It’s no wonder Italians have a romance with food when the family of vegetables known as Italian vegetables – including Artichokes, Brussels Sprouts, Fennel and Cardone – are so flavorful and versatile.

Some call Italy one great vegetable patch as Italians grow many different types of vegetables and turn them into delightful side dishes that can double as a main course.

In California, the climate is very similar to the mild, temperate growing regions of Italy. This type of weather has allowed Ocean Mist Farms to grow a variety of Italian vegetables since 1924.

Over the years, we have developed a library of easy-to-follow recipes that include your favorite Italian vegetables. Delight your friends and family over the holidays with healthy, colorful and delicious Italian dishes such as our Cardone Quiche, the perfect dish for Sunday brunch. Cardone adds a wonderful flavor to a brunch staple and many people consider it a delicacy!

Brussels Sprouts are a perennial holiday favorite. Try our Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe for a healthy salad option or our Brussels Sprouts and Apple Sauce recipe for a twist on comfort food during this chilly season.

Fennel is a favorite in Italian kitchens because of its ability to enhance and blend with other flavors. Try one of our Fennel soups like the Fast Italian Wedding Soup with Spinach & Fennel or our Crock Pot Carrot-Butternut and Fennel soup. Right now you can find convenient two-bulb clamshell packs of Ocean Mist Farms Fennel at Trader Joe’s.

If you are unable to find any of these Italian specialty items, request them from the produce manager at your preferred grocery store. Let them know you connected with the grower, confirmed they are in season and available to order.

We know many of you have family traditions using these unique Italian vegetables. Please share them with us by submitting a recipe on our website. Eating your vegetables can truly be a pleasure when you serve hearty, flavorful dishes with Ocean Mist Farms’ Italian vegetables!