Seafood to sea glass, Monterey County purveyors capture the essence of the coast

"Across the county, shops and markets brim with goods drawn straight from the sea and soil, crafted by the people who live closest to both. These small producers - farmers, fishers, beekeepers and artisans - are turning the region's harvests into gifts that carry the essence of the coast: jams made from rescued fruit, sea glass shaped by the surf, lavender grown in sun-drenched valleys. Whether you're wandering a farmers market in Pacific Grove or stopping by a family-run shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll find plenty of ways to take home a taste or a whiff of Monterey."

"This popular cafe and gift shop showcases goods made from local organic produce. The Monterey-based business is known for its elderberry syrup, marmalade, honeys and shrubs. Owner Jordan Champagne began working on organic farms 22 years ago, preserving fruit and vegetables that might otherwise go to waste. "I was making jams, marmalades, pickles, and preserves with the local organic harvest, and that business grew into our cafe, which we've now had open here for 15 years," Champagne said. The cafe serves only organic produce. Other products highlight regional ingredients, including dried peppers and persimmons from Spade & Plow Organics, and a blue cornbread mix from the family-owned Fireline Farm in Monterey County. Body-care items by Valley Botanicals use beeswax from the Big Sur area. "We have an open-door policy for local artisans to come on in and let us know what they have," Champagne said. Her cookbook, "It Starts with Fruit," is also available."

Shops and markets across Monterey County feature goods sourced directly from the sea and soil. Local farmers, fishers, beekeepers, and artisans turn regional harvests into items such as jams from rescued fruit, sea glass and lavender products. Happy Girl Kitchen in Pacific Grove produces elderberry syrup, marmalades, honeys and shrubs and sells organic preserves and goods from nearby producers. The cafe grew from on-farm preservation work and serves only organic produce. Regional contributors include Spade & Plow Organics, Fireline Farm, and Valley Botanicals using Big Sur beeswax. Local shops and markets offer many ways to take home Monterey flavors and souvenirs.

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