I don’t need to tell you how thrilling it is to have reached the one-year mark – this is the fourth issue of Edible Mendocino & Lake Counties! Getting to this point has been a true test of stamina; like many people in our two counties, I hold down many freelance jobs, publisher of this magazine being one of them. Sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming, because the magazine is basically a team of two. But it is completely worth it in the end, as it has given me the chance to learn so much about our agricultural, gastronomical and viticultural worlds, and how they intersect.

Soil is the most basic common denominator between the three. We wouldn’t have anything to grow, drink or eat without the earth that incubates the vines, seeds and roots of our mountains and valleys. Soil is one of the most complex and diverse substances, and research is constantly revealing new insights into how to improve its fertility, moisture and nutrient balance. One soil amendment that holds huge promise is biochar. There are no statistics on how many farms in our area use it, but those that do are thrilled with its effect on soil health. In this article we take a closer look at what biochar is, who is using it, and the status of efforts to produce it locally.

Soil also brings forth the summer fruits and vegetables that are the focus of our soup recipe feature: strawberries, pears, peppers, cucumbers, and many others, ideally bought at our local farmers markets. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I did.

Cheers to our first trip around the sun – and to many more to come!

Karen Elowitt
Publisher & Managing Editor