China Ranch Date Farm

Coming from the east coast, the desert of California, just south of Death Valley, might as well be Mars. Rock Cliffs, hot springs and lots of dry earth make up a repetitive landscape. These dates come from a tiny ranch, nestled in a little valley, It is literally an oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The land was first farmed by Chinese man around the 1890s, growing food for the men who worked at local mines. In 1970 Brian and Bonnie bought the ranch and they now grow more than a dozen different varieties of dates on their property. The dates are sweet and sticky; they'll keep best in the fridge where they'll be happy for many months.