Ocean Mist Blog

Have Your Cake and Eat (Your Veggies) Too

Holiday season is in full swing, which basically means full rights to indulge your sweet tooth for the next month. But that doesn't mean you should completely abandon eating your veggies. Over the years, with an abundance of...

Our Artichoke Connections

With the holidays officially kicking off in just a few short days, it's time now more than ever that we call to mind our favorite holiday memories shared around the dinner table and get the kitchen ready to whip up those favorite...

Thanksgiving Sidekicks

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just a week away? If I am honest, I am a bit behind in planning my menu this year. But the wonderful thing about being a part of the Ocean Mist Farms team is that I am constantly inspired by our...

Holiday Helpers: Season & Steam Brussels Sprouts

One of the best things about the holidays is spending time in the kitchen surrounded by loved ones. But with so much cooking to be done, it doesn't hurt to cut corners where you can to spend your time where it really matters....

Elevated Entertaining

The holiday season has officially begun, which means more opportunities to bring loved ones into my home! The combination of the holiday spirit and the cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for staying in together,...

Cook Like a Pro

Have you ever wanted to take a cooking class, but don't want to pay the pretty penny to do so? Or maybe you've already had an artichoke a million-and-one amazing ways at restaurants, but now you want to bring those...

Whole30 & Paleo Recipes

If there is one thing I have learned from my experience entertaining over the years, it's that you have to be ready to accommodate different dietary preferences. And it's no longer just gluten or nut allergies; with the rise of...

All About Cardone

If I had to guess, cardone probably isn't on your table often. In fact, many of my friends have never heard of the vegetable. This Mediterranean staple is a cousin of artichoke and considered a delicacy in traditional French and...

Employee Spotlight: 10 Things to Know About Sergio Oliva, Senior Systems Administrator

It’s no secret that information technology is revolutionizing industries from the inside out. This is especially true for the agriculture industry, which continues to make technological advancements to support operations, food...

Easy Cheesy Dishes

If that title doesn't hook you, I don't know what will. Today is all about two of my favorite things: cheesy recipes that are easy to make. I have almost committed them to memory by now, because sometimes there's nothing I'd...

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a hot topic right now as we all become more conscious of our own environmental impact and seek out more "green" options. This movement has also increased transparency from companies as they share how they are...

A Twist On An American Classic

When you think of the most quintessential American food, what comes to mind? Think Golden Arches, drive-ins, backyard BBQ's, 4th of July parties, camping trips... what do they all have in common? That's right--a burger on the...

Our Annual Company Family Picnic

What better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a family picnic?!

Sweet September

After a refreshing Labor Day Weekend, I am happily welcoming the start of what I like to call Sweet September with all the promises of the fall season to come. College football has officially kicked off, the pumpkin coffee drinks...

SuperShreds Superstars

If you have ever tried to hand-shred Brussels Sprouts before, you know that it can be messy, time-consuming, and not easy after a long day at work. Meet our Season & Steam SuperShreds Superfood® Brussels Sprouts, one of my...

Back-to-School Breakfasts: Make-Ahead Mini Frittatas & Italian Breakfast Bread

If there is one thing I know about going back to school, it's that mornings go by infinitely faster than they do in the summer. Timing out the morning routine so that breakfast didn't actually add to the stress was always a...

End of Summer Celebration: Lime-Coconut Artichoke Pops

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know About Francisco Castaneda, Production Manager of Sea Mist Farms

Francisco Castaneda started working as the Production Assistant for one of Ocean Mist Farms' branches,  Sea Mist Farms, in September 2009 and has since become the Production Manager for all Sea Mist Farms production. Francisco's...

If You Can't Take the Heat... Make These Perfect No-Cook Summer Dishes!

Fresh Produce Packaging - Good to Know

Hot and Cold Comfort Food

Ocean Mist Organic Field Tour- OPS Preview

Today marks day 1 of the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) in Monterey, CA, a two-day annual event that brings organic produce buyers and producers together.  Not only is OPS the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with our...

