I took a private tour of the Rodriguez' family ranch on Sunday morning. Farmer Manuel Rodriguez…read morewas kind enough to take time out from his busy schedule to allow a small group of visitors to take a walking tour within a small part of his 35 acre ranch nestled in the rich farmlands of Watsonville. The Rodriguez family operates three ranches in California harvesting organic and conventional produce. Most of their produce is sold at farmers markets throughout California. On this morning Manuel greeted our group in front of his home and opened up the doors to his home to allow our tour group to use his family's restroom. Mostly known for his strawberries Manuel walked our group over to organic strawberry field # 4 and gave us a brief description of the two types of strawberries that are grown here. Albions are generally darker in color both to the inside of the fruit as well as the outside. We were told these berries are extremely popular because they are normally sweeter than any of the other strawberry varieties. Seascapes are better known for their rich strawberry flavor and the fact that they grow to be larger than the other varieties. Manuel extended an invitation to everybody in our tour group to walk upon his fields, pick berries to sample and return to him with any questions. In this photo (http://static4.px.yelp.com/bphoto/vKyIC6C7UY1GCqMkKTxipg/l) I've picked a Seascape on the left and an Albion on the right for the ultimate taste test. While the Albion was definitely sweeter I found the Seascape more to my liking with a slightly tart flavor and a juicier fruit. I really enjoyed picking and sampling the big, glistening berries warmed by the sun as most members of our group did. In addition to the strawberries we were allowed to walk freely upon the organic raspberry bushes (http://static3.px.yelp.com/bphoto/JGNX8Nsn9WieLVaj-Zr0Qg/l). Most of the raspberries were not ripe enough to pick yet. There are two varieties as well with a red berry and a white berry. I sampled a single red fruit and it was extremely sour. Swarms of bees pollinate in the raspberry bushes, but we were told that the bees keep to themselves. Regardless I walked gingerly along the bushes taking photos among the hundreds (thousands?) of bees buzzing around me. On this visit we learned about crop varieties, fertilization, market trends and farm life. Two other crops that we were made aware of were the finger potatoes (http://static1.px.yelp.com/bphoto/L2jm8H_9Q3to067fUkigJg/l) and the artichokes. Both are also organic on this farm. As our group reassembled to depart for our next destination, Manuel Rodriguez expressed his generosity once again by giving everybody in our tour group a half crate of Seascape strawberries (http://static3.px.yelp.com/bphoto/RtDSRgfiZWBdBwCi7cWJ1A/l) and artichokes to take home free of charge. When asked where we could find his produce locally we were told that he often sells at the farmers markets in Daly City and in South San Francisco. Because often generosity and hospitality can work both ways I'll certainly start looking for his family's produce when I shop at these farmers markets. In addition to those photos posted here, more of my photos can be found at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26-2milesandmore/sets/72157621601999289/

Had a good experience today Sunday via Rodriguez Brothers Ranch at the Stonestown Farmers Market in…read moreSan Francisco. Great mix of Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs, brought home a bag overflowing of Carrots, Chard, Artichokes, Cilantro, etc.

My husband and I came down for the farm tour today on Memorial Day. The weather was really nice…read moreIn Watsonville. They had a great turnout from many loyal customers who attend the various Farmer's markets they sell too. It was wonderful for the children to learn how the vegetables and strawberries, raspberries, blackberries we buy are grown and for them to be able to pick it themselves. We both had a wonderful time today. The optional lunch you could purchase for a mere $6.00 each was great. The barbecue Chicken was tender and seasoned well included rice, beans, nopale salad, macaroni salad, chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes was a huge hit for everyone.

Family member celebrated their wedding here and everyone had a wonderful time. Beautiful wedding…read morevenue. Wonderful set up.

Always fresh, always easy to get parking. Always friendly staff. Thanks for sharing your food with…read moreus.

6/30/2023 I have…read morebeen on the hunt for the specialty strawberries... The only vendor I found was in Florida.. Today, I found them at a retailer (Whole Foods).. We've been so conditioned to associates red with sweetness... but oh my goodness!.. Bought the tropical and rose berries.. So sweet and different. Love love it! Now I'll be in search of the strawberry seeds/plants!

The good: This place is just all-so American and I love it…read more My aunt comes here for the berry pie and buys several of them to bring to me in SoCal. She's a frequent customer and she seldom eats pies. She sometimes freezes them. It's packed with so many berries and has a pure berry taste. It's sweet but still maintains the tartness/acidity of the berries so it helps your ability to eat more of it. My husband finished almost an entire pie in one day. The bad: My aunt said the apple pie is too sweet and therefore prefers the more tart/sour berry pie. I wish I tried the pie with ice cream because that would have been a nice compliment. The interesting: They're family owned and have been around for decades. You can pick fruits here too.

