrus like these Minneolas make me feel sentimental about citrus season coming to end. Store on the counter. Grown organically by Beck Grove in Fallbrook.
We’re humming along, about a month into Hass avocado season at Condor Ridge Ranch. The weather has been temperate (and normal) for Goleta where it’s not too cold and not too hot, so the avocados are ripening slowly and steadily on the tree, yielding maximum creaminess. Leave on the counter or in a paper bag until it yields to gentle pressure and go by feel, not by color. Grown organically by Condor Ridge Ranch in Goleta.
