Lori Heal’s family home and berry farm lie in the heart of Arroyo Grande, nestled next to sunny oaks. As owner of 2 Peas in a Pod and Mama’s Preserves, Lori has been in love with growing fruits and vegetables for over three decades. Raised in a family of dairy farmers, she always knew working with her hands would make her happy.
Lori beams as she shares, “2 Peas in a Pod was named after me having two kids. Now I have four, so it should really be four peas in pod, or five because my husband is a big kid! Mama’s Preserves came straight from the kids. They said, ‘Let’s call it Mama’s!’ I have fun with it because customers of every age will come by my farm stand and say ‘Hey Mama, how ya doin’?’. Everybody refers to me as Mama.”

Berry Creative: Lori Heal’s Summer Secrets

WORDS BY CHRISTY wolff
PHOTOS BY Dan Kuras

Originally published in Edible SLO Magazine. 

When asked what it’s like to work with her husband and kids everyday, Lori can’t stop smiling, “I’ve always dreamed of having a husband who would do business with me because my mom and dad did. The kids have great ideas - they have the new-generation ideas. Luckily with our business there are unlimited possibilities. I live for my family and the kids. I’m just glad that they’re around me.”

It's clear to see why she’s so well loved along Central Coast Farmers’ Market fans: her enthusiasm for farming and friendly attitude makes her a joy to be around. When we get to talking about what makes San Luis Obispo County extraordinary for produce, she has oodles to share, “Look at the weather! Look at the soil! I feel spoiled. With our climate we’re able to grow things year-round. Around here we have summer crops and winter crops so, really, I’m able to work every single day of the year.”  

With summer here, Lori wants friends, family, and readers to know: berries are unbelievably tasty on so much more than toast. Incorporating ripe boysenberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and olallieberries into appetizers, cocktails, and main dishes is a fun way to step up any summer party. From berry barbecue glaze to sweet-and-spicy mojitos, locally grown berries present options for endless creative applications.

Lori (and at least one of her helpful sons) can be found behind her farm stand every Thursday night at Farmers’ Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Olallieberry jam is her best-seller followed by seven different blends of berry and jalapeño jam. We recommend finding your favorite by trying every flavor.