[yellowapple]

Well that's a bit cheaty, I think. California's an agricultural powerhouse for good reason: lots of sunshine, temperate climate, rich soil, decent amount of water (droughts notwithstanding).

Having an orchard at home, at neighbors'/friends' homes, etc. is one of the few things I miss about growing up in the Central Valley.

[distances]

It's not only California. I grew up a bit south of the Arctic Circle, home-grown tomatoes up there are also leaps and bounds tastier than the supermarket stuff. Of course the time window for your own tomatoes is very limited so it's just an autumn delicacy.