Business & Economics

How the Golden State’s favorite fruit conquered the world.

When avocados first arrived from Mexico in the early 1800s, few Americans knew what to make of them. Intrepid settlers in California were among the first to embrace the savory green fruit, sparking a century-long love affair that transformed the state into “Avocado Land.” From battling over the best avocado varieties to coaxing the public into trying the fruit by devising delicious recipes, Golden State growers created a global phenomenon.

Author Rob Crisell explores how California’s favorite fruit became one of the most famous and iconic foods of the twenty-first century.

Recipes born in the city of stars

Los Angeles is a city where film mingles with food. From healthful salads to sweet treats inspired by California's agricultural bounty, the innovative fare mirrors the rise from a sleepy, western outpost to celluloid dream, where food has always played an award-winning role. The minds behind these delicious treasures include a pauper who reinvented himself as a prince, a penniless single mom who perfected a treasured recipe to create an empire, and a guru who provided good vibes and scandal alongside cold-pressed juices. Bake up the Cocoanut Grove's Coconut Strawberry Cream Tarts and sip a Zombie from the first-ever Tiki bar to create a little Hollywood magic in your own kitchen.

Amy Bizzarri rolls out the red carpet in celebration of Tinseltown's iconic cuisine.

The One Time Lima Bean Capitol of the World.

For over a century, Ventura County was famous for growing lima beans. The conditions were perfect: foggy coast, rich soil, and low overhead. As the seeds improved and farming technology advanced, many profited from the crop. The beans kept pace with other produce for decades before falling to the high producing cash crops like lemons, strawberries and the inevitable urban sprawl. While no longer a top crop in the county, California is the number one producer of dry lima beans in the nation and the Oxnard Plain still grows the best tasting beans.

Join author and historian Jeffrey Wayne Maulhardt as he unearths the homegrown history of Ventura County’s celebrated lima beans. 

A Delicious Pacific Northwest Legacy.

Fisher Scones, a Pacific Northwest tradition, were introduced at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. This sweet treat, slathered with butter and raspberry jam, has outlived the very brand it served to promote. Founded in Seattle, Washington during the early 20th century, Fisher Flouring Mills grew into a family empire encompassing real estate, radio, and television. Now a part of Conifer Specialties, memories of that flourishing flour legacy may have faded, but more than a century later their tasty biscuit remains an icon. At fairs, festivals, and special events, the enticing scent of baking scones still draws crowds eager for a taste.

Jim Erickson, author, educator and scone baker, delves into the history of Washington’s most beloved baked good. Bon Appetit!