By Ashley Neckel, Oct. 12, 2021
Proudly sporting the Huntley College of Agriculture label, lines of spreads, syrups, preserves and butters fill the towering shelves as scents of cinnamon and maple drift through the store. Packages of fall-themed pastas sit in woven baskets alongside Halloween décor. Tables are filled with jams, jellies and baking mixes delicately placed around scarecrows.
Just in time for spooky season, the Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store released its seasonal products featuring favorite fall flavors and in-season produce.
My first move was to run straight to the syrups. The flavors were creative and endless- pumpkin spice, triple berry, roasted pecan and hot cinnamon were just a few to name from the stocked shelves. The consistency of the syrup is perfect. Not too runny or concentrated with a robust flavor profile; I will never bat an eye toward another maple syrup brand again.
When I saw the shelves of seasonal “butters,” I was amazed. Apple walnut, pumpkin and even sweet potato pecan were just a few to catch my eye. Essentially, these butters are heavily concentrated and flavorful sauces commonly used as a spread or baking addition. I went for my favorite, the classic apple butter. Even without sugar it was pleasantly sweet. The texture was smooth and spreadable although I could have just eaten it by the spoonful.
I spotted the apple jelly nearby placed next to a smiling scarecrow and knew it needed to come home with me. I mixed it into yogurt, spread it on crackers and toast and even added it into cookie dough. With the perfect balance of cinnamon and apple, this product paired nicely on a peanut butter cracker.
The moment I saw the Halloween-themed pastas I knew I had to add it to my pantry. With shapes including hosts, skulls, bats and Jack-o-lanterns, this pasta is to die for. It even retained its surprisingly detailed Halloween after cooking.
The Farm Store is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Curbside pickup is also available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Online ordering is available on the Farm Store website.
Featured image by Ashley Neckel