Rancho de Santa Fe, The Fruit Basket, Velarde Orchards

Visiting this farm since 1989. They say my generation is one of the last to know what life was like before the internet?well The Fruit Basket will rekindle those senses of sight, smell and tastes of farmed and preserved. Born in the Bronx and lucky to spend some summers on a farm. I remember the time of year when kitchens were bustling with activity, piles of vegetables, the awesome intense smell of the dill enhanced w/ vinegar spices. Last week when I saw the variety of canned items I nearly collapsed. In th past I was always in a rush picking up a ristra or honey-maybe I never timed it right? Fantastic variety of pickled veggies, wonderful berry jams and butters, cherry and blackberry cider, dried fruit, peaches, pumpkins and apples..It's not cheap but you just don't see this anymore- if you do its pumped with preservatives. I haven't canned but I knw its a lot of work. Its the best feeling to have a 'pantry' w/ such beautiful variety and w/ such distinguished agricultural roots.TY!