Called kaki in Japan and kam in Korea, persimmons are an under-appreciated fruit. At this time of year they offer gorgeous displays.

Should the California high speed rail project actually succeed, San Joaquin Valley cities like Fresno and Bakersfield would benefit, too.

Now Organic Valley, the largest organic farming cooperative in the US, will launch its Generation Organic 2010 “Who’s Your Farmer” Tour, targeting college students.

Yettem was founded by Armenian immigrants over 100 years ago. Many Armenians have left the town, but some still work in the citrus and pomegranate orchards, and St. Mary’s Church still serves the community. One of their legacies is the pomegranate orchards in this region. Pomegranates are one of the world’s oldest fruits, woven with a rich legacy of myths and of course, timeless recipes.

Being half Armenian, I loved William Soroyan’s stories, though sometimes I think that his family has nothing on ours. Spending a weekend in Fresno, from which my family comes, made me think of a story about which my aunt reminded me when I visited before the holidays. I plan on sharing some others from time to time.

Much has been made of the San Joaquin Valley’s water problems.  Too many farms did not get the water they needed, which destroyed their owners’ and workers’ livelihoods.  Of course, there is plenty of water underground; the problem is that it has been poisoned with toxins such as selenium, boron, and other mineral salts.  Much [...]

Drat!  I meant for this to go out on Sunday, but I forgot to press “publish” . . . I’m in Fresno for a quick Easter getaway to catch up with relatives and my parents, who are driving down from the Bay Area. I thought it would be fitting to share my grandmother’s tabouli (tabbouleh) [...]

This is a great time to visit the San Joaquin Valley:  the weather is still a little cool, the strawberries are starting its season, the Sierra Nevadas are still draped in snow, and it’s time to drive around the Blossom Trail.   The Blossom Trail circles around the roads and highways southeast of Fresno.  Trees boasting [...]