MONTEREY, CA - With over 20 years of experience in foodservice, Jane Hayes has a wealth of knowledge regarding food prep. Coupling her industry know-how with good old-fashioned research, Jane founded Monterey Farms back in 2000 to provide fresh-tasting artichoke hearts. I spoke with Jane recently about the company’s trajectory over these past 24 years, and what innovations she’s fostering within her product lines.

“I fully understood the labor involved in preparing fresh artichoke hearts for my customers,” Jane, Monterey Farms' President, started off. “I began doing research and development (R&D) in my home kitchen using the seconds or ‘culled’ artichokes from the local central coast fields. With bin after bin of what was deemed “cow food,” I developed a process that hand trims the fresh artichokes down to their hearts, lightly seasons and steams them for a fresh tasting artichoke heart, and then packed without excess oils or brine.”

This process developed what came to be known as ArtiHearts™, a value-added product line that speaks to convenience and flavor.

“We give consumers a healthy alternative to jarred or canned imported artichokes. Our hands-on process gives our customers an artichoke heart that is tender, yet crunchy, and will hold their taste and texture while incorporating them into pasta dishes or casseroles,” Jane explained. “ArtiHearts are Field to Fork within 48 hours of harvest, and are a true value-added product for this unique, often misunderstood, and time-consuming vegetable.”

Innovation is top of mind for Jane, who prides herself and her team on making wholesome artichoke products unlike any other.

“During the pandemic, I kept innovation alive by bringing an old culinary idea to life: compound butters. I asked Janet Melac, our Quality Assurance Manager and our R&D French-trained chef, to create the unique flavors that would give our customers the ability to bring complex culinary excellence to any meal,” Jane noted.

This resulted in six flavors in the Chef Butter line, offered in Shiitake Ginger, Cabernet Porcini, Serrano Lime, Roasted Shallot, French Herb, and Basil Garlic.

Retailers like Whole Foods Market have recognized the brilliance of the company’s products, having carried Monterey Farms at its stores nationwide for the past 10 years. With such exciting developments constantly at hand, it seems likely that Monterey Farms' reach will only increase.

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Monterey Farms