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Advantages of the Pop App
Fans of farmers' markets - we have an app for you. Welcome to Pop - your go-to space for supporting local commerce and community through group buying! The Pop app is the place you can find everything you need, from products from local farms, bakeries, and other small businesses, that allows you to connect with food providers within your community from anywhere, anytime. With a variety of different options to choose from, our app makes it easy to enjoy your favorite foods from your favorite farms or allows you to discover new local businesses you may not have even heard of! If you’re looking for a bit more insight into what makes us stand apart and why Pop is a great option for you to try if you're looking for that instant farmers’ market experience, then look no further. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the benefits of the Pop app in hopes of inspiring you to join the hundreds of others who enjoy our farm-to-table experience.
Farm-fresh Foods Anytime
One of the coolest things about the Pop app is you no longer have to wait until the few days the Farmers' Markets are open to pick up farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce! The Pop app is open 24-7; all you need to do is download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store, take a look at everything we offer, join or create a group order to unlock savings on various produce items, and you’ll receive your purchases at your doorstep within a few days! All of the items we sell are directly from the companies themselves, meaning they are picked and packaged within a short period of time for you to enjoy!
Ease of Use
Another great aspect of our app we pride ourselves on is the ease of use! All of the products are easy to find, and if you’re looking for something in particular, there is an easy-to-use search bar on the app's navigation bar! You can also see your previous orders and look at the top searches of what other users are looking for! Joining or creating a group for the group buying experience is just as easy; all you have to do is click on the item you would like to purchase, join a group, and you’ll be offered a discounted price!
Support Your Local Community
One of the best parts of visiting farmers markets is supporting your local commerce and food producers within your community, right? Well, the Pop app makes it easy to do just that from the comfort of your own home! All of our providers are local farms and small businesses within your local community that you can directly support, even if you’re too busy to make the short business hours of the farmers markets near you. Additionally, many farms may be unable to make it to all of the farmers market around your location, so being able to access farms and bakeries that you may not have heard of before allows you to both support a local business within your area while trying some new and delicious products as well!
Eat Healthier More Often
One of the biggest upsides to having easy access to farm-fresh foods is the ability to eat healthier more often! Most larger grocery stores buy products that have been in cold storage for long periods, while farms and bakeries only sell items that are currently in season, making for the freshest and tastiest produce available! Additionally, much of the produce sold within larger chain grocery stores contain high levels of chemicals like pesticides and GMOs that make the produce look pretty but lose a lot of their health benefits. On the other hand, farm-fresh foods allow you to enjoy the most nutrients (given they were picked within a short amount of time of when you receive them) while maintaing their delicious and fresh flavor. Now who wouldn’t want that?
Knoll Farm: An Interview With Popcorn
Here in the Bay Area, most of us spend our days among towering skyscrapers, bustling suburbs, and busy highways. It’s hard to imagine that 40 minutes east of the city lie pastoral expanses of farmland that stretch to the horizon in green and golden waves.
Welcome to Brentwood, California, a small town located at the western edge of the California Central Valley. Brentwood itself is home to more than 40 growers, from wineries to traditional farms to country stores and more, all part of a thriving farming community providing produce to local stores, restaurants, and homes around the Bay Area. As a hub for agriculture and agri-tourism, the city of Brentwood provides a unique space for local farmers to thrive and support their local food communities.
For today’s Partner Spotlight, we would like to highlight Knoll Farms – a small-but-mighty farm located in Brentwood that is home to 10 acres of trees and plants bristling with dozens of varieties of organic and sustainably produced fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Come with us today as we share with you the bounty that Knoll Farms has to offer!
Upon entering Knoll Farms, it becomes clear you’ve been transported to another world – one that is calm, quiet, and completely removed from the rest of the busy Bay Area. As you continue walking down the dirt road, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering trees heavy with figs and all manner of stone fruit. Looking to your left, you’ll see long stretches of orchards, all full of fruit waiting to be harvested at peak ripeness To your right, you’ll see rows of thyme and rosemary bushes interspersed among even more fruit trees. Knoll Farms’ 10 acres of biodiversity provide a safe haven for plants, bugs, and animals alike, and it is easy to see the beauty of a carefully designed and balanced ecosystem flourishing in true harmony.
