Week 6:  Summer Foods & Local Sources

Mexico:

•   Pico De Gallo (fresh cold salsa)

•   Mexican Street Corn (grilled corn)

 India:

•   Mango Lassi (a delicious creamy drink made of mango and milk refreshing for hot days)

•   Rooh afza (a deep pink colored sweet drink that is made of fruits, roses, and herbs)

Spain:

•   Gazpacho (cold soup made with raw vegetables)

•   Tinto De Verano (Summer wine consisting of lime soda flavor and wine)

Japan:

•   Kakigori (Shaved ice)

•   Watermelon (available all over the summer)

San Diego’s incredible diversity allows you to savor not only these delightful summer foods mentioned above but also other global cuisines at our great selection of restaurants provided by our diverse communities.

Avocados:

Did you know San Diego County produces 60% of all California avocados?

Avocados contain several nutrients like carotenoids and fiber; they are a great source of magnesium and Vitamin E.

Berries:

You can go strawberry picking in San Diego! For a list of where you can pick strawberries in San Diego, check out the "Fruit picking Farms Near Me" website.   

Other berries are in season, too, like blackberries and blueberries.   Berries contain natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that are associated with helping improve brain function.

The farmer's market provides a fantastic opportunity to find seasonal and local sources. These are recurring markets where vendors sell fresh produce and other goods at fixed locations in rural and urban areas. They serve various purposes, like increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, revitalizing neighborhoods, strengthening local economies, and promoting local foods. The concept of local sources of food or goods, also known as local food environments, has to do with the geographic area of production near the consumer's proximity. It is up to the consumer to decide what that geographical boundary will be. For example, consumers can choose while shopping locally if they want to purchase fruits and vegetables harvested in the USA or their city farms. Local farmers' markets can provide accessibility to nutritious, affordable, high-quality food to different communities, especially in communities that struggle with healthy food options, accessibility to fruits and vegetables, or are living in food deserts.

Looking for a Farmer's Market?  Try the San Diego Explore site.

Besides farmer's markets, we have many options to shop for seasonal and local food. Roadside stands can be found along the road in many areas of San Diego.  Yelp has listed the top 10 to visit. 

Also, many big chain grocery stores now provide local food options. For example, you can buy San Diego local honey at groceries like Ralph’s or Whole Foods, to name some possibilities.

San Diego has some unique sources of local food to choose from.  Here are some of the suggestions:

Buy local fish and seafood caught or raised in San Diego; it is fresh, has spent less time transported, and helps our local economy. San Diego has fishermen that go out to catch fish daily.

A great resource to buy local food is The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, located in the port of San Diego, open Saturdays from 8 am until 2 pm. They provide a variety of seafood options that are based on seasonality, weather, and quotas. Another great location to buy local fish is Point Loma Sea Foods, located in beautiful Point Loma and open from 9:30 am-7:00 pm.

Honey

Locally sourced honey has a pleasant and unique flavor, capturing the essence of local plants. It can relieve seasonal allergies and serve as part of home remedies in addition to the taste.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it supports local beekeepers and sustains the environment by reducing carbon emissions from transportation. With minimal processing, it retains its natural goodness and can be a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations.

Embracing local honey not only contributes to your well-being but also fosters a connection to the community and the vital role of bees in our ecosystem. Support our local honey vendors including:

• San Diego Honey Company

• Mikolich Honey

• Happy Bee

Meats

Buying local meat in San Diego offers advantages that resonate with the region's unique characteristics and values. By opting for locally sourced meat, San Diego residents can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, contributing to the city's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Locally sourced meat require less transportation and storage, leading to a lower carbon footprint compared to meat that has traveled long distances. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation of food. 

Local farms and ranches ensure that consumers enjoy fresher, high-quality meat products that align with San Diego's vibrant culinary scene, where farm-to-table practices are celebrated. Supporting local meat producers also fosters a stronger sense of community connection, as residents can engage directly with the individuals who raise the animals and produce the meat.

Moreover, purchasing local meat supports the city's agricultural heritage and encourages responsible land use, ultimately contributing to the preservation of San Diego's picturesque landscapes. By choosing local meat, San Diego residents promote a resilient and thriving local food system while relishing the diverse flavors and cultural richness that define this coastal Southern Californian region.

Where to buy local meat

Rancho Guejito – Rancho Guejito is a 23,000 acre (36 square mile) grass-fed cattle ranch and organic farm located in Northern San Diego County.  From the more than 800 Mexican Land Grant Ranchos granted between 1784 and 1846, it is the last intact land grant operating as a privately owned agricultural operation.   It is the last intact land grant ranch of the more than 800 historic Mexican Land Grant Ranchos which is still operating as a privately owned agricultural operation. The ranch is covered by dense oak forests made up of California Oaks and rare Engelmann Oaks. Much of the ranch looks just as it did thousands of years ago.  

Front Row meats-  Front Row Meats provides meat from local farmers who practice sustainable farming methods.  Selections include Grass-finished and carrot-finished beef, pasture chicken, heritage pork and grass-finished lamb.  Sustainable farming methods are those which meet the needs of current and future generations which favor techniques found in nature, such as preserving soil fertility, preventing water pollution and protecting biodiversity.  These methods are shown to use up to 56 per cent less energy per unit of crops produced while creating 64 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions per hectare.  It also supports greater levels of biodiversity than conventional farming.  Learn more on the UN Environmental Program website.

TruBeef Organic-   TruBeef is a family owned business of organic farmers.  Their meat is described as Carbon-neutral Organic Grass-Fed meat.  It is important to note that the meat is not homegrown.  It is instead sent from Australia, where most grass-fed meat is found.  TruBeef will then butcher the meat her in California.  You can learn more about grass-fed beef in this NPR article.   

Summer is a great opportunity to bring people together and enjoy summer foods. It is during summer that we find fruits and vegetables that are in season. You can shop locally at farmers markets and roadside stands all over San Diego.  You can even look for local sources in your favorite supermarket. Be on the lookout for seasonal or local food options.  And let us know your favorite summer food option! 

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