Love Apple Farms

Since we're on the theme of tomatoes, I have to tell you about my visit to Love Apple Farms when I was in California recently.  "Love apple" is apparently an old French name for tomato so it is obvious that this is the star crop at the farm, which specializes in heirloom tomatoes, producing more than 100 varieties.  This is a biodynamic farm using an organic farming method that emphasizes the holistic interrelationships between soil, plant and animals.  It would be interesting to hear Akujiki's opinion on these tomatoes when he gets a chance to visit.


The farm is also the kitchen garden for the Michelin star restaurant Manresa in Los Gatos nearby.  We were at Manresa for a pre-wedding dinner several years ago.  It was one of the most refreshingly tasty meals we have had and obviously a focus on fresh organic ingredients was an important factor.

I was pleasantly surprised when these "Golden purses" were served as an appetizer at the dinner.  It was clearly an import from Chinese cuisine.  These were exquisitely done with mushrooms inside.

Roast suckling pig at Manresa, not quite Chinese style but certainly Chinese themed

This time around, we were at Love Apple Farms for a post-wedding brunch which was supplemented by a Chinese style roast pig.  The meal was delicious.  We were eating food right at the source.  I can literally taste the freshness in the fruit and vegetable salads; the berry scones were melt in your mouth.  

Fresh fruit and flowers from the farm

Melt in your mouth scones

Bring your own roast pig and get a discount!

After the brunch, the owner, Cynthia Sandberg, took us on a tour of the terraced farm sitting on the slopes of the Santa Cruz mountains.

View from the entrance

Farm tour with owner, Cynthia Sandberg

This is stevia, which can be used as a sweetener.  We were told to break off a part of a leave to taste it - it was like eating candy!