What To Do With Produce That Isn’t “Perfect”?
Produce in our Talley Boxes doesn’t always arrive in perfect condition in our kitchens. When it’s harvested and packed in the fields or packing houses, and then placed in your box in our cooler, it’s been checked and double-checked. But in transit to your home, it can become damaged. The question is: what can we […]
The Spears of Spring
If Spring had a signature vegetable, asparagus would be it. Fresh asparagus has a short but glorious season, which makes us even more excited when it makes its appearance in the boxes. California grown asparagus has become increasingly desolate throughout the state. We used to steadily bring in asparagus from Ippolito International, who grew asparagus […]
Grocery List Meets Pro Tips
If you want to eat better, save money, and save time preparing wholesome meals at home, then plan your next grocery haul with these pro tips! #1: Take Inventory What do you have in your fridge, freezer, or pantry that needs to be eaten? Plan meals around these items first. Defrost any frozen meat, bread, […]
Touring The Trees Of Kiler Ridge
Kiler Ridge is tucked into the rolling hills above Paso Robles, where founders Audrey Burnam and Gregg Bone have turned a passion for olive oil into a true Central Coast gem. Their journey began during a bicycle tour through Tuscany, where they were struck by the bold, grassy intensity of the local olive oils – […]
Customize Your Box Instead Of Eating Out!
These days, everyone is trying to get the most value for their money. As prices continue to rise across the board, it’s more important than ever to make the most of everyday staples. When we talk about value, staying competitive with grocery store pricing matters. For example, this week’s Original Box, factoring in organic certification […]
Meet The Maker: Mary Catalano
Last week, I had the pleasure to sit down with Mary Catalano of Mary’s All Natural – the maker behind the delicious granola available as an add-on to your Talley Farms Box. Mary has had a lifelong passion for food. She grew up in a big family – six siblings, to be exact – where […]
Meal Prep 101: Have A Plan
We all strive to eat better, feel better, and nourish our bodies, but what does this tangibly look like? How do we fit in more home cooking and less processed fast food into our already over-booked schedules? As a mom of three children under the age of five this has challenged me now more than […]
Get Creative With Your Winter Squash
You may find yourself adding more squash to your kitchen counter than you know what to do with—just staring at it and hoping some inspiration strikes. Winter squash shows up often in our boxes this time of year, and for good reason. It can be transformed into cozy, delicious dishes that truly shine at the […]
Save Money, Save Time, Live Healthier
A famous author once said, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your habits.” We all make goals in the new year. We want to achieve more and be better individuals. It’s good habits that take us where we want to be. How do we save […]
International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer – a historic milestone recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture worldwide. California is home to one of the most diverse agricultural economies in the world, including an impressive number of women farmers who are running businesses, stewarding farmland, and shaping the […]
California Leafy Greens Marketing Association
The California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA) is a set protocol of food safety practices to protect public health by reducing potential sources of contamination in California and Arizona-grown leafy greens. The LGMA was formed in 2007 after a devastating outbreak of E. Coli in spinach, which resulted in 3 deaths and 276 […]
2025 Wrapped
As we step into the New Year, we want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Your continued support of the Talley Farms Box in 2025 helped sustain our farm, our dedicated team, and California agriculture as a whole. We truly couldn’t do this without you. This year was filled with growth, connection, and community. […]
Grower Feature: Mighty Cap Mushroom
Last week, I had the pleasure of touring Mighty Cap Mushrooms’ new industrial facility in Tin City. Since moving there, they’ve been able to offer a one-of-a-kind experience with up-close tours of their growing operations. They don’t just grow your average mushrooms — they cultivate exotic, gourmet varieties like lion’s mane, blue oyster, pink oyster, […]
Inside the Greenhouses of Windset Farms
In the wintertime, most of the peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes sold in the Western US are grown in Mexico. Thanks to Windset Farms in Santa Maria, we can offer those items in our Talley Farms Boxes year-round! Last week, Lisa, Michelle, Tony, and I toured Windset Farms, a 168-acre glass greenhouse facility, the largest single […]
Create A Holiday Table With Seasonal Produce
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’ve got some simple yet elegant tips to help you set the perfect table! Designing a beautiful centerpiece can feel intimidating—and often expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. Using fresh produce you already have on hand is an easy, affordable way to elevate your tablescape, and […]
Did You Miss SLO County’s Pickle Festival?