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know About Jacob Perez, Harvest Commodity Manager

There's a lot of behind-the-scenes action that goes into getting our Ocean Mist Farms produce from our field to your table. Just ask Jacob Perez, the Harvest Commodity Manager who oversees our Brussels Sprouts and specialty crop...

The Start of Summer and Stuffed Artichokes

Summer Snack Hack

Elevate Your Chicken Dinner

Secret Ingredient "Cheese" Sauce

Top 5 Questions We're Asked On Artichoke Field Tours

If you’ve seen our Instagram stories over the last month, you'll know that we’ve been out in the artichoke fields showing future ag leaders and chefs-in-training what the life of an Ocean Mist Farms artichoke looks like from seed...

Easy Meals for the End of School Year Madness

Make-Ahead Memorial Day Dishes

National Shrimp Day: Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp, & Sweet Baby Broccoli Salad

National Barbecue Month

Roasted Cauliflower and Arugula Salad

A Castroville Field Experience

Spring is an exciting season for so many with warmer weather, spring break, spring time produce, Easter egg hunts and the perfect spring time recipes of course, like the Instant Pot Lemon and White Wine Artichokes.  It's also an...

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know About Dale Huss, VP of Artichoke Production

Dale Huss, our VP of Artichoke Production, has been working for the Ocean Mist Farms family of companies since 1986, which means he’s been instrumental in maintaining our Ocean Mist Farms artichoke’s Gold Standard for that last...

Ocean Mist Farms is THE Gold Standard

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know About Loreana Medina

Loreana joined Ocean Mist Farms in 2014. As our Senior Safety & Workers’ Compensation Manager, her role is to ensure regulatory compliance and oversee all of our safety management programs.

Since the ag industry "ranks among the...

Stewarding the Land

Nearly 100 years ago, the founders of Ocean Mist Farms set roots in Castroville, California with the goal of growing the very best quality vegetables for their families and surrounding community.  And with that goal, came the the...

Artichoke Chicken Soup

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know About Jeff Percy, VP of Production, South

Jeff joined Ocean Mist Farms 27 years ago overseeing all production in our Yuma, Coachella, and Imperial Valley growing regions. In fact, Jeff actually pioneered these winter growing locations for our company by creating Desert...

Coachella Field Experience

Dan Solomon is one of many expert growers here at Ocean Mist Farms. In fact, he’s the Organic Production Manager behind Ocean Mist Organic , which means he’s instrumental in getting a lot of the fresh veggies you love from our...

The ART-ichoke of Soup

Mother Nature doesn't always get the memo that we've had enough winter. However, it makes the perfect excuse for soup season to continue in your kitchen. For me, there's nothing quite like coming home from a long day to a steamy,...

National Italian Food Day

I’ve been on a National Food Day kick lately-National Cake Pop Day, National Chopsticks Day-and we now have one more very important “Day” to celebrate today...National Italian Food Day!

National Chopsticks Day

Today is National Chopsticks Day which gives us the perfect opportunity to talk about our Sweet Baby Broccoli Stir-fry - a recipe making it's first appearance on the blog today!

National Cake Pop Day

With National Cake Pop Day just a couple of days away, it's the perfect time to talk artichokes...for real!  At Ocean Mist Farms we love our veggies, but we also love a little chocolate too.  So when we have a chance to enjoy...

Coachella Valley, California - Home of the Desert Artichoke

Touring artichoke fields with Dale Huss, VP of Artichoke Production for Ocean Mist Farms, aka The Artichoke Whisperer, is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. To hear his passion, conviction and depth of knowledge about...

Stuffed Artichokes 3 Ways

All About Brussels Sprouts

They may be small in size, but Brussels Sprouts are big on nutrition, flavor and versatility!  Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients, Brussels Sprouts provide important health benefits to keep your body strong, and can...

Cauliflower Slow Cooker Chili

While quick, fresh and easy is often the theme of my weeknight dinner menu, on the weekends I enjoy time in the kitchen and the slower pace of a favorite meal coming together.  During these cooler winter months, chili is a...

