Cuisine of California - Local Ingredients

Local Ingredients

A highly varied range of micro-climates, dominated by a mild Mediterranean climate, and popular health-conscious diets and lifestyles in California promote the production, use and consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, many of them organic.

Also in Northern California, with wine country near by, French, Italian, and Mediterranean inspired food is often featured, as well as Asian-inspired fare. Many of the restaurants, cafes, bistro, and grills use of fresh, local ingredients is custom, sourced from local growers and farmer's markets.

The California Coast, especially the North Coast and Central Coast regions, is a bountiful source of seafood, which is an important staple in a typical California diet.

Battered and fried foods are not quite as common in California as they are in most other states, but there are several notable exceptions, such as fish tacos, tempura and french fries.

The agricultural abundance and diversity of California's Central Valley provides fresh produce throughout the state. On less than 1 percent of the total farmland in the United States, the Central Valley produces 8 percent of the nation's agricultural output by value.

Sunset, a magazine of the West published in California, has for decades featured recipes that have heavily influenced the cuisine of California, including the promotion of outdoor eating.