This is me…
In 2019 I graduated from UC Berkeley and earned my Bachelor in Anthropology (sociocultural studies, race and gender, anthropology of law and non western legal systems, archaeology and ethnobotanical ancient food ways). I became passionate about raw vegetables after a summer vacation eating my way through Europe in 2014. Upon my return to California, I felt underwhelmed with the varieties of fresh produce offered at the grocery stores and farmers markets despite the fact that some of the best produce in the USA is grown in California. I found that feeding my family by the means of sustainable organic produce was financially – well… Unsustainable, and didn’t reach the excitement of the organic produce from European grocery stores, restaurants, and farms. At this point in my life it was important for me to create a magical place for my parents to enjoy their golden years in our new home which was in the center of a food desert in the East Bay surrounded by McDonalds, KFC, and Jack in the Box. I wanted them to have the best of the world, including the most delicious and healthy foods. And thus the quest began for the worlds most delicious and unique produce seeds so I could create my Garden of Eat’n.
This further inspired by my desire to have the most varied, nutritious, organic, healthy, ethically produced, and affordable produce I could on my “student” budget. Consequently I came to the conclusion that diverse, delicious, and organic produce was only possible for me and my family if I grew my own food. Seven years later, I have collected perennial and annual plants and seeds from varied species ranging from traditional vegetable crops to medicinal and superfood varieties. I have spent the past seven years studying organic gardening methods and plant propagation, resulting in providing edible plants to my friends, family, and various communities throughout the Bay Area.
Seven years later I am growing as many as 400 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, collected from around the world, as well as several other exotic and medicinal plants – all in my small backyard. I’m often asked “what do you do with all that fruit?”. Several times a week, I host tomato tastings paired with wine and cheese in the garden. I do my best to educate tasters about the history of each tomato and encourage them to experience each fruit like you would a fine wine. I also sell to local chefs, give to friends and neighbors, or donated to food banks. I have also given tomato tasting presentations at Annies Annuals and Perennials in Richmond, California. My dream is to one day open up a tomato botanical garden/museum, and cafe featuring a tomato menu and tastings, with a garden/art installation showcasing my favorite tomatoes.