New Year's Worthy Party Dips

With Christmas barely in the rear view mirror, it's already time to be putting together a party menu worthy of ringing in the new year with all your favorite people.  One of the nice things about New Year's parties for me is that...

Hassle Free Holiday Appetizer

This weekend we are invited to a holiday cocktail and appetizer party.  This party is to celebrate our neighbor, Ted, who successfully opened his very own Christmas Tree Farm with a blockbuster turnout of over 3,000 tree cutters...

Christmas Breakfast

Christmas breakfast has always been a special part of Christmas Day.  The presents have been opened and the excitement of the morning is settling down into a quiet contentment. 

Employee Spotlight: Ten Things to Know about Oscar Cervantes

Oscar started his journey with Ocean Mist Farms in 2018 when he was hired as The Safety and Compliance Specialist.

Holiday Appetizer Recipe - Artichoke Nachos

The holidays are in full swing and with that comes family gatherings, great food and a whole lot of fun!

Our two-hundred-foot private sledding run is being groomed as I write this which means that my Southern California family is...

Thanksgiving Favorites

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year.  It marks the first big college break when I enjoy some quality time with my kiddos and also gives me a great excuse to pull out some of my favorite recipes and cook to my heart's...

Ten Things to Know about Art Munoz, Commodity Manager

Art started his journey at Valley Pride Inc, a sister company of Ocean Mist Farms in 1987. He worked in the fields cutting spinach until he became a foreman five years later. He is now working as the Mix/Romaine Commodity Manager...

Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts Salad with Paleo Poppyseed Dressing

Today, I've got a game changer in the Brussels sprouts department.  I mean, full on, game changer with both flavor AND with time-savings.  I promised you'll be hooked with just one bite.

Behind the Scenes - Bringing Our Produce To Your Table!

Have you ever wondered how the artichokes on your table get there? Or why you see a certain brand of lettuce on the grocery store shelf?

Fall Family Favorites

This is that special time of year when I begin pulling out my favorite family recipes for the upcoming holidays.  We all have them!  Maybe it’s grandma’s sausage stuffing recipe or the pumpkin muffins that your mom made every...

Ten Things to Know about Lupita Renteria-Galvan, Human Resources Benefits Manager

Lupita started her journey with Ocean Mist Farms in 2008 as the Human Resources Benefits Specialist. In the past ten years, she has moved to Human Resources Benefits Manager, as well as the Wellness Program Chairwoman.

Ten Things to Know about Gary Silacci, Sales Manager

Gary started his journey with Ocean Mist Farms in 1990 working as a fork lift driver in our cooler. He attended Chico State University and worked in Shipping, later transferring into the Sales Department.

Fall Flavor Giveaway

Guess what, friends?!?

We just launched our Fall Flavor Giveaway where we're giving away SIX more Instant Pots and fresh artichokes to go with each. 

Easy Back-to-School Cauliflower Mac-n-Cheese

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting my daughter Jill and her family.   It just so happened that school was starting the day that I flew into their hometown.

Instant Dinners for Busy Weeknights

At the end of a long day, a nice relaxing meal is always in order.  But if you're like me, you need the comfort of a home-cooked meal without a lot of hassle.  My Instant Pot has been a life-saver so many nights when I needed the...

Ten Things I Learned as an Ocean Mist Farms Summer Intern

At Ocean Mist Farms, we enjoy having our summer interns around. Their enthusiasm is contagious and their know-how impressive. We sadly bid farewell to our Marketing Intern, Baillie, but before she left, she shared some of her...

Kid-friendly Veggie Meals

When it comes to getting healthy meals on kids' plates, creativity is always the name of the game.  When my kids were small, I mastered the art of turning some of their favorite protein and carb-rich meals into works of...

One Pot Turkey Spinach Artichoke Hash

For all you tired mamas out there...this One Pot Turkey Spinach Artichoke Hash is for you.  Because nobody deserves simplicity at the end of a long day than moms who juggle it all!  

