SOLEDAD — Over 200 free fruit and vegetable samples were distributed on May 21 to celebrate the Fifth Annual National Salad Month. The samples were donated by local agricultural businesses in the area.
Volunteer Ann Beckett distributed the fruit and vegetables to attendees.
According to the University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Monterey County agriculture is notable for its broad diversity of crops, many of which are grown year-round. The highest percentage of acres is devoted to cool-season vegetables, such as artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, Asian vegetables, lettuce and spinach.
In South Monterey County, farmers grow warm-season vegetables, such as carrots, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. The approximately 50 commodities in the county have a gross value of more than $1 million each.