Knoll Farms was initially founded in 1979 by Rick and Kristie Knoll who, at the time, were looking for a healthier way to eat and wanted to try growing their own fruits and vegetables. They purchased a 10-acre lot in Brentwood, planted a number of fruit trees, and from there Knoll Farms was born. Over the years Rick and Kristie grew to become leaders in the Bay Area farming community, known for their focus on biodiversity and soil health. These practices helped them gain popularity for some of the items they grow, including several varieties of figs as well as their famous green garlic. Today, Knoll Farms continues to shape California's food culture by providing impeccable, organic produce that helps nourish both its customers and the land upon which it stands.
During our time talking with Rick, the founder of Knoll Farms,, the dedication and passion he and his team have shown through with fervor–both for the formidable work required to grow the highest quality sustainable produce, and for the benefits it provides those who enjoy Knoll Farms’ products.
Here are some snippets of our conversation with Rick highlighting the spirit of Knoll Farms and its mission:
“Our farm is modeled after Italian ideas where everything is kind of grown together in a community.”
“Community, in a human sense, is where people actually care about one another and support one another, and if someone is struggling the community gets together and supports that person through the hard times.”
All in all, the work that Rick, Kristie, and their dedicated team do shines brightly through the foods they produce and in the rigor of their farming practices. Whether you are looking for organic fruits and vegetables with unparalleled flavor, or want to support a farm that values sustainability and biodiversity, look no further than Knoll Farms.
Bernal Bakery: An Interview With Popcorn
San Francisco is known to many as the home of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a bustling city that never sleeps, made up of rich, vibrant neighborhoods, and communities with their own unique history and cultural legacy. There is so much more to the city, though, that makes it beloved by many. Walk down Haight Street in Haight-Ashbury or Valencia in the Mission, and you’ll find quirky shops, world-class restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and people from all walks of life. Everywhere you look in San Francisco, there’s something unforgettable to find. The small community of Bernal Heights, a neighborhood in the southern part of Mission Valley is a hidden light within the city. Walking through the streets, it is clear how connected everyone within the community is to one another, from the “hi” and “hellos” exchanged by passerbyers to the business owners whose customers have visited them regularly for years.
Bernal Heights isn’t the first place on most tourists’ lists, and the neighborhood can even fly under the radar of long-time San Franciscans. A bit far away from the hustle and bustle of the Embarcadero or of Market Street, Bernal Heights has a charm that feels like a whole different world than that most San Franciscans and visitors are used to. Sprinkled with small markets, cafes, and shops, Bernal Heights provides a calm and peaceful atmosphere (in fact, many parents find this to be a great place for a first home!).
Bernal Bakery is a small, family-owned bakery located in Bernal Heights. Ran by Ryan Stagg and Danielle Banchero, this relatively young bakery provides a true story of the beauty of community, the ability to adapt to challenges, and the beauty of thinking out of the box. Like so many around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic forced both Ryan and Danielle, restaurant owners at the time, to close shop due to a loss in their business. Left with no restaurant, they turned to another passion, their love for baking. Ryan and Danielle were already baking for their neighbors in Bernal Heights, so the couple decided to go one step further. They started selling the bread they were already baking, using a basket they dropped down to deliver it to customers in a COVID-safe manner. Soon, their bread and their unique solution helped them grow in popularity, and Bernal Bakery was born.
We were fortunate enough to sit down and talk with Ryan, one of the owners of Bernal Bakery, to hear more about his story of how the bakery came to be and how the community has helped shape the bakery to be what it is today. Hearing his story provided invaluable insights into the strength of small businesses and the power of the community to lift up others during difficult times.
“I have some customers who have been coming for almost 3 years straight, haven’t skipped a week and it’s just a great way to see them and get to know everybody.” - Ryan “What’s really cool and special about our business is we’re a part of the Bernal Heights community which, anyone who knows this neighborhood knows how close-knit it is. It’s phenomenal.” - Ryan
“Apart from that, we’ve started selling at farmers markets and it’s just amazing to be able to service a community of people that take the time out of their day to go support local artisans and get outside and meet a lot of everyday people.” - Ryan
Bernal Bakery is a bakery is a one-of-a-kind business. It’s powered by Ryan and Danielle’s resiliency and spirit, their love for their community, and by the humble belief that something as simple as baked bread can bring people together. While we are all far too familiar with the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, what you do to adapt and persevere shows your true strength, like that of Bernal Bakery.
Popcorn’s Guide to German Food
There is much to love about German cuisine. From classic bratwurst to beer to soft pretzels, the hearty, filling, and iconic dishes make Germany and its food something people travel far and wide to enjoy! While this country has gotten a bad rap in the past for its “boring flavors” and heavy meat use, many don’t realize the influence of spices and techniques from neighboring countries like Italy and France. Germany is also known for its culinary celebrations, so events are full of classic foods, drinks, and entertainment. For today’s Pop’s All You Need Guide, we’re taking a trip to Germany to learn about the best German cooking.