Lemon Artichoke Ice Cream

The month of August is HOT in Eastern Washington where I spend the summer months. You might have thought of Washington as always being cool and wet, but some guests have commented on how the weather reminds them of Egypt.  Yes,...

Marinated Tomato and Artichoke Salad

Simple summer salads are the name of the game right now as we begin to wind down these warm summer days.  This Marinated Tomato and Artichoke Salad takes the prize for flavor and simplicity!

Ten Things to Know about John Broom, Service Innovation & Project Manager

John started his journey with Ocean Mist Farms in 2014 when he was brought on as the Service Innovation and Project Manager. He is responsible for managing all phases of projects within the organization from conception through...

Grill Simple

3 Refreshing Ways to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts Shreds This Summer

One of the best things about spending summers at our Pacific Northwest cabin is enjoying mornings on the lake with my husband and then preparing dinners from our fresh catch of the day.  Rainbow trout is one of our favorite fish...

Apple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

I'm a fan of the mantra that if it grows together, it goes together, so it made perfect sense to combine apples and Brussels sprouts with a little butter and cinnamon and call it delish!  The key, though, it making sure your...

Broccoli Pesto Chicken Pasta

Summertime calls for light, simple and refreshing.  But sometimes you want something a little more filling than salads.  That's when pesto becomes my best friend.  I love the simple flavors of pesto on veggies and pasta.

Outdoor Grilling

Now that it’s summertime here in Eastern Washington, we are spending a lot of time outdoors cooking our favorite summer meals. You name it - breakfast, lunch and dinner are all enjoyed under the Pacific Northwest sky every chance...

Ten Things to Know about Ryan Kelly, Grower Manager, Ocean Mist Farms

Ryan started his journey with Ocean Mist Farm in 2005 when he was hired as a Grower Liaison. In the past 13 years Ryan has moved from the field, being a grower’s coach to the business side where he now manages planting and...

Fresh Asian Radish Salad

Simple. Fresh. Crisp. That pretty much sums up this flavorful summer salad made with a combination of only four veggies and an easy homemade Asian dressing.

Wish You Were Here

This year’s Artichoke Festival was a resounding success for the community! The weather was perfect, the food phenomenal and the entertainment spectacular! Here’s just a pinch of what happened.

Instant Pot Artichoke Chicken Soup

I know some of us are already experiencing the first waves of the summer heat, but here in California, we are still having stretches of cooler temps and grey skies that let me enjoy my favorite soup recipes a little longer. One...

Instant Pot Artichokes 4 Ways

Friends, I have a new obsession...with my Instant Pot! It literally helps me get dinner on the table in 30 minutes.  My husband and I have tried out a ton of recipes in it, but one of our favorite discoveries was how easy it is...

Instant Pot Artichokes with 3 Paleo Dipping Sauces

I'm telling you, friends.  All my artichoke cooking anxiety has been steamed away now that I've discovered the amazing results I can get with my Instant Pot!  It's so easy, in fact, that Ocean Mist Farms fresh artichokes have...

Instant Pot Artichokes with White Wine, Capers and Burrata

Spring is a favorite season for many reasons, but at the top of that list are the amazing fruits and vegetables that this season brings with it.  In particular, I love the bounty of artichokes we can find this time of year at our...

What to Expect at The 2018 Artichoke Festival

Artichokes - Any which way and more! That is the unofficial theme of this festival that pulls out all the stops to entertain and educate about artichokes and where our favorite thorny thistle is the center of attention. This...

Spanish Cauliflower Rice

Please tell me you have had cauliflower rice... the stuff is sweeping the nation!!  I first heard about it and tried it back at the end of 2015 and it saved me during my first Whole30 in 2016.  I actually was never a huge lover...

Things We Love

Each spring is an exciting time of year here at Ocean Mist Farms with warmer weather, flowers in bloom and artichoke production at peak volume.  It really feels like the kick off to an amazing year of sharing what we love most...

