Good for you Tips and insights from a registered dietitian By Tawnie Graham
Pit stops at California farms and ranches
The holiday season is a great time to get out and explore California farms. From choosing a Christmas tree to strolling through twinkling lights, these seasonal stops offer a chance to enjoy the outdoors, make family memories and experience the farms that help make the season special. Here are three destinations to put on your holiday road-trip list.
Black Road Christmas Tree Farms, Los Gatos Make a holiday
outing of choosing a Christmas tree at this family-run farm west
of Los Gatos. On Nov. 7 and 8, the farm will host its annual free photo-op weekend, inviting families to bring a picnic, snap photos and enjoy time together among the trees. Visitors can explore the scenic property and soak up the early holiday spirit before the Christmas tree season gets into full swing. With three plantations and about 40,000 trees, Black Road offers plenty of room to wander and enjoy a leisurely fall day on the farm. christmas-tree-farms.com
Garlock Tree Farm, Sebastopol For a full day of holiday fun, head to this multigenerational Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of
Fork-tender beef takes center stage to satisfy cravings There is something magical about cooking beef. It might be the intoxicating smoky fragrance of tri-tip sizzling on the outdoor grill, the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked steak bites filling the kitchen as fork-tender beef simmers in a deliciously intense garlic- butter sauce or the complex Mexican spices rising from braised beef drenched in a rich chili broth. However it is cooked and whatever it is paired with, beef has a way of taking center stage. Its robust, umami-rich flavor awakens the senses, stirs the appetite and always satisfies the palate. The benefits of beef go beyond its flavor. California ranchers produce beef that provides quality protein along with nutrients such as iron, zinc, B vitamins and choline that help fuel busy days in the classroom, the office or out in the fields. At every stage of life, beef can be a nutritious and nourishing part of a balanced diet, providing the protein and essential nutrients bodies need to support healthy growth and development. Beef can be one of the early foods introduced to children because it provides iron and zinc. These nutrients are especially important when babies need extra support for healthy growth and development. A diet that includes nutrient-dense lean beef supports growth and mental health for teens and may improve emotional well-being and cognitive function. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium found in beef are essential to bone strength and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older adults. As with teens, older adults benefit from nutrient-dense lean beef, which may improve mental wellness and brain health. California is the fourth largest beef producer in the U.S. by weight and total cattle inventory. The state’s diverse geography and climate create a variety of grazing conditions that can influence the flavor and quality of beef produced. Whether your choice is grain- finished or grass-fed beef, make it a part of your meal planning and health journey and try some of my favorite recipes, including Korean beef bowls, slow cooker beef stew, beef barbacoa tacos and cheeseburger sliders.
Sebastopol. Families can hike the 10-acre farm in search of the perfect tree, take a free tractor hayride, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and meet alpacas, goats, sheep and other animals in the petting zoo. There’s also a holiday store stocked with wreaths and garland made on the farm, plus a snack bar serving locally made treats, free coffee and a picnic area where visitors can take in the views. The farm opens Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving. garlocktreefarm.com
Tanaka Farms, Irvine When the sun goes down, Tanaka Farms lights up for Hikari: Festival of Lights. The Irvine farm is transformed with thousands of lights,
holiday music and festive displays, creating a colorful evening experience for the whole family. Visitors can take a wagon ride through the lights, stroll themed walking paths and visit Santa’s Village. Special photo opportunities with Santa and other holiday characters add to the fun. Hikari opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs throughout the holiday season. Reservations are available online starting Nov. 12. Prices range from $12-$33. tanakafarms.com
Farm Bureau members: Do you operate an agritourism site? Contact us to be featured: agalert@cfbf.com.
Tawnie Graham is a registered dietitian nutritionist, cookbook author, owner of food blog Kroll’s Korner and a mom. Follow her on krollskorner.com and Instagram at @krolls_korner.
6 California Bountiful | Fall 2026
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