Meet the Farmer: Trethowan Organic Farm

Story and photographs by Emily Hartop

Ron and Eva Trethowan moved to Rainbow, California eleven years ago. Their farm has been certified organic for over a decade now, and is producing an incredible variety of produce. Blood oranges, jujubes, avocados, guavas (including pineapple and strawberry varieties), persimmons, cherimoyas, pomegranates, grapefruits (the Oro Blanco, or “white gold” variety is so sweet you'll doubt it's a grapefruit!), heirloom figs and tomatoes, herbs, lettuce and squash are all hand-picked at their peak of flavor. In addition to produce, the Trethowans keep bees and offer raw honey, and chickens for fresh, local eggs. Below are some details on my favorite picks from the farm. Stop by the Trethowan booth this weekend at the Temecula Farmers' Market!

Blood Oranges : The Trethowans grow the Taracco blood orange, a deliciously sweet and juicy variety of the family of oranges recognized for their beautiful red flesh. Blood oranges not in season? Not to worry! The Trethowans offer blood oranges preserved and dried – a great way to enjoy these fruits locally, year round.

Cherimoyas : Also known as the “custard apple”, the cherimoya is a fruit native to South America. When perfectly ripe, the flesh turns almost custard-like in texture, thus the fruit's nickname. It's a true treat to get these locally!

Heirloom figs : The prettiest baskets of figs I've ever seen are from the Trethowan booth! Every size, shape, and color of fig together is a true seasonal delight – catch them now before they're gone for the season!

Salt mix : As a chef I tend to shy away from “pre-mixed” seasonings, but I can't resist the salt blend Eva mixes up! Salt with blood orange, garlic, rosemary, and peppercorns is good on just about anything. I like it over my fried eggs (as I had this morning, and as Ron Trethowan suggests), but it is good on anything from grilled veggies to poached fish. They even sell it in refillable grinders.

Visit the Trethowan booth at a local farmers' market and mention this newsletter – get 10% off your purchase ! Say “Hi” to Ron and Eva, and tell them Slow Food sent you!