The California Gourmet Process

Creating premium organic raisins and honey requires dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to organic principles. From the careful cultivation of our Thompson Seedless grape vines to the final packaging of our products, every step is guided by our values of quality, sustainability, and organic integrity.

Thompson Seedless Grapes on Vines

Step 1: Organic Vineyard Management

Our journey begins in our certified organic vineyards in Madera, California, where we cultivate premium Thompson Seedless grape vines. The Central Valley's Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for growing exceptional grapes.

Our Organic Practices Include:

  • No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers
  • Natural pest management using beneficial insects and organic methods
  • Organic soil amendments to build healthy, nutrient-rich soil
  • Water conservation through efficient irrigation systems
  • Crop rotation and cover cropping to maintain soil health
  • Regular vine pruning and training for optimal fruit production

We monitor our vines throughout the growing season, ensuring they receive proper care and attention. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain the highest quality standards while respecting the natural environment.

Step 2: Harvest at Peak Ripeness

Timing is everything when it comes to producing premium raisins. Our Thompson Seedless grapes are harvested at their peak of ripeness, typically in late summer when they have reached optimal sugar content and flavor.

The harvest process is carefully timed and executed:

  • We monitor sugar levels (Brix) to determine the perfect harvest time
  • Grapes are carefully hand-selected for quality
  • Only the finest clusters make it into our raisin production
  • Harvest occurs during dry weather for optimal drying conditions

Our experienced team knows exactly when each vineyard section is ready for harvest, ensuring consistent quality year after year.

Vineyard Expert Inspecting Grapes
Grapes Drying Naturally

Step 3: Traditional Sun-Drying

We employ the time-honored method of natural sun-drying to transform our fresh grapes into delicious raisins. This traditional process has been used in California for over a century and produces raisins with superior flavor and nutrition.

Our Sun-Drying Method:

  • Grapes are carefully laid out on drying trays or paper
  • Natural California sunshine gradually removes moisture
  • The drying process takes 2-3 weeks depending on weather
  • No artificial heat or chemical treatments are used
  • Natural drying concentrates the grapes' sugars and flavors
  • The process preserves nutrients and antioxidants

This patient, natural approach results in raisins with exceptional taste and quality. The warm, dry California climate is perfect for this traditional method, which has been proven over generations to produce the finest raisins.

Step 4: Quality Control & Processing

Once our raisins reach the ideal moisture content, they undergo rigorous quality control to ensure only the finest raisins reach our customers.

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Visual Inspection

Each batch is carefully inspected for color, size, and quality consistency

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Moisture Testing

We test moisture levels to ensure optimal texture and shelf life

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Cleaning Process

Gentle cleaning removes any debris while preserving the raisins' natural bloom

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Sorting & Grading

Advanced sorting ensures uniform size and quality in every package

Step 5: Packaging & Distribution

The final step in our process is packaging our premium organic raisins and honey with care to preserve their freshness and quality.

Our Packaging Standards:

  • Food-grade, resealable packaging maintains freshness
  • Clear labeling with USDA Organic and CCOF certifications
  • Multiple size options to meet different needs
  • Tamper-evident seals for food safety
  • Convenient packaging designs for easy storage

Every package that leaves our facility meets or exceeds USDA organic standards and our own strict quality requirements. We take pride in knowing that each bag of raisins and bottle of honey represents our family's commitment to excellence.

California Gourmet Packaged Raisins

Orange Blossom Honey Production

California Gourmet Honey

Our California Orange Blossom Honey is sourced from trusted beekeepers who maintain hives near California's pristine orange groves. This ensures our honey captures the delicate citrus essence that makes orange blossom honey so special.

Our Honey Standards:

  • 100% pure, raw, and unfiltered
  • No heat treatment that would destroy natural enzymes
  • Sourced exclusively from California apiaries
  • Kosher certified for your dietary needs
  • Natural crystallization is normal and indicates purity
  • Contains beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients

Each bottle is carefully filled and sealed to preserve the honey's natural goodness. The result is a premium honey that tastes as nature intended—pure, delicious, and full of natural benefits.

Our Commitment to You

From our vineyards to your table, every step of our process is guided by our commitment to organic excellence, environmental stewardship, and uncompromising quality. We're proud to continue California's rich agricultural heritage while embracing sustainable practices that protect our land for future generations.

CCOF Certified

CCOF Certified Since 2005

20 Years of Organic Excellence