Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

The Garcias impressively run JCG farm (which sells at SCCFM markets) and the Tía Beré Mexican Kitchen from which they serve delicious tamales, tacos, chiles rellenos, tostadas, sopes, quesadillas, tortillas, salsas, and more as one of the fine food artisans in our prepared food section. We are so fortunate to have them in our membership with one hand in organic agriculture and the other in a rich culinary tradition.

New Natives is a Santa Cruz based microgreens, sprout and mushroom farm started by Sandra Ward and Ken Kimes in 1982. Sandra states, “We started very green but, curious and eager to embark on a creative endeavor where we would learn much and possibly make a living”. Developing the growing system and many processes on their own, the two worked day and night spurred by increasing demand. Over three decades their tiny production in a garage blossomed into a business with 10 employees producing over 2,000 lbs. weekly. With your health in mind, New Natives harvests their microgreens in the sprout stage when the plant is feeding from the seed. This stage is noteworthy for a high concentration of vitamins and enzyme activity in addition to flavor. To find their spectacular array of sunflower, broccoli, scallion and arugula shoots, aside a spread of colorful mushrooms and tasty sprouts, stop by their farmstand at the Live Oak or Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market.

Bill grows over 10 varieties of organic apples on 15 acres. His main varieties are Fuji, Jonagold, and Pippin, with smaller amounts of Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, Empire, Cameo, Pink Lady, Orrin, Sonata, Mutsu, and Black Twig.