A Trip to Chualar
“I thought we’d go for a little trip.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
The fields of Brussels sprouts growing just south of Salinas in Chualar were splashed with giant drops of morning dew. Green, glinting of silver with crevasses of navy blue shadows, a forest of broad leaves hid the sprouts from view. Watching the morning fog climb over the tips of the Santa Lucia’s Athena and I were given a tour of Taylor Farms Brussels sprouts fields. When standing in the furrows, the tops of the Brussels sprouts plants reached our thighs. Sheltered by thick broad leaves the sprouts grow on the plants main stalk. The individual sprouts can not be seen until the dark green leaves are moved to reveal the central stem of the plant. The sprouts at the bottom of the plant mature first; necessitating several passes by the harvesting crews as the sprouts mature. The sample of Taylor Farms trimmed and washed Brussels sprouts I brought home was a pleasure to cook with. Fresh, bright green and with virtually no prep required I began my sprouts cooking adventure. Cooking with fresh Salinas Valley produce has never been easier!