On Leave

Ailing artichoke growers from the Castroville area have got to be saying to themselves “we’re due,” while artichoke eaters might be wondering “what happened to all the great supplies we used to see?”

Over the past few seasons, calamitous weather in the state’s Land of the Artichoke has decimated production levels. The spring floods of 1995 washed out prime acreage--a blow so lethal it also caused harvests to be slashed in 1996 because farmers were busy replacing their fields. Last year wasn’t much better after El Nino slammed the area again in the early part of spring. All the havoc added up to drooping supplies statewide and beyond.

But now comes relief, according to Mary Comfort, communications director of the California Artichoke Advisory Board. While persistent cold weather delayed an early spring harvest, consumers will soon enjoy an abundance of favorably priced, quality artichokes in stores.

“We expect the harvest to start picking up right now and we should rock right through the end of May,” Comfort said. “This is a good year to catch up on all the artichokes you didn’t have in the past three years.”

Locally produced artichokes are available at area farmers’ markets and roadside stands. One of the county’s few artichoke growers is Underwood Ranches, which raises a thornless variety on a couple of acres in the Moorpark area. Craig Underwood said his artichokes will be around through June. You can find Underwood Farm artichokes and its array of other specialty produce at the following farmers’ markets in Ventura County: Ventura (Wednesday and Saturday), Thousand Oaks (Thursday), and Camarillo (Saturday) and at the Underwood Ranches Produce stand in Somis at 5696 Los Angeles Ave.

Tip: When purchasing artichokes, choose those with firm, tightly compacted leaves with a fresh green color. The globes come in various sizes, from small to large, but size has nothing to do with age or quality.

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Market Watch: Camarillo Certified Farmers’ Market is celebrating its eighth birthday today with activities and goodies. Held from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the festivities will include a visit from a pair of clowns, free balloons and live entertainment.

Reina Ginsberg from Ann’s Bakery has donated enough birthday cake for 500 takers, and watercolorist Ray Ayers will demonstrate painting techniques. In addition, did we mention all the fresh veggies, flowers, honey, eggs and baked goods for sale?

The market, at 2220 Ventura Blvd., bills itself as one of only two nonprofit farmers’ markets in California. A portion of sales from individual farmers and vendors benefits Camarillo Hospice, which uses the money to support its programs.