SeeCalifornia.com

Among the trends in 2015, people are buying organic foods and they’re especially interested in locally sourced products. You’ve come to the right state! California is one of the leaders in the organic movement. Here are a few gift options for the gourmet crowd:

• Watsonville’s annual Factory Outlet Sale (cityofwatsonville.org) takes place on December 5, 2015, and there are some great food factories among the mix. Martinelli’s known for its award-winning sparkling apple cider, is based in Watsonville and it’s on the list. Wonderfully Raw, an organic snack company, also is open to the public.
• Olive oil companies abound in California but one of our favorites is  Olea Farm in Templeton owned by Yves and Clotilde Julien (right photo). Their oils can be found in the finest Beverly Hills gourmet shops, but you can buy direct and have them shipped!
• Hoshigaki made from persimmons is an Asian delicacy popular with California’s fine chefs. Jeff Rieger (left photo) at Penryn Orchard Specialties has been on the leading edge of production of the California fruit specialty, and he ships.
• San Francisco Fall Chocolate Salon (fallchocolatesalon.com) on November 15, 2015 isn’t free but it’s the place to go for chocolate gift buying ideas. You get to sample artisan chocolates from all sorts of chocolate sources and talents, and will quickly know which products fit your gift specifications.
• Cheese factories are abundant throughout the state but one recognized stand out is Harley Farms Goat Dairy (harleyfarms.com) in Pescadero, where you can take a goat tour on certain weekends.
• California nuts — walnuts, almonds and pistachios — come in salted & unsalted, or with seasonings ranging from sweet to hot.