Twenty percent of SLO County residents are over 65, and it’s predicted that by 2060, California’s population of residents over 65 will increase by 89%. Meals that Connect provides free, healthy noontime meals to over 2,000 seniors throughout SLO County. Seniors congregate every weekday at one of 10 dining sites or receive home delivery. They […]
Farmer Feature: The Smith Family
Last week, we had the pleasure of touring Avila Valley Barn, guided by Raven Smith. Avila Valley Barn is a beloved second-generation farm, proudly owned and operated by the Smith family. The story begins in 1986, when Debbie Smith was hired by the DeVincenzo family to live on the farm and sell fresh fruit-alerting customers […]
Very Few CA Apple And Pear Growers Left
There are very few apple and pear growers left in California, and because they compete with the big growers in the Northwest, we need to support them now more than ever! Apple trees take cold weather to flower, and there are just a few microclimates in California where they thrive. The largest grower Talley buys […]
It’s Sweet Corn Time at Talley Farms
Since we grow in a cooler climate, we’ve never been able to harvest sweet corn for the 4th of July holiday. Now is the perfect time of year to enjoy our corn and stock up on extra to freeze for those winter soups, stews, and casseroles. There is a difference between Sweet Corn, Field Corn, […]
A Visit To Etto Pasta
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of touring and tasting at one of our local pickup partners – Etto Pasta! This family-owned pasta factory and market is passionate about using only the highest quality ingredients to create their artisanal products. Located in the vibrant Tin City area of Paso Robles – surrounded by wineries, […]
California Mangos Are The Best!
Mangos are the most consumed fruit in the world and were first cultivated in India over 5,000 years ago. Today, India is still the world’s largest producer of mangos. They were introduced to South America and Mexico in the 1600s, and they now grow throughout the tropical regions of the southern hemisphere. The mangos we […]
Giving Forward Campaign
Earlier this year, we partnered with Jonathan Duncan (@snowboardtrainers), a respected snowboard coach based in Mammoth Lakes, to launch a “giving-forward” campaign aimed at supporting the local community. Jonathan reached out to us during the winter season with a simple but powerful idea: to provide fresh produce to the 300+ instructors he works alongside across […]
It’s California Melon Season
Depending on the season, melons for the US market are grown in Honduras, Peru, Mexico, or the US. (In the produce business, we call the melons from South America “off-shore” melons.) Since we only put California-grown produce in our Talley Farms Boxes, and it’s summertime, it’s melon season! Melons take heat to grow, so our […]
Back to School
Back to School Just when you begin to settle into the rhythm of long summer days, with endless plans and possibilities, schedules and school bells chime right back in. It can be difficult to switch gears into a structured schedule, new routines, and demanding work loads. So now is the time to be intentional about […]
San Luis Obispo Food Bank
Our mighty food bank serves over 45,000 people per month, supplying nearly 400,000 pounds of food! By partnering with over 150 non-profits, schools, and community centers, the SLO Food Bank can distribute food across SLO County from Lake Nacimiento to California Valley to Nipomo. You may see a map of the SLO Food Bank’s Hunger […]
Is Talley Farms Sustainable?
When asked this question, Brian Talley’s answer is “this farm has been operating for over 75 years, and four generations. Yes, it’s sustainable!” Of course, sustainability means more than longevity. What has Talley Farms been doing to maintain the health of our soil, water, labor, and environment?
Eat The Rainbow
Have you ever wondered if you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal health? Consuming a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables throughout the week can help ensure you are meeting your multivitamin needs.
CA Wineries Need Our Help
Wine consumption is down, and the world acreage of wine grapes is up. California produces some of the best wines in the world, but did you know that the Tax & Trade Bureau regulations allow for up to 25% foreign (non-US) wine to be blended with California wine and legally labeled “American?” Older adults are […]
Farmer Feature: Hambly Farms
Last month, Michelle had to opportunity to tour Hambly Farms with owner, Gina Hambly. Gina and her husband, Milton, along with their 3 kids, have farmed and curated an impressive lavender farm in the hills of San Miguel. The Hambly family has deep roots in the Paso Robles area, with their kids being the 6th […]