Golden raspberries are truly a juicy gem of the Golden State, and V Mendoza Berry Farms in Watsonville, California is at the forefront of cultivating these delightful berries. From their gorgeous color to their unique taste, there’s a lot to appreciate about these golden fruits.

What Are Golden Raspberries?

Golden raspberries, as the name suggests, are a variety of raspberries with a beautiful yellow-gold hue. These berries might look different from the more familiar red raspberries, but they share the same raspberry DNA. The unique color is due to a lack of certain pigments that give red raspberries their vibrant color. However, don’t let their pale appearance fool you; golden raspberries pack an excellent flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds too.

The Taste of Golden Raspberries

Golden raspberries have a sweet flavor that’s often described as less tart and more delicate than their red raspberry counterparts. Imagine the sweetness of honey combined with the slight tang of a red raspberry. It’s the perfect summer flavor combination, if you ask us.

This flavor profile makes golden raspberries a popular choice for fresh eating. Whether you enjoy them straight off the cane at a farm as we did, or you add them to your favorite summer recipes, these yellow berries are sure to secure themselves a spot on your most beloved seasonal fruits and veggies list.

The Berry Bounty of V Mendoza Berry Farms

At V Mendoza Berry Farms, it’s not just all golden raspberries. Vanessa told us, “We grow raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and very seasonal yellow raspberries here.” This family has dedicated their lives to growing high-quality berries, including the unique and highly sought-after golden raspberries. We made the trek to see them for ourselves.

Where is V Mendoza Berry Farms Located?

Nestled in the picturesque town of Watsonville, California, V Mendoza Berry Farms is a beacon for berry lovers. Growing golden raspberries requires understanding the nature of raspberry plants, including that the vigorous canes thrive in the California climate.

Why Watsonville Is Perfect for Berry Farming

The vigorous canes thrive in the California climate because both cane and berries benefit from the state’s long growing season.

Vanessa says Watsonville is an ideal location for berry farming: “What’s great about Watsonville when you’re farming berries is the weather. It’s never too hot, and it’s never too cold, and the soil is very rich, and it makes the berries grow very well.” 

Why Choose Golden Raspberries?

So, why should you try golden raspberries over the traditional red ones? For one, they offer a different flavor experience. Their sweet, mild taste makes them a great addition to any fruit salad or dessert. Plus, their vibrant color can make any dish look more appealing. What the heck – buy them both since each is a distinct flavor treat!

Where to Find V Mendoza Berries

Vanessa is proud of their robust market presence. She says, “We sell our berries at farmers’ markets in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, and Hanford. Occasionally, we sell our blackberries and raspberries to a company called Valley Fresh.”

Vanessa’s Favorite Berry? Golden Raspberries, of Course

When asked about her favorite berries, Vanessa didn’t hesitate: “My favorite berries have to be the yellow raspberries, just because they’re so unique and so different. A little hard to harvest, but you know, in the end, it’s worth it.”

From their sweet flavor to their striking appearance, these golden berries are a must-try for any fruit lover.

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This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.