10 Amazing Food Gifts from California - Visit California

Home to an embarrassment of edible riches, California produces 20 percent of the nation's dairy, 80 percent of its wine, and nearly all of its artichokes. As part of the Golden State's bounty, there are thousands of artisans dedicated to perfecting their passions. Whether that's freshly plucked peaches or luxury chocolates, when you give a California-grown present, know that you are gifting some of the world's very best. Consider these delicious ideas cultivated in the icy waters of the North Coast, the sun-drenched hills of the Central Valley, the green pastures of Shasta Cascade, and beyond. 
 

Hog Island Oyster Club Subscription, $190 to $515

With farms along the shores of both Tomales Bay and Humboldt Bay, Hog Island Oyster Co. produces more than 5 million shellfish each year. Get your oyster-obsessed family member a piece of the action with a three-month subscription. Choose from a monthly delivery of 12 or 36 bivalves, complete with shucking knife, gloves, and a tasting notebook.
 

Brightland Olive Oil Mini Artist Series, $85

Founded in 2018 by Los Angeles-based Aishwarya Iyer, Brightland has become synonymous with exceptional olive oil in beautiful packaging. The Mini Artist Series doubles down on the brand's design cred with four bottles featuring original art. Inside you'll find golden elixirs pressed from olives plucked from the Central Coast—spiked with peppers, garlic, lemon, and basil.
 

Masienda Molinito, $1,995

Understated yet complex, masa is the sweet and nutty backbone of Mexican cuisine. This nixtamalized corn flour provides the base for everything from tortillas to tamales—and the best way to make it is with a machine called a molino. The Molinito from Los Angeles-based Masienda is a countertop version and the ultimate gift for the Mexican food aficionado on your list.

Temecula Valley Honey Company Superbloom, $2 and up

When unusually heavy rains visit Riverside County, long-dormant wildflowers spring into action, covering the valley with a jaw-dropping superbloom. Enjoy this rare and wonderful phenomenon in its shelf-stable form with a bottle of Temecula Valley honey—a product of the bloom along the I-15 Corridor.
 

Shields Date Crystals, $22

For nearly a century, Shields Date Garden has been fiercely dedicated to all things dates. Located in Indio, Shields is a Greater Palm Springs institution, thanks in part to its famous date shakes. Date Crystals (invented by Mr. Shields in 1936) are the not-so-secret ingredient to the creamy beverage, so you can blend one at home anytime the craving strikes, or incorporate them into cookies, cakes, and brownies.
 

Fourteen Magpies Quince Jelly, $12

Tanya Seibold's handmade jams and preserves are an open secret in Sonoma County, and her richly textured Quince Jam offers up hints of apple, pear, guava, and pineapple—all rolled into one. Freshly grated quince is added during the final stage of cooking for added texture and extra quince flavor. It's all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free, so you can gift it to just about anybody with good taste. 
 

Compartés Shades of California Deluxe Chocolate Gift Bundle, $390

Packaged in a keepsake palm print box, this over-the-top gift set will more than satisfy any chocolate lover's sweet tooth. The made-in-Los Angeles collection includes a lineup worthy of its own Christmas carol: 40 truffles, 16 gourmet bars, a collection of chocolate-dipped fruits, and one box of English toffee.

Novy Ranches Short Ribs, $24 and up

Let your favorite carnivore taste the difference conservation-focused cattle ranching makes. Located in Siskiyou County, Novy Ranches nurture their herds under the shadow of majestic Mt. Shasta. Cows drink from the Shasta River alongside running salmon as golden eagles soar in the sky above.
 

Dough & Arrow Cookies, Bestseller Dozen Box, $48

Developed by friends GiGi Pascual and Jennifer Green who first met thanks to their adjacent food trucks, Dough & Arrow has developed a cult following. Taste what the buzz is about with a box of the most popular Costa Mesa–based treats. Flavors include Ube Toasted Coconut, Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, and the signature Smookie (s'more cookie).
 

Frog Hollow Farm Monthly Cornucopia of California, $186 and up

The stuff you find in supermarket aisles just doesn't hold a candle to the produce that fills farm stands in California's fertile Central Valley. Give the gift of seasonal sweetness with a three- to six-month membership to the Cornucopia Fruit Club. All apricots, peaches, pears, and pomegranates are plucked at Frog Hollow, an organic and regenerative farm in Brentwood, about 30 miles west of Stockton.
 

Shared Cultures Chanterelle Mushroom Miso, $20

Let the epicurean in your life take their dishes up a notch with Shared Cultures miso. This fermented foodie favorite is used by San Francisco Bay Area chefs like Nisei's David Yoshimura to imbue can't-quite-put-your-finger-on-it umami. This particular blend marries foraged chanterelles with fermented California-grown koji rice.