Name of Farm: Prevedelli Farm Farmers: Frank and Silvia Prevedelli Address: 375 Pioneer View of Pioneer Road
Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.724.9282 Email:prev123@aol.com
History
Chances are you have tasted one of the more than 23 varieties of apples that farmers Frank and Silvia Prevedelli grow on over 50 acres in the fertile farmland of Correlitas in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County. Their flourishing farm has been producing apples since 1945, when Frank's father bought the land to grow vegetables. Frank inherited this land, added to it and built what is now one of the best local producers of quality apples and other secondary crops. Frank was born into farming and learned the business at his father's knee. Prevedelli Farms is a third-generation family farm with over 50 years of agricultural experience. "This is one of the best areas for growing -- the soil, weather and long growing season make it an ideal place. Our climate allows for maximum sun ripening."
Silvia was born in the Trentino region of Italy and refers to herself as a "country girl." "We grow pride," Silvia says and is very involved in her community in creating public awareness about where food comes from. For several years now, Prevedelli Farm has adopted a first-grade classroom at Valencia School and invites the class to spend the day on the farm. "We need to begin creating this awareness with the young children -- they will remember the farm and where the apple comes from." Silvia is also involved with the local farm bureau in educating people about the importance of buying locally and the small family farm.
Frank and Silvia's apples are organic but not registered as organic. "It's too expensive to register as organic", says Silvia. "There shouldn't be so much paperwork and regulations in order to be registered as organic. There should be a program to help farmers with this -- they work so hard already." Frank and Silvia keep their prices down, "because we like to see people eating fruits and vegetables."
Primary Product
Apples are the Prevedelli's primary product. They plant 500 to 1,000 trees at a time and have many heirloom varieties. The apples peak at different times and are picked by hand to avoid bruising. "We don't necessarily pick on the release date. We taste for sugar -- some need less, some need more. Some are like candy. We pick when the flavor is there." Apples are available from July through March and gift packs are available from October through December. "Growing apples is Prevedelli's Family tradition and our passion, which we hope we pass on to the consumer." When buying, Silvia says it's always important to try your apple before you buy. Some are better for eating, others for cooking. "Don't look at appearance -- looks can be deceiving. Smell and taste the apple before buying."
Some of the Prevedellis many apple varieties:
Fuji -- very sweet and crisp, "our most popular apple"
Mutsu -- great tasting, cross between Pippin and Golden Delicious, "makes the best apple pie"
Jonagold -- tangy, sweet flavor, cross between Jonathon and Golden Delicious, "especially good for pies and sauces"
Johnathan -- sweet, acidic apple, "excellent for eating raw, baking and sauces"
Gala -- sweet and crisp, "a great eating apple"
Sundowner -- very hard and tart, "great for those who like a crisp, tart apple"
Pink Lady -- tangy and sweet, "becoming a favorite"
My Jewel -- very sweet, cross between Banana and Golden Delicious
Newton Pippin -- old variety, great flavor, "good for apple juice or eating"
Golden Delicious -- mild, sweet, juicy apple with light yellow flesh, "good variety for drying, eating out of hand, baking and in salads"
Red Delicious -- mild, sweet, tender, "great for eating out of hand"
Howard -- tart, "unique, old-time heirloom apple"
Black Twig -- tart, "wonderful, old-time heirloom apple"
Secondary Products
Frank and Silvia also grow pears, blackberries, raspberries, butternut squash and green beans. "We grow the beans in between the apple trees."
Frank and Silvia also sell wholesale to stores, restaurants and bakeries. The Martinellis, of the famed apple cider, buy their culls (rejects). "This is a great family farm that supports local farmers first before buying from out of state." Frank and Silvia's son, daughter and son-in-law also help with sales. It's truly a family-run business. "We love when customers tell us, 'We cannot find another product like yours.' We like to tell the customers, 'We depend on you -- rain or shine. And we will be here at the markets -- rain or shine. We need each other, so come out and visit us at the farmers' market.'"
Preparation:
Thoroughly combine yogurt, pineapple, salt, spices, ginger and honey; refrigerate. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. Cool completely. In large bowl, combine all ingredients, including yogurt dressing. Chill thoroughly before serving.
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