Whether it’s Whole Latka Love spice mix sprinkled on fried potato pancakes or Italian Blend adding pizzaz to pastas and salad dressings, a cadre of seasonal spice offerings from Shemesh Farms brings to the table both flavor and a commitment to social justice.

The farm, set in a large garden space in Malibu, Calif., is a social enterprise that, since its launch in 2013, provides employment, community and programming to adults aged 18 and older with diverse abilities. The farm is a program of the Shalom Institute, which describes itself as a “Jewish Community Center for experiential education, community engagement, inclusion and accessibility, and Jewish overnight camping.” 

Most of the approximately 60 farm fellows, as the workers are known, are on the autism spectrum. Some have physical or other cognitive disabilities, or a combination.

“There’s something significantly special about working with this demographic,” said Nicky Pitman, director of Shemesh Farms. The fellows, who work alongside dedicated coaches as well as volunteers and a small staff, take part in almost all aspects of production, gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Farm fellows contribute to “every herb blend,” Pitman said. “Their work goes into planting, watering, composting, harvesting, sorting, drying, curating the recipes and then bottling or packaging.”

Using vertical hydroponic towers, raised beds and in-ground techniques, Shemesh Farms, which is funded largely by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, grows 25 organic herbs and edible flowers for small-batch seasonal herb and salt blends as well as lavender for sachets. They also operate the Bee and Pollinator Center, an apiary that serves as an educational site for farm fellows, local schoolchildren and visitors.

Shemesh Farms offers year-round signature items, such as Citrus Garden Salts, Za’atar Blend #4 and Malibu Raw Honey, but it is known especially for its seasonal offerings. All its products are sold online.

The Italian Blend, Pitman said, has “got a little hint of cayenne to give it a kick, and some citrus zest, which gives a different flavor than most Italian blends.”

And while Whole Latka Love, Shemesh Farm’s Hanukkah offering, pairs well with latkes and roasted potatoes, Pitman also suggests trying it on chicken, eggs and avocado toast.

“Then we have our tea blend, TEA-kun Olam,” she said of the seasonal mix that includes chamomile, fennel and mint. “Because we believe you need to take care of yourself before you go out and take care of the world.”

Debra Eckerling