THE SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

Within Sonoma County’s vibrant community stands a resilient woman who is committed to preserving her Korean heritage and cultural legacy. Meet Min-Hee Hill, the passionate force behind Min-Hee Hill Gardens, the April vendor of the Month for the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market. Her journey is not just about farming; it’s a narrative of resilience, tradition, and a commitment to health and sustainability, she is the Kimchi Queen.

Min-Hee was born in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, then her family moved to the countryside of Korea, this is where Min-Hee’s story began. Spending her formative years on her family’s countryside farm, her upbringing instilled in her a profound respect for the land and a deep understanding of traditional farming practices. “My mom grew all the vegetables that we ate growing up,” she recalls, reminiscing about her childhood filled with the aroma of fermenting kimchi and the earthy scent of freshly harvested produce. Her childhood memories are detailed with the tender care her family bestowed upon their farm’s produce which gave her a profound reverence for the land and passion for preserving her cultural legacy.

In 2008, Min-Hee delved into farming in Sebastopol, California, bringing with her the timeless wisdom inherited from her family’s traditions. Driven by a yearning for the genuine flavors of her homeland and a mission to combat food waste, she established Min-Hee Hill Gardens. Her endeavor transcended mere cultivation; it was a journey of rediscovery, a quest to reconnect with her roots, and to introduce the essence of Korean kimchi to her new community.

“I eat Kimchi every day,” she shares, a hint of homesickness in her smile. “When I first came to the United States, I tried buying it at the store, but it never matched the taste of my own.” Determined to share the authentic essence of her homeland, Min-Hee expanded her offerings beyond just produce to include pickles, fermented vegetables, and her renowned kimchi. Each jar was a labor of love, meticulously crafted in her state-certified commercial kitchen.

Her farmers market journey began in Windsor, where she initially sold only carrots and assorted produce. However, the overwhelming demand led her to swiftly expand her offerings. Subsequently, she relocated to a larger farm in Sebastopol before joining The Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market in 2010, where her new venture found its stage.

Here, amidst the lively ambiance and enthusiastic conversations of patrons, Min-Hee unveiled her assortment of pickles, fermented vegetables, and, of course, her signature kimchi, a symphony of flavors and textures that transport one to the bustling streets of Seoul. At the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market, Min-Hee’s booth is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking the freshest organic produce and authentic Korean flavors. “For me, it’s just something I have to have,” Min-Hee shares, her passion palpable in every word. “It makes me feel good and keeps me going.” Beyond nourishing the body, her kimchi nourishes the soul, a testament to the power of food to connect us to our roots and each other.

But Min-Hee’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Sonoma County’s erratic weather patterns, coupled with droughts and fires, have tested her resilience. “Limited water in the summertime due to droughts really affects the farm,” she explains. Yet, undeterred, she has adapted her farming practices, prioritizing vegetables for her kimchi and pickles during times of scarcity.

As Min-Hee tends to her booth, rain or shine, she embodies the spirit of resilience and community that defines the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market, this is why she is this month’s ‘Vendor of the Month’.

Her story is a reminder that behind every jar of pickles, kimchi and bundle of fresh greens lies a tale of tradition, perseverance, and a commitment to nourishing both body and soul. So, the next time you visit the market, stop by Min-Hee Hill Gardens, and savor the flavors of Korea brought to life in Sonoma County.