CALIFORNIA GROWN
California’s fields are alive with the hue of vibrant, leafy green vegetables. Here, in the Golden State, leafy greens flourish under the warm sun. The goodness of the sun gives us the crispness of lettuce to the rich textures of kale and spinach. Our fields are the heart of where freshness meets flavor, showcasing our state’s commitment to nourishing, delicious produce.
In California, the range of leafy greens grown is extensive. Think lettuces like iceberg, romaine, green leaf, red leaf, butter, oak leaf, and Lollo Rosso. And think cabbages, spinach, various types of kale, Swiss chard in green, red, and rainbow varieties. Then there are collard greens, and mustard greens, including both red and green varieties, as well as arugula, bok choy, watercress, endive, escarole, frisée, radicchio, tatsoi, mizuna, beet greens, and turnip greens.
California leads the nation in production of head lettuce, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, endive, and many other leafy greens. Lucky for all of us that leafy green vegetables are always in season in California! And since the Golden State is responsible for 90% of the leafy greens and lettuce sold in the United States, there is a good chance that the greens hiding out in your crisper drawer were grown right here.
Different lettuce and leafy greens varieties are available virtually year-round in the Golden State. Peak season in the cool, coastal Salinas Valley runs from April through October. Southern California’s warmer Imperial Valley harvest runs from November through March.
Nestled in the heart of the Imperial Valley lies Vessey & Company, a beacon of agricultural innovation and dedication since 1923. This farming family grows 40 different types of fruits and vegetables using conventional and organic farming practices.
Vessey & Company embodies the spirit of California agriculture: resilience, innovation, and deep roots in the community. Through our interview with Jack Vessey, we gained insight into the meticulous care and dedication that goes into growing leafy green vegetables, a vital component of our diets. As consumers, supporting California farmers like Vessey & Company means enjoying fresh and nutritious produce and contributing to a sustainable future for agriculture.
To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And Since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.