Harry’s Berries Celebrates 25 Years

One of the Hollywood Farmers' Market vendors is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Harry’s Berries, a family-owned organic farm in Oxnard, is considered one of the pioneers in the California farmers market scene. It was founded 25 years ago by Harry Iwamoto, a Japanese immigrant who moved to the United States in the late 1950s.

“My grandfather was one of the first vendors at the Hollywood market,” said Kris Gean, the grandson of Iwamoto and one of the owners in the family farm.

Iwamoto initially was as a landscape gardener, but after he was told he could make more money as a farmer, he leased 11 acres of farmland in Oxnard and taught himself how to grow strawberries. The farm is now run by Iwamoto’s children, Kaz and Molly, their spouses and children.

“Through the years, we were able to expand the farm and grow other produce than just berries,” Gean said.

Harry’s Berries is best known for its two heirloom varieties of strawberries, the Chandler which has a strong berry perfume with a softer, juicer texture and Seascape, which has a lower acidity level, a firmer texture and a wildberry-like flavor. These berries are also much more expensive than others at the market.

“Our strawberries have a smaller yield than farmers who grow commercial varieties in mass production,” Gean explained. “Hopefully you can taste the difference and understand why ours cost more.”

In addition to the strawberries, this time of year Harry’s Berries stand is overflowing with garden produce such as plump red tomatoes, French yellow and green beans (haricot verts) and yellow Italian wax beans. They also sell bottled homemade items such as salsa, pickled dill beans and raspberry and strawberry preserves. Make sure to grab a pint of Harry’s blackberries because it may be the final week for this season.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Harry’s Berries is hosting a farm tour and dinner party on Saturday, July 23. There will be tours of the farm and an art gallery filled with artwork made from recycled farm junk such as old tires. The main event of the celebration is the dinner party where the menu features everything grown and fresh picked on the farm. Some of the menu items include a salad made with baby lettuce and edible flowers all tossed with a strawberry vinaigrette and pasta served with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. More information about the event and tickets may be found at the Harry’s Berries website.

On another note: With next week's I-405 Freeway closure, it is the perfect reason to really practice the farmers market credo, “Eat Local, Buy Local.” Residents are encouraged to stay home and support neighborhood businesses. What better way than shopping at the Hollywood Farmers' Market? I asked a number of the farmers if they will come to the market and they all answered it will be business as usual. Because the farmers will be traveling in the wee-early morning hours, they don’t expect to have a traffic problem. Getting home however may be another story.

Please feel free to share stories and recipes of the items you find interesting at the market. If you see me strolling about, please say hello.

See you next week at the market!

The Hollywood Farmers Market is located at the intersection of Ivar and Selma avenues, between Sunset and Hollywood boulevards. Rain or shine, it is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is a certified open-air street market with approximately 100 farmers, 30 local artisans and 40 baked-goods and prepared-food vendors who sell their products every Sunday. It is a direct-to-consumer marketplace with all produce and products from local, California vendors and growers.

Parking: Cinerama Dome: $2 for first two hours with validation available at the information booth at Ivar and DeLongpre avenues. Metered parking: Check parking enforcement signs. Some meters free until 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Dog Sitting: Only tagged assistance dogs are allowed at the market, but this shouldn’t stop others from walking their dogs to the public event. There’s a dog sitting service provided at the corner of Ivar and Vine streets. Your prized pooch will get to socialize with other dogs while you do your shopping at the market. It charges a small fee of $5 per 20 minutes.