A foodie road trip through California’s Central Valley

Image courtesy of Toca Madera Winery

Home to some of the quirkiest towns and richest farmland in the US, Central Valley, California, is also the nation’s salad bowl.

It sustains the whole country, producing 80% of the country’s almonds, grows 70% of California’s wine grapes, and 100% of the raisins produced in the U.S.

It’s the perfect foodie road trip destination, visiting the quaint towns with bustling farmers markets, wineries and cafes and restaurants serving up farm fresh food.

Almonds, Modesto 

Central Valley produces 80% of the U.S. ‘s almonds, and many of these are grown in and around the city of Modesto.  Special almond dishes are on the menu in local restaurants and cafes and those lucky enough to visit between February and March, will experience the epic Almond Blossom bloom. Acres of Almond trees blossom over the two months period, creating a pink and white carpet across the fields. There’s also a handy app that offers step by step instructions to The Almond Blossom Cruise, starting just off Highway 99 at Rodin Farms, where visitors can picnic in the almond orchard.

Sun Maid Raisins, Fresno 

Across 100,000 acres, over 1,500 California Raisin growers produce 100% of the U.S. raisins within a 60-mile radius of Fresno. Here, visitors will find the headquarters of one of the most iconic raisin brands, Sun Maid Raisins. Founded in 1912 as a collaboration between a group of local farmers, Sun-Maid has since become one of the largest raisin producers in the world. Visitors to the factory will gain first-hand insight into where they grow and produce raisins, enjoy many sampling opportunities , and stand by the world’s largest box of raisins. Made by students at California State University in 1992, the box is 12-feet by eight-feet and filled with 16,500 pounds of raisins.

Oranges, Visalia 

Over half of the state’s tangerines are grown in the Central Valley region and visitors can enjoy the area’s fresh oranges, pick them themselves in the growing season or visit citrus farms to learn more about the harvesting process. Farmers Bob’s World is a working citrus ranch open to the public for tours in and around the orange groves offering visitors insight on the orange journey from tree to fruit bowl. The perfect day out for families with young children, the farm showcases live animals, orange picking, and orchard wagon tours. For a more in-depth experience, visitors can take a one-hour walking tour through the orange groves with a local citrus farmer.

Grapes, Yolo County 

The state of California is the biggest producer of wine in the U.S. and about 70% of all California wine is made with grapes grown in the Central Valley. Yolo county is home to more than 25 varieties of wine grapes growing across more than 7,000 acres, the most popular being Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Winter’s Highland within Central Valley was recently awarded American Viticultural Status and wine makers in the area have long been recognised for their sustainable practices.

Central Valley Farmers Markets 

Ideal for those looking to experience all of Central Valley’s produce in one place, one of the many farmers markets that take place throughout the region on a weekly basis also offer activities for kids, live music, and tastings. Fresno’s Vineyards Farmers Market operates twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), year-round, and offers a huge variety of locally grown fruits and veggies. Visitors will also find unique produce unavailable in local stores, such as the pink radicchio and orange cauliflower. Davis Farmers market in Yolo County is one of California’s top farmers markets, and is held each Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. From mid-March – October,the market holds a weekly Picnic in the Park event turning the night market into a 3-block foodie adventure complete with beer and wine tastings, petting zoos and live music.

For more information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com

Related News Stories:  America’s Loneliest Road: Nevada Highway 50     Florida Keys & Key West – TravelMole     Atlantic Canada – TravelMole     A half century of Seattle Pride     Tennessee Tourism – TravelMole     Celebrating a Centennial: The Ultimate Route 66 Adventure from …     Enjoy natural Louisiana scenery from a different vantage point …     The Natural Wonders of Australia – TravelMole     American Tours International – TravelMole     Discover the Magic of London: A Charming Neighborhood Beckons …