Good crusty loaves of flavorful artisan bread are now available nearly everywhere, from supermarket bakeshops to small neighborhood bakeries. Cheeses Look for flavorful cheeses made by artisan dairies or local suppliers rather than mass-produced cheeses. Cheese stores will have much better selections than supermarkets, not to mention more knowledgeable employees, and they're always glad to let you taste before buying. A lot of iceberg lettuce comes from California, but that doesn't mean it makes for authentic California salads, which are filled with fresh and flavorful greens. If a store doesn't carry mesclun, make your own from its selection.
Fruits Buy fruit that's in season.
Just because you can get strawberries in January doesn't mean that they're good. Poach pears and turn apples into pies and crisps. Fragile Black Mission figs, another California specialty, peak in September, when their honey-like sweetness is concentrated. Try to shop at farmer's markets for the best in regionally grown produce. Organic produce is increasingly available across America, and often has phenomenal flavor.