The California Farmstead Basket from Golden State Fruit is stocked with unique and delicious gourmet items. Every item added to the quality and quality of the gift. They have gone out and found some of the best gourmet items in the Sonoma valley instead of trying to produce any of the items themselves. For example, the 8oz cheddar cheese was made by Fiscalini Farmstead (founded in 1914), the first dairy farm in the US to receive the "cow comfort" certification for animal welfare. On the back of the label it tells the story of how their whole raw milk cheese is hand-crafted in small batches from their pampered cows in their artisanal farmstead. Knowing that this wonderful cheese (really was one of the best we've tasted) is made with only natural products and from a company with extraordinary ethics and environmental principles adds to the perceived value of the gift.

The blue cheese was made by Point Reyes so I went to their website and again, was overwhelmed with information about their family, their company, and how well the Giacomini family takes care of their cows and the history of their commitment to quality since 1959. One of the quotes said "We choose to make blue cheese out of a two-fold love of food and cooking. As a family that shares a passion for all things "gourmet", blue cheese was a natural because of its versatility in the kitchen and its ability to stand alone as a table cheese. It has now become very obvious to us that Golden State Fruit Baskets is not just trying to say "I've got cheese in the fruit basket", just trying to check off a box, but trying to delight the recipient with award winning gourmet items.

The cinnamon almonds delighted our pallet and the chocolate covered cherries were moist and delicious, melting in our mouths. The dried fruit came from Torn Ranch, another company who for over 30 years has used the famous dried fruits and nuts from California’s lush, fertile valleys, and known for their premium quality. On their website they say, "We maintain our unparalleled commitment to the highest standard for product quality, gift design and customer service." Again, by selecting the best of the best, we know that Golden State Fruit Baskets is investing in quality items for their gifts.

The Walla Walla Sweet Onion crackers say "Gourmet Artisan Flatbread Crackers" and talks about using only all natural and fresh ingredients and using 100% green power sources for their electricity needs and purchasing only boxes made by an FSC certified box manufacturer who alsu uses green energy sources and recycles.

Lastly I have to mention the Strawberry Blueberry Jam. It was filled with chunks of strawberry and whole blueberries. On their website it says "With Ron and Tressa Cooper’s appreciation for all natural, whole foods, local farmers and a time honored tradition of preserving, they knew that this gift of great tasting food had to be shared with the rest of the world. Our passion and commitment to bring the very best of nature to the tables of America meant that there would be no place for preservatives or anything artificial added.
Our products evoke the natural simplicity of our environment. You can use our sauces, jams and condiments straight from the jar as well as create gourmet meals, or enhance any dish."

I can't say enough about Golden State Fruit's choices and their commitment to add items that are great tasting. Almost all of their gourmet items are award winning and from families who have been making their specialty products for decades and for the most part are kind to animals and the envirnoment.

Total Number of Gourmet Items:9

Net Weight of Gourmet Items: 2 lbs 9 oz

List of Gourmet Items

Fiscalini Farmstead Premium Aged Cheddar (8 oz)
Pointe Reyes Original Blue Cheese (6 oz)
Earth & Vine Provisions Strawberry Blueberry Jam (9 oz)
Walla Walla Sweet Onion Flatbread Crackers (2.8 oz)
Baklava (3 oz)
Cinnamon Almonds (4.25 oz)
Chocolate Covered Cherries (3 oz)
Torn Ranch Dried Fruit (3 oz)
5 Assorted Ghirardelli