Tiny But Mighty

Don’t let their tiny size fool you. Brussel sprouts are mighty in vitamins, antioxidants and other essential nutrients. What they lack in size, they make up for in nutritional value in a BIG way. Here’s 4 health benefits that...

Artichoke Eating Personas and Ingredients to Please Each

I just held my first spring cooking retreat in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and since it was spring, my menu included the crowning glory of all spring vegetables, the “ARTICHOKE”!  

Understand that my retreats draw attendees...

Brussels Sprouts 3 Ways

Do you ever look in your fridge at the end of a long day and feel a lack of enthusiasm?  Dinner prep boredom has put a damper on my cooking mood way too many times, so now I keep a variety of easy recipe ideas at the ready that...

Frosted Artichoke ABC's

The frosty weather hit Castroville, California fields in early March and the Coachella, California fields right after. Then the rains came and it is still raining today. The vegetable growers and marketers that support them are...

Springtime Table Inspiration

It is officially spring, which means beautiful flowers, sunny days, warmer weather and of course an abundance of artichokes! Several holidays worth celebrating also arrive with the onset of spring including Passover, Easter,...

The Luck of the Irish

When I was a child, I use to wonder why corned beef wasn’t green and why March 17th didn’t include a green food. After all, I dressed in green and received green carnations, so what about the food?

Cauliflower Mash with Roasted Garlic

When I first tried cauliflower mash, I was shocked at how much it reminded me of mashed potatoes! Such a simple swap leading to a lower carb side dish that the whole family will love.

8 Little Known Facts About the Artichoke

Every season is artichoke season at Ocean Mist Farms! However, our Artichoke Club members know that traditional artichoke season is spring time during March, April and May. This is when you can find your favorite vegetable...

Balsamic Artichoke & Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake

It was about time we made an incredibly easy dinner right?! Once you cook your spaghetti squash, artichoke hearts and chicken, all you have to do is mix them in a bowl with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette!

Hearts, Flowers, Wine and Artichokes

February is that month where I get to celebrate the ones I love. And boy, am I a romantic! I love the traditional gifting of flowers, hearts, candlelit dinners & wine. It is also an absolute must that I put my very own creative...

In Pizza We Crust

Who doesn’t love a good pizza every now and then? (Or as much as possible if we are being honest.)  In fact, there is an ENTIRE DAY, right around the corner, dedicated to celebrating this amazing piece of pie. National Pizza Day...

Bloggers We Are Crushing On

February is the month of love, which often starts with a little crush. However, we are crushing hard… on artichokes (it’s almost artichoke season!), and on our amazing food and lifestyle blogger friends who inspire us daily to...

Soup Weather Kitchen Inspiration

What a magical holiday season we had at our log home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Beside the hallmark snow fall that seemed to come on command, the food, fellowship and festivities with family and friends ranked in the top...

Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese

Calling all cheese enthusiasts! This Saturday is National Cheese Lover’s Day, a day of celebration for people across the country to enjoy their favorite food group. Here at Ocean Mist Farms, we like to celebrate our fondness of...

Our Sustainability Story

Our sustainability story, much like our recipes, includes a few important ingredients that are essential to who Ocean Mist Farms is as a company. Without these key ingredients and our loyal consumers just like yourself holding us...

Wishing You a Healthy New Year!

January brings more than just a new year. It brings resolve to improve our lives and to try new things! This is what we love most, more people trying a tasty veggie-filled dish or perhaps even a vegetable you've always thought...

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Something about Brussels sprouts and Bacon just go together like PB & J! The delicious flavor of bacon makes anyone - even the veggie afraid - LOVE their brussels sprouts. The perfect occasion to enjoy this recipe is none other...

The Top 5 Ingredients for a Successful Ocean Mist Farms Vegetable Grower

There are many romantic qualities of working the land as a grower of fresh vegetables.  A few of my personal favorites are watching the beautiful sun rise over the artichoke fields in the morning, or watching the wind blowing...

