The U.S. is one of the world’s biggest producers of cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans, and other major crops. But did you know we’re also renowned for dozens of other products millions of people use and enjoy every day? They’re called specialty crops, and the USDA defines them to include many fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, tree nuts, even flowers and nursery plants.
Meet farmers growing more than 40 different kinds of specialty crops, from artichokes to olives, tomatoes to endive, and pistachios, dates, almonds, protea flowers, and saffron. Then try making delicious new recipes by Sharon Profis, host of Farm to Fork, featuring dozens of specialty crop ingredients.
California leads the nation in the production of specialty crops – more than 400 are grown in the Golden State, including two-thirds of America’s fruit and nut products. There are 19 crops that are grown only in California* and nowhere else in the U.S., including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, prunes, olives, kiwi, figs, and table grapes.
Learn about Specialty Crops
Meet a family growing oranges for the long haul in California’s Central Valley.
See how unique grape varieties are grown at this farm in California’s Central Valley.
See what it takes to grow figs and pistachios in California’s Central Valley.
See how farmers and volunteers are making a difference in southern California.
Bright red chili peppers grown at this Mendocino farm are turned into chili powder.
How do you pronounce endive? We find out at the largest endive producer in America.
Visit a walnut farm where the debris from the harvest is used to enrich the soil.
A tomato farmer adds solar panels to farmland that’s been affected by drought.
An urban couple realizes their dream by moving to the country and growing saffron.
Mandarin farmers explain why this tiny, easy-to-peel fruit is exploding in popularity.
Visit a lettuce and herb farm that grows just about “everything in a salad.”
Discover all the delicious treats that California’s Apple Hill has to offer to visitors.
Journey up steep terrain in San Diego County to see how farmers grow protea flowers.
Artichoke farmers reveal why you shouldn’t be intimidated by this thorny crop.
Visit a bustling farm in California’s Central Valley as they harvest bell peppers.
