Happy Quail Farms

Definitely the best place in California currently producing Padrons, these little green peppers. Each time I buy them at my local supermarket I am disappointed by the flavor or freshness, however Happy Quail Farms knows what they are doing!
You could call these «Artisan Peppers». I get them at my local farmer’s market in Palo Alto where they always have a booth. And i’ve also seen them up in the city at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. There products are outstanding!

Happy Quail Farms is a small, sustainable pepper farm local to the San Francisco Bay Area. As far as I know, they sell most of their products to the public via farmer’s markets.
I used to feel like their selection at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market was small and the prices were pretty high, but then I investigated more about the company. It turns out the peppers are started in Florida and shipped to California, then planted in the greenhouse once the threat of freezing passes. No wonder they’re expensive! The whole operation is time consuming and yields a relatively small amount of product.
What I’m basically here to talk about are the Padrons… tiny green peppers that are apparently popular Spanish tapas. I first became familiar with them through Japanese cuisine; if they are not the same thing as Shishito peppers, they are very similar. The whole idea behind them is that you sear and blister them in a pan on high heat. The peppers cook super fast, range from mild to hot, and taste INcredible!
At $ 6 for a small bag, I don’t get them every weekend. But I would if I could. It’s the quickest, most delicious snack and it tastes like it should be bad for you… but it’s only peppers. Sprinkle a little fleur de sel on top and HAIO! Instant success.