Artichoke Cake Pops

Saturday, December 16^th is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day! You may be thinking, “How in the world can Ocean Mist Farms contribute to this day? They only sell veggies!” Well, you haven’t lived until you have tried our...

Cauliflower-Coconut Custard Pie

As a professional recipe developer, I taste a lot of my recipes as I am creating them, and at times my taste buds go numb. However, there is one recipe that makes my mouth water every time I write about it or see a photo of it....

Exciting News from Ocean Mist Farms

Ocean Mist Farms is excited to announce the launch of our new website! Our goal is to bring you into our fields and kitchen and make it feel like home. Created with you in mind, our new website is full of recipe inspiration, fun...

Chef Tony Baker’s Cranberry Fennel Sauce

It’s cranberry season - aka - one of the best times of the year!  I like to make all kinds of cranberry sauces around November, not only to enjoy on Thanksgiving but on any day of the week! I love to make a big batch and keep it...

Come Inside Ocean Mist Farms

Integrity, Quality, Passion Success. Compelling words that are the guiding values behind what we do every day. These four descriptive words describe our farming methods all the way to the design of our office building, right down...

Holiday Leftovers

I loooove holiday leftovers, don’t you? In fact, I sometimes look forward to the leftovers while making the holiday dinner and end up making even more of some of my favorites. With the holiday (aka leftover) season fast...

The Passionate Chef

I received an unexpected phone call last evening from a dear friend that reached out to invite my family and me for Thanksgiving.  This may seem like a common gesture of kindness but for most of my friends, it’s daunting to...

Combat Sugar Overload

With Halloween only 7 days away, you may be daydreaming of all the treats you will be eating to satisfy your sweet tooth. Our personal favorite is anything with chocolate and caramel. But, what happens after this spooky holiday...

Simple Slow Cooker Artichoke Chili

It is chili season and I am going all in! Chili can take many shapes depending on what you love to add to the classic meat, beans and tomatoes. This edition of adding artichoke hearts takes the flavor to a whole ‘nother level....

It’s National Farmer’s Day!

“And into the field I go to lose my mind and find my soul.” – Unknown

You must be a true optimist if you are a true farmer. Always hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, and sometimes having to literally dig deep to get...

Tuscan Inspiration for the Holiday Table

Let’s face it, most of us preparing traditional holiday meals know how carb heavy they can be, so providing a healthy appetizer that is delicious, fresh and easy to prepare is a winner! 

Unspoken Tailgate Heroes

Tailgate /ˈtālˌɡāt/ verb – to host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.

Appreciating Where My Artichokes Come From

There’s nothing more calming and beautiful to me than a sea of artichokes. Strategically grown near the Monterey Bay in California, artichokes LOVE the mist from the ocean. The mild, cool-coastal climate creates perfect growing...

Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

Parents, take a break from the kitchen and let your kids show you what they’ve got. Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day is a chance for your young chefs to show off their skills and whip up some of their favorite foods. Have some fun...

Artichoke Guacamole

It’s time for the ultimate appetizer for any occasion! This artichoke guacamole has a 3 way green factor with artichoke hearts, avocado and salsa verde. 3 greens and 3 amazing flavors that come together perfectly. I love how this...

Beat the Heat with Cool and Creamy Classic Artichoke Ice Pops

Does stepping into your pool feel like getting into warm bath water? Is your air conditioning just not cutting it for you anymore? There comes a point during the summer when you just can’t escape the hot. Trust me, I’ve been...

30 Minute Meals - A Cure for School Night Schedule Overload!

The busy school year is upon us yet again, for students and parents alike! From soccer practice and football games to band rehearsal and tutoring, the list can seem endless on some days, right?

Artichokes with Julia Child's Hollandaise Sauce

Can we get a cohesive “all hail Julia Child”??  That women was amazing and knew her way around a kitchen - not because she was classically trained, but because she loved food! One of my favorite quotes from her is “People who...