Stopped by 10/4/2026 and it was the last day of the season for apple picking. There weren't too…read moremany apples left but we still managed to pick a handful. Very affordable prices. We also got slices of apple pie a la mode at the pie shop. Unfortunately they were out of the Dutch apple pie but the regular apple pie was still quite delicious. It was warm, fresh, and had a flaky crust. The vanilla ice cream was icy though and felt like it had freezer burn. The line at the pie shop moved quite slowly and got pretty long. Great vibes here and you get a pretty inclusive experience with fruit picking, a souvenir shop, the pie shop / deli, and a small pumpkin patch.

My best friend loves strawberries! Her family loves…read morestrawberries! My friend's daughter loves strawberries! Did I miss anyone?! Is that all they grow? Absolutely not but, during summer months... well, it's all about the strawberries. Been buying from them at the Ferry Farmers Market for the better part of two or three years now and, hands down, I only need to come here when it comes to strawberries. The two ladies who are there, rain or shine, always know what I want. Shopping for the above and my family, I often ask them to save a case for me on the Tuesdays and Saturdays that they are there. For my family, one member likes to pair them with ice cream (is he British, strawberries and cream?) while the other is just fine with it as is. Just rinse, peel, the leaves, and prepare for a delicious bite or two or three. I am of the latter, putting them in a mug and snacking as I watch TV. I also buy their baby carrots which come in a variety of multi color (purple mix) and traditional orange. They also have squashes and varieties of green beans (Blue Lake, Romano, etc.) when in season. But, when you line up to shop here, most customers are there to buy none of the things that I mention. They are there to get their flowers which come in bunches and which they individually wrap. Sorry, I'm not exactly the romantic type these days being sheltered... kidding. Let's just say that I don't have an appreciation for flowers as much as I should. When you're at the Ferry Farmers Market, be sure to stop here for any of the items that I mention. Afterwards, you'll know why.

Love this place! Beast spot for gorgeous affordable specialty pumpkins! I love coming here not just…read morefor the fresh veggies!

I love supporting local shops and buying from farmers' markets, but this Barn Fresh Produce is more…read moreof a roadside "catfish" with its giant colorful wooden signs and enticing promotional promises. I've stopped by before to buy fruit, which was okay (ie, small), but this time, I walked inside the building. Holy toledo, Batman, the products were coated under thick layers of dust and had mouse traps tucked in-between and underneath! There were boxes and cleaning supplies strewn about, and animals lying around the food. I was afraid I'd spot a tail hanging out of a hole or see something run by my feet based on how many traps were in the store. There may not be any sure proof way to keep pests out of indoor-outdoor markets, but they can at least keep the place cleaner and more organized, like not leave cleaning supplies right next to the food. I was also surprised that the prices were steep for what looked like products that haven't been moved in a long time. Barn Fresh Produce is not worth the stop for me, but if you are dying for fruit, I'd stick to the ones kept outside and make sure to wash it well before consuming.

9/12/26 CSM Farmers Market…read more"Rodriguez Farms" sign w GREEN canopy. Do NOT buy from the GREEN canopy. The lady there said they have Albion strawberries and said they forgot to put signage up. She LIED!!! She also was misleading when I asked her if they go to the San Carlos Farmers Market. TLDR: Buy from the BLUE canopy Rodriguez Farms, not the green one.

At Newark Farmer's Market, I have recently seen two farms that sell strawberries - Rodriguez and…read moreFenella Berries. As of now, I prefer the latter farm and have a review for them. ORDER Biggest box of strawberries - $20 STARS (stand out qualities) -Food (5/5 stars) - red and delicious strawberries -Service (3/5 stars) - one staff gave me a sour face when I asked to pick another box because I saw some bruised strawberries -Ambiance (4/5 stars) - quick service STAIRS (areas of growth) -Feels a bit too salesy but I understand they need to make a living! TIPS -Fot the big box, rhetorical offered me $20 even though it is advertised as $25 -They offer plastic bag but farmers market has station to give one or get one reusable bag

Salazar Organic Farms of Santa Cruz , brought a bounty of Fruit & Vegetables to the Clement Street…read moreFarmers Market. The Beets & Greens looked good as did the Ripe Strawberries

We've been coming to Fruiteria Quetzal for many years. Sometimes it's just for ourselves, and many…read moretimes it's for larger family gatherings and special events. We love the bionicos, and we love Maria. She is the sweetest and kindest Abuelita you'll ever want to meet. Every time we go we look forward to both the natural sweet fruit and Maria. Treat yourself and go pay a visit to the Fruiteria Quetzal. You'll be glad you did! John, Robin, Lovesh and Taylor Jean

Love this small mom & pop shop. The bionico, fresh cut fruit & juices are great! Must stop if u…read morewant something refreshing & delicious!