This year, seems like the transition from summer to fall happened overnight, huh? Many of you have packed your shorts and swimsuits away and have been rediscovering your cool-weather clothes. If you’ve put on that favorite old sweater already, you’ve probably noticed the cooler air, the changing colors in the trees and autumn decorations just about everywhere. And pumpkin spice. Yep. That’s just about everywhere, too. These days, as you feel that extra nip in the air, you may be dreaming of the fall foods that make you feel cozy. You may also be dreaming of bright orange-y Persimmons and vivid green Pistachios. They

When you think about fruits that are grown in the Central Valley, you’re probably imagining Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Grapes, Apples and…! Wait, what the? Apples? Yes, you read it correctly. It’s a little-known fact that some of the most delicious Apples are grown around the California Delta and Linden areas. That’s literally right up the road from us! Because it’s not a crop that takes up the same kind of area that Almonds do, it may not occur to you that many varieties of Apple thrive in this area. We’re talking about varieties such as juicy Fujis, Granny Smiths and Galas. They just

Back in February, we talked about the countless miles of Almond trees in full bloom. It’s a truly spectacular sight for visitors and locals alike. Well, thanks to the kindness of Mother Nature, a long sunny season and the hard work of many dedicated people, we can now say we’re in the middle of Almond harvest time. If you’re familiar with California’s Central Valley during this time of the year, you know what that means: Trees bending under the weight of their bounty, agricultural equipment in the orchards and skilled workers suited up in white coveralls out in the middle of it all. It

In the mood for a mini history lesson? Great! Okay, students, today’s lesson is on Figs. We promise to keep it short, so stay with us. Figs are among the oldest cultivated fruits in our world’s history. Some say they go back around 11,000 years to Western Asia, making their way throughout the Mediterranean, including Spain. Then, around 1520, some Spaniards thought it would be a good idea to bring them to America. And are we glad they did! The California Mission Fig, named after the missionaries in San Diego, were first planted at their San Diego mission in 1769. They made their way

Every morning this summer, our Certified Organic Apricots woke up to the gentle, warm Central California sun then soaked up every drop of that sunshine as the days grew warmer – and sometimes downright hotter! It’s what happens around here. Our ‘cots love it! And we love them right back! We just can’t stop talking about ‘em so please indulge us while we tempt you! Our Certified Organic California Apricots are grown in our own organic orchard that’s been lovingly cared for over the years to produce big, beautiful, sweet organic fruit. Organic purists will tell you how good these bronzy-Apricot-hued fruits are. We

This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer recipe, featuring Bella Viva Orchards’ Certified Organic Dried Black Figs and Certified Organic Raw Almonds, is easy enough to make on a weeknight and special enough to be served for company. By using Dried Figs, you’re packing an extra concentrated punch of sweet, earthy flavor. Yields: 12 small toasts Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes (includes cooling time) Ingredients: 1 cup Bella Viva Orchards Certified Organic Dried Black Figs (about 12)¾ cup water½ cup Bella Viva Orchards Certified Organic Raw Almonds, roughly chopped½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (fresh is best)12 slices thin baguettePinches of flaky sea

These rich scones, featuring Bella Viva Orchards’ Organic Zante Currants, are easy to make – and even easier to eat! We’ll bet this recipe will find its way to your kitchen for many breakfasts and tea breaks. Yields: 6 scones Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20-25 minutesTotal Time: 30-35 minutes Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour2 ½ teaspoons baking powder¼ cup granulated sugar¼ teaspoon fine sea salt¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes½ cup Bella Viva Orchards Organic Zante Currants½ cup whipping cream1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk (reserve the egg white for egg wash), lightly beatenTurbinado sugar, for sprinkling

It’s not a surprise. Summer can be hot. So grab a lounge chair and park it in the shade. Pour a nice cold beverage and get a bag of Bella Viva Orchards Certified Organic Dried Mangoes out of your pantry. This, fellow fruit lovers, is what summer’s all about! Yes, you’re about to embark on a tropical vacation. In your mouth. If you haven’t hopped on a plane to a place where the Mango and palm trees are swaying in the warm breeze, you can save time and money by enjoying that vacation in the comfort of your own home. And this, our flip-flop

We wish you were here with us right now. As we walk through our Certified Organic Peach orchards on these warm Central California days, we’re enveloped in the aromas of sweet, juicy, beautiful Peaches. It’s heavenly and we consider ourselves beyond lucky to experience this splendor. If you haven’t been in the middle of a Peach orchard on a summer day, we think you should add that experience to your bucket list! Our Certified Organic Peaches are grown in an estate orchard that’s been in our family since 1987. At Bella Viva Orchards, we grow several varieties of Peaches, with our largest planting being

This easy tasty recipe, featuring Bella Viva Orchards’ Certified Organic Dried Peach Slices, Certified Organic Dried Cherries and Certified Organic Pecans, is sure to bring summer sunshine to your family and friends any time of the year. You can feel good about using more fruit to thicken the crisp, too! Yields: 6 to 8 servings Prep time: 25 minutesCook time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour Ingredients: For fruit filling:5 cups Bella Viva Orchards Certified Organic Peach Slices, divided1 cup Bella Viva Orchards Certified Organic Dried Cherries, halved3 cups water¾ cup granulated sugarZest of 1 lemonJuice of ½ fresh lemonPinch Kosher salt For streusel topping:¾