A Guide to the Best of Southern California : AT HOME : All the Veggies in One Basket

“WHAT’S harvested yesterday is delivered to you today,” promises Malibu Greens owner Tracey Athanassiadis, referring to her colorful 15-pound seasonal gift baskets.

The lush summer basket (available year-round) overflows with an assortment of at least 15 baby vegetables--squash, eggplant, Lollorosso red lettuce, mizuna (a Japanese leafy green), leeks, purple and green kohlrabi, carrots, fennel and arugula, among them. Most of the vegetables are raised in Ventura County.

The baskets themselves, made of natural straw with handles, come wrapped in clear cellophane crowned by a big bow. The baby-vegetable basket sells for $38; the deluxe gourmet basket (a combination of vegetables and exotic fruits) runs $89.

And for those yearning for an island getaway, Malibu Greens puts together a fruit basket ($55) that houses an assortment of exotic fruits--papayas, mangoes, kiwis, passion fruit, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranates and baby pineapples and coconuts--from around the world. Malibu Greens delivers anywhere in the continental United States.

Malibu Greens, (213) 456-5661 or (800) 383-1414, to order.