Hunting for Pink Pearls

Let me back up a bit. A couple of weeks ago, Jake and I went to a Farmers' Market Pop-Up Breakfast at the Scotts Valley Farmers' Market. And I discovered Pink Pearl apples. I didn't remember which farm had the apples, so I emailed and was told: Live Earth Farm. Sweet. I love that farm.

We were camping at Mount Madonna this weekend and I thought to myself: "Live Earth Farm is not too far away!" So, I left my boys at the campsite and headed down the hill. I knew that Live Earth had an honor system farmstand market and crossed my fingers that they had some Pink Pearls.

I pulled up to the stand and saw gorgeous Galas, but no Pink Pearls. So, I looked around and finally spotted Tom, Live Earth's owner, walking along the road. I waved.

"Hi, Tom!" I re-introduced myself. I had met him when I was at the farm, covering a dinner for Edible Monterey Bay. I explained that I was searching for Pink Pearls.

Apparently they are early apple and have an extremely short season. "Oh, we had four boxes like this," he said, pointing at some black crates, "but they went to Martinelli's yesterday." Bummer. "Let's see if we can find any for you." We stepped into the walk-in. No luck. "I'll tell you what...I can point you to the Pink Pearls and you can just go see what you can find." Ooooo....thanks!!

Tom set me up with a harnessed basket and, kindly, didn't laugh as I fumbled with if it went on my front or back! Off I went on my solo apple-picking adventure.

I definitely didn't get as many as I had hoped to buy. But I got an adventure out of the deal...and a good story, right? Look for these apples in recipes this week. And - next year - I'm going to buy as many Pink Pearls as I can find!

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