Temecula’s Dramatic Dreamscape
Imagine a dramatic dreamscape with steep hills that climb high above the fog line, each blanketed in a lush verdant cover of avocado trees dripping with fresh avocados just waiting to be picked. Snuggled in the valley below are rows upon rows of blueberry bushes bursting with juicy, fat blueberries. It doesn’t sound real, but I assure you this dreamland exists, and it is the inspiration for these Avocado Blueberry Tarts with Almond Crust.
Back in May, I had the opportunity to join an agri-tour in Temecula Valley, California with my best friends from California Grown. These agri-tours are always a highlight of my job, as they provide an overwhelming breadth of information and inspiration. The cherry on top is getting to share what I’ve learned with you all.
Before this tour, I knew pretty much nothing about Temecula Valley. I left feeling like I’d been visiting for years. Not only is it a booming wine region in Southern California, but Temecula has a unique microclimate that provides ideal growing conditions for a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and flowers year-round.
Fairfield Farms’ Sustainable Practices
Our tour brought us to Fairfield Farms, run by the Steed family since 2003. Over the past two decades, the farm has become a leader in organic and sustainable practices. The dramatic elevation changes at Fairfield Farms allow them to grow organic avocados along steep hills and blueberries in the valley. They harness pure energy with on-site solar power and capture and distribute water throughout the farm from a reservoir located on the property. There are even bees on location to naturally pollinate the plants.
We took a ride up the steep hills in the back of a tractor-trailer to visit the avocado groves. It was a bumpy and beautiful adventure, winding through lush, leafy avocado trees. The air was fresh, and the views were impossibly stunning on the hill, making it easy to understand how Fairfield Farms is able to grow such delicious, quality fruit. They grow a number of avocado varietals to accommodate a lengthy growing season.
Once we came down the hill and dropped in elevation, we landed in a climate that was just right for growing blueberries. In fact, this microclimate is so unique that Fairfield Farms is the only blueberry grower in the entire region. This allows them to offer blueberries during the gap between the Central California and Mexican blueberry seasons.
Crafting the Avocado Blueberry Tarts
Inspired by the lush avocado groves and bursting blueberry bushes, I knew I had to create something special to showcase the bounty of Temecula’s unique climate. That’s how these Avocado Blueberry Tarts with Almond Crust came to be.
The warm summer weather is a real deterrent for turning on the oven for baking, but this recipe only requires the oven to be on for about 20 minutes at 350°F. The almond tart shells bake up quickly, and the avocado tart filling doesn’t require any cooking or baking at all. Plus, the press-in almond crust couldn’t be easier to assemble.
These bright and bold tarts feature an easy, set-it-and-forget type of filling. Made by simply blending together avocado, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest, the tart filling could not be easier. Once blended, the luscious, creamy filling is poured into the almond tart shells and then chilled for a few hours. So easy!
If the heat is really getting to you, you can even put the tarts in the freezer for a couple of hours and serve them frozen. The cold Avocado Blueberry Tarts with Almond Crust end up tasting like a summery citrus sorbet tart – a delightfully refreshing treat for a hot summer day.
Temecula’s Year-Round Agricultural Bounty
Temecula Valley’s unique microclimate doesn’t just benefit avocados and blueberries – it provides ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops throughout the year. Explore the region’s agricultural bounty by booking a custom Farm Tour with hands-on participation in the farming process. Or, sample the farm-to-table menus at local restaurants showcasing the region’s fresh, seasonal produce.
No matter how you choose to experience Temecula’s agricultural riches, one thing is certain – this picturesque region is a true year-round bounty for the senses. From the dramatic avocado groves to the bursting blueberry bushes, the Temecula Valley is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Discover the full potential of your own outdoor oasis by partnering with the experts at A-1 Landscape Construction. Their team of skilled designers and craftspeople can transform your space into a lush, thriving landscape that reflects the unique character of the Temecula climate. Get in touch today to start planning your dream outdoor retreat.
