Local Food and Produce

The Sierra Foothills have a long and colorful history with produce. Gold miners that flocked to California to get rich during the gold rush stayed behind after the mines played out and started farming on the fertile hills above the Sacramento valley. The weather and soil was perfect for growing citrus like manderine oranges, apples, pears, and a bounty of stone fruit. The infrastructure that powered the gold rush now transported an explosion of produce from the central valley and the foothills to the rest of the country. 

The industry waned, but the traditions of abundant fresh fruit and produce are still an important part of the region.

 

  • Colwell Ranch tasting room and shop
    Farms

    Colwell Thundering Herd Ranch

    Colwell Thundering Herd Ranch features fresh mandarin oranges in season and award winning specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar year round.
  • Struble Ranch House
    Farms

    Struble Ranch

    Struble Ranch is a third generation owned and operated ranch. Open seasonally on weekends, the farm sells fresh manderin, navel oranges, and other citrus grown on the property. Enjoy the gorgeous 360 degree view of Loomis Basin Valley while sampling some amazing oranges.
  • Persimmon hanging at Otow Orchards
    Farms

    Otow Orchards

    Rustic family farm selling many varieties of persimmons and other exotic local tree fruit.
  • Exterior of Newcastle Produce
    Food

    Newcastle Produce

    Located next to the historic fruit sheds, Newcastle Produce is a local market, maker of delicious deli sandwiches, and provider of local Newcastle goods and produce. It’s a great place to stop and grab a picnic before exploring the area, or for finding unique gifts, and especially for picking up fantastic local produce.