Pass gated communities and luxe strip malls to reach Chino Farm, 50 family-run acres in Rancho Santa Fe that date to Junzo and Hatsuyo Chino’s purchase in 1952. Their Vegetable Shop has been going strong since 1969 in North County San Diego, featuring some unusual produce, and recognizable fruits and vegetables that tend to have more flavor and flair. The venue also hosts events for culinary luminaries (and Chino proponents) like Alice Waters, Jonathan Waxman and Michael Pollan.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Chinese-Long-Beans.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Chinese long beans come in red and green at Chino Farm. Both varietals holding their color after cooking.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Eggplant-Selection.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Chino Farm touts five types of eggplant.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-String-Beans.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
It would probably be boring for the Chinos to offer beans in only one color, so they’re available in yellow, black and green.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Okra.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Red okra is brilliant to look at, but turns green when cooked.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Rainbow-Chard.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
One aspect that distinguishes Chino Farm is their presentation, with chard bundled in rainbow hues.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Baby-Brussels-Sprouts.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Baby Brussels sprouts spanned less than one inch.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Carrots.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Fat carrots aren’t just orange at Chino Farm.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Strawberries.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
We call Harry’s Berries “red gold,” and enjoyed Chino’s strawberries nearly as much, though they’re clearly another varietal, with a different shape and flavor.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Chinese-Wind-Beans.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Chinese wind beans have a bitter taste, pair well with sweet counterpoints like corn, and resemble stars when sliced.
![Farm San Diego](https://egbu7towdf7.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Chino-Farm-Exterior.jpg?lossy=1&resize=1200%2C901)
The Vegetable Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to precisely 4:19 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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