Avocados
Grown in San Diego County, California avocados are creamy, nutrient-rich, and versatile.
- Recipes: Guacamole, Avocado Toast, Avocado Smoothie, Avocado Salad, Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp Salad.
Almonds
The Central Valley produces most of the world’s almonds, prized for their protein and healthy fats.
- Recipes: Almond Butter, Almond-Crusted Salmon, Roasted Almond Snack Mix, Almond Flour Pancakes, Almond Biscotti.
Strawberries
Grown in Watsonville and the Salinas Valley, these sweet berries are available year-round.
- Recipes: Strawberry Mule, Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Jam, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, Strawberry Smoothie Bowl.
Oranges
With a zesty flavor, California oranges flourish in the Central Valley and Riverside County.
- Recipes: Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Chicken Wings, Orange and Almond Cake, Orange Marmalade, Citrus Salad.
Tomatoes
A staple crop of the Central Valley, California tomatoes add depth to many dishes.
- Recipes: Chicken Margherita, Pasta al Pesto, Tomato Confit, Caprese Salad, Sugo Sauce, Tomato Bruschetta, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes.
Lettuce
The Salinas Valley supplies much of the country’s lettuce, making salads fresh and crispy.
- Recipes: La Scala Salad, Lettuce Wraps, Garden Salad, Taco Salad, Grilled Romaine Caesar.
Grapes
Grapes for both wine and eating thrive in Napa Valley and the Central Valley.
- Recipes: Grape Jelly, Grape and Cheese Skewers, Roasted Grape Crostini, Grape Salad, Homemade Grape Juice.
Artichokes
California grows nearly all of the U.S.’s artichokes, primarily in Castroville.
- Recipes: Stuffed Artichokes, Artichoke Dip, Grilled Artichokes, Artichoke Pasta, Artichoke and Spinach Pizza.
Broccoli
Rich in nutrients, California broccoli is mostly grown in the Central Coast and Central Valley.
- Recipes: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Roasted Broccoli, Broccoli Salad, Broccoli Stir-Fry, Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan.
Lemons
Bright and tangy, California lemons grow well in Ventura County and San Diego.
- Recipes: Lemon Bars, Lemonade, Lemon Chicken, Lemon Salad Dressing, Lemon Sorbet.
Peppers
Colorful and flavorful, peppers thrive in the Central Valley’s warm climate.
- Recipes: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Grilled Peppers, Pepper Stir-Fry, Pickled Jalapeños.
Cherries
California’s seasonal, sweet cherries are grown in the San Joaquin Valley.
- Recipes: Cherry Pie, Pork Chops With Cherries, Cherry Jam, Chocolate-Covered Cherries, Cherry Cobbler.
Blueberries
Blueberries from Central Valley are sweet, nutrient-packed, and versatile.
- Recipes: Blueberry Muffins, Blueberry Pancakes, Blueberry Smoothie, Blueberry Pie, Blueberry Compote.
Carrots
Carrots grown in the Central Valley are known for their sweetness and crunch.
- Recipes: Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze, Carrot Ginger Soup, Carrot Salad, Carrot Cake, Carrot Juice.
Celery
With its crisp texture, California celery is grown primarily in Oxnard and the Salinas Valley.
- Recipes: Cream of Celery Soup, Celery Juice, Celery Salad with Apples, Celery Stuffed with Peanut Butter, Celery Stir-Fry.
Olives
Olives, especially for oil, thrive in Central Valley and Sonoma’s Mediterranean-like climate.
- Recipes: Olive Tapenade, Marinated Olives, Olive and Herb Focaccia, Mediterranean Olive Salad, Olive Oil Cake.
Apples
With a variety of types, California apples grow in Sebastopol and Julian.
- Recipes: Apple Pie, Baked Apples, Apple Crisp, Apple Cider, Waldorf Salad.
Walnuts
Nearly all U.S. walnuts come from California’s Central Valley.
- Recipes: Pesto, Walnut and Cranberry Salad, Banana Walnut Bread, Candied Walnuts, Walnut-Crusted Chicken.
Garlic
California garlic, especially from Gilroy, adds bold flavor to countless dishes.
- Recipes: Roasted Garlic, Garlic Bread, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Shrimp, Garlic and Herb Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Figs
Known for their honey-like sweetness, California figs thrive in the Central Valley.
- Recipes: Fig and Goat Cheese Salad, Fig Jam, Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, Roasted Figs with Honey, Fig Bars.
Check out the list of TOP 25 RECIPES FROM CALIFORNIA for more Golden State gems.
More information related to the produce produced in California can be found at CDFA (California Deparment of Food and Agriculture).