Charles Okui is one of our nearest and dearest growers. We’ve built a long-standing relationship with him and the incredible strawberries he grows right in Grover Beach. A third-generation Japanese-American farmer, Charles works alongside his sister Joan, who manages the beloved farmstand.
Have you ever wondered what the sweet secret is behind Okui strawberries and why they taste so much better than anything you’ll find in the grocery store? It comes down to both the variety he grows and the unique coastal microclimate that nurtures them. The Albion strawberry, developed by the University of California, Davis and released in the early 2000s, is often considered the “gold standard” for its rich, dessert-like flavor. Its bright, deep red color is a perfect reflection of the exceptional taste inside.
So why don’t you see Albion strawberries everywhere? Compared to other commercial varieties bred for cross-country shipping, they produce slightly lower yields and have a shorter post-harvest life. That’s exactly why working with a local grower like Charles makes all the difference. To ensure peak freshness, we coordinate closely with him on frequent harvests – bringing berries straight from the field to our cooler, then into your Talley Farms Box.
If you’re on the Central Coast, or planning a visit, be sure to stop by the Okui Strawberry and Fruit Stand at 1234 Highland Way in Grover Beach. They’re open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