Fun Facts:
According to Planet D, Germany has over 1,000 varieties of sausages! a. These include Bratwurst, Currywurst, and Knackwurst, which, while they all sound the same, have very different tastes!
Germany has over 300 different types of bread and over 1,200 different types of sweets, including cakes, pastries, and other baked goods! 3. Beer is considered a food in Bavaria! The average person in Bavaria consumes 150 Liters of Beer or more each year!
History of German Food:
Before we dive into the different dishes enjoyed in today’s Germany, it’s essential to look at the history behind the cuisine itself. Given Germany’s geographical location, its regions vary, and so does the food! According to the Spruce Eats, German food was likely of a much blander profile in its early days, characterized by a limited growing season. Much of what was eaten at the time included products made of wheat, barley, and meats that were hunted throughout the land, like rabbit, lamb, and other wild game. Even though the countries neighboring Germany (like Italy and France) enjoyed benefits from the Mediterranean climate, the German people had to adapt to the less bountiful climate and environment in which they lived. As times grew more modern and with the influx and emigration of individuals from other countries and geographical locations, flavors began to change, and so did that of German food.
Nowadays, the cuisine is a beautiful medley of traditional German culture mixed with the exquisite flavors of countries worldwide. New recipes have been cultivated, building on older traditional ones to make dishes so many travel from all around the globe for.
Different German Foods to Enjoy:
Now that we’ve discussed where German food started let’s dive in and explore some of the different dishes and foods enjoyed in Germany! While this list isn’t everything (that would be as long as an encyclopedia!) that is eaten in German cuisine, we hope this inspires you to try one of these dishes for yourself and explore the flavors of Germany.
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is a prevalent side dish in Germany and around the world, German Potato Salad is a true classic yet simple dish that pairs well with so many main course meals! While gaining popularity in the early 1900s, this dish has become a staple in various cultures; you’ll likely see potato salad versions in countries like Japan, the United States, and even Morocco! To make a German Potato Salad, you will need a few simple ingredients, including potatoes, mayonnaise, onions, and an optional addition of fried eggs!
Pretzels
Another true classic enjoyed near and far is the German pretzel! This bready snack makes the perfect pairing for beer tasting or a nice treat with cheese sauce. Many cultures have adapted this food to become their own, taking on different flavors and ingredient combinations that are oh-so-delicious! While the classic version of the pretzel is lightly sprinkled with salt, you’ll likely find versions of this traditional snack dipped in sugar, cinnamon, or even cheese! Fun fact: according to Viatravelers, the shape of the pretzel is supposed to represent arms folded in prayer, an iconic design that remains today!
Sauerbraten
A true German delicacy, sauerbraten is a classic dish made of a beef roast, a melody of various spices and herbs, and a hint of sweetness thanks to a few ingredients you’d never expect! The ingredients used and the taste of sauerbraten vary depending on the region you may find yourself in (or where the recipe comes from), but the basics remain the same. It is said that this dish originated in the times of Julius Caesar, but today this dish is heavily enjoyed as a staple within Germany’s cuisine.
Kartoffelsuppe
- Kartoffelsuppe, or German potato soup, is an authentic comfort dish and one of the most popular soups in Germany! Typically served as an appetizer, this soup is a delicious combination of onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, some stock, double cream, and a few herbs and spices to help create its delightful flavor. Kartoffelsuppe is the perfect dish for cold winter days and can be served with some white bread for a tasty and filling treat!
Sauerkraut
If you’ve eaten a Reuben sandwich, likely you’ve tasted the slightly sour sauerkraut. This incredibly simple concoction is a German staple and easy to make! With only two ingredients, this fermented condiment makes for a delicious side for hotdogs, a sandwich, burgers, and many German dishes use this to help enhance the flavors of the main course as well! All you’ll need to make sauerkraut
Black Forest Cake
Did you know that Black Forest Cake is a traditional German dessert? This rich and tasty cake is enjoyed worldwide but originated in the Black Forest region of Germany, most likely in the 16th century! Today, this four-layer chocolate cake makes for the perfect pairing with coffee, tea, or ice cream, or it is delightful on its own.
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All in all, there is much to love and enjoy when it comes to German cooking. From sauerkraut to Black Forest Cake and everything in between, Germany’s classic flavors and dishes have made their mark in cuisines. If you’ve enjoyed today’s Pop All You Need Guide and are looking for more inspiration, check out our other food guides available on our blog.