Written by Rocio Siso-Gurriaran

I recently visited my family in Spain and was transported back to my childhood with one of my favorite summer treats: fresh-picked tomatoes.

Growing up in Spain, summers were all about the garden. One of my fondest memories was the simplicity of picking and eating tomatoes. We'd pluck them right off the vine and cut them open, their vibrant red interiors glistening. My dad, a passionate winemaker, always had homemade red wine vinegar on hand. We’d drizzle it over the tomatoes, sprinkle them with a touch of salt, and eat them like apples. The combination of the sweetest tomato, tangy vinegar, and a pinch of salt is a flavor that defines summer for me.

Tomatoes were more than just snacks; they were the heart of our summer meals. The garden’s bounty meant a daily feast of gazpacho for lunch, its cool, refreshing taste perfect for hot days. Sundays were special, though, reserved for the rich and hearty flavors of paella and oxtail stew.

The garden wasn’t just about tomatoes. Every summer, it produced an enormous amount of fava beans. I spent countless hours shelling and peeling them, a task so repetitive that I couldn't eat favas for years. Now, I’ve come full circle and love them, often making a delicious fava bean hummus that reminds me of those sun-soaked days in the garden.

These visits home are more than just a trip down memory lane—they're a chance to reconnect with the simple, delicious flavors that shaped my childhood and continue to inspire my cooking today.

WHAT’S IN SEASON IN SAN DIEGO?

Summer in San Diego brings a vibrant bounty of fresh, local produce that’s bursting with flavor. This season, look out for an abundance of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet corn. Squash and eggplant are at their peak, perfect for grilling or adding to summer salads. Don’t miss out on the colorful array of peppers and the refreshing sweetness of melons and stone fruits like peaches and nectarines. Berries are plentiful, adding a burst of flavor to desserts and breakfast bowls.

Beans are the stars of the season, with string beans available all summer long, fava beans making an early summer appearance, and shelling beans arriving in late summer. Chilies also add a spicy kick to any dish. Enjoy this seasonal bounty by visiting local farmers' markets and savoring the fresh, delicious flavors of summer in San Diego.

I often visit Chino Farms for their incredible corn and get our stone fruits, like peaches and nectarines, from Regier Family Farms near Fresno. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of produce at its peak, and these local sources never disappoint.

PICKLING TIME

Summer also means pickling time. Our signature pickle recipe calls for equal parts water, sugar, and vinegar. We love to pickle cucumbers, Romano beans, peppers, and even nectarines and melons, capturing the essence of summer to enjoy year-round. Email me if you want the recipe!

If you haven’t tried my Charred Cabbage & Mushroom Tacos with Pickled Melon yet, consider this your sign. The assortment of mushrooms really give this taco a juicy, textured and flavorful bite while the charred cabbage gives us the flavor of barbeque. The pickled melon salsa really makes these vegan tacos special, so take your time dicing and preparing the salsa ahead of time. Assemble with some handmade tortillas and picked cilantro.

FARM WORTH TALKING ABOUT

Regier Family Farms has been a cherished part of California's agricultural landscape since the 1980s, known for producing some of the finest stone fruits in the region. At MIHO, we source our peaches, plums, and nectarines exclusively from Regier Family Farms. Their commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every juicy bite. Their fruits are simply sublime, perfect for everything from fresh summer salads to mouthwatering desserts.

The farm was founded by Jim and Norma Regier, who started growing peaches on 20 acres in Reedley, California. Over the decades, the farm has expanded and now encompasses over 40 acres, producing a variety of peaches, nectarines, and mandarins. The current owner, Troy Regier, took over the business from his parents and continues to maintain the farm’s high standards. His daughters are now involved in the family business, selling their produce at local farmers markets​ (KCRW)​​ (The Santa Barbara Independent)​.

Regier Family Farms is renowned for its stone fruits, including several varieties of peaches such as June Lady, Elegant Lady, and Spring Crest. They also grow nectarines, apricots, and cherries, all of which are tree-ripened and hand-picked to ensure the best taste and texture​ (Specialty Produce)​. Their white peaches, in particular, have soft, thin skin displaying red and pink hues and a layer of velvety fuzz. The flesh is cream-colored, soft, tender, and aqueous, and can be either freestone or clingstone, depending on the variety. These white peaches are highly aromatic with a syrupy sweet and floral flavor​​. In the winter months, their mandarins, including the sweet and seedless Satsuma variety, are particularly popular​​.

The farm is committed to sustainable farming practices, focusing on environmental stewardship. They do not use cold storage, ensuring their fruits are as fresh as possible when they reach consumers. Their dedication to quality means that every piece of fruit is harvested only when it has reached full maturity, contributing to its superior flavor and nutritional value​​.

Regier Family Farms is a staple at farmers markets across California, including those in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Goleta. Their presence at these markets not only supports the local economy but also allows them to connect directly with their customers, sharing the story and quality of their produce​. Their fruit is made available to us  by our friends at Specialty Produce.

Regier Family Farms is a shining example of a family farm that combines tradition, quality, and sustainability to produce some of the finest fruits in California. Their commitment to excellence and community makes them a farm truly worth talking about.

Here are my two favorite bites from my recent trip to Spain. Reflecting on the simplicity of my favorite childhood memories in Spain deepens my appreciation for San Diego's vibrant, seasonal produce. Fresh-picked tomatoes, daily gazpacho, and abundant fava beans shaped my culinary roots and continue to inspire me. San Diego's summer bounty—from juicy tomatoes to sweet corn and stone fruits—offers an incredible variety.

At MIHO, we celebrate this season with dishes that highlight local flavors, simply through fresh produce. Thanks to our local farms and purveyors who make our lives sweeter and more delicious. Join us in savoring the best of summer. Drop us a line to share what you’re eating and what you’re loving.

Cheers,

Rocio