strawberry

When the Mountain fire broke out more than two weeks ago, Samuel and Florentino witnessed the all-too familiar hazy, gray sky and the smell of smoke as they harvested strawberries in an Oxnard field.

Pistachios are currently California’s “sixth-biggest agricultural commodity in value” compared to other longtime crops grown in the state, like strawberries and tomatoes, per agriculture statistics.

Catechins are also found in apples, blueberries and strawberries.

Organic strawberries from Harry’s Berries are given a light dusting of California-grown guajillo chile, a squeeze of Key lime and a sprinkle of Big Sur sea salt before being slowly dehydrated.

Leal’s contribution to the menu is a strawberry twist on the French 75 inspired by Marie Laveau, a voodoo herbalist and healer from New Orleans.