May is National Strawberry Month so we want to end the month by giving a shoutout to a strawberry grower near and dear to our hearts – Charles Okui.
In 1948, just after WWII ended, Charlie Sakamoto started growing berries on five acres in Grover Beach. Today, Charles Okui, his grandson, manages the farm and grows strawberries with his sister, Joan Okui. As third generation, Japanese-American farmers, they are continuing the tradition of growing premium tasting strawberries.
Charles believes that the microclimate and coastal fog of Grover Beach contribute to the sweetness of his Albion variety berries. The practice of keeping the fruit on the vine as long as possible, for ripeness, makes for great tasting, full-flavor fruit. Charles says that strawberries are more fun and exciting to grow than mixed vegetables and that in the 30+ years, no two years are ever the same. He also says his son Jack may be the 4th generation Okui berry farmer in the future! Once you taste Okui berries, you will want more. Okui Strawberries will be in our Talley Boxes until September, or head over to the Okui Strawberry and Fruit Stand, located at 1234 Highland Way in Grover Beach. They are open daily from 9-5:30pm!
