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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’.—
Sonoma County lost a cherished treasure and a dear friend to our Sonoma County Farmers’ Markets in early August. Paula Downing sadly passed away, at the age of 82 in her Sebastopol home, overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Paula’s influence on our community’s farmers markets was nothing short of transformational, and her legacy continues to thrive in the heart of our community.
In the early 1990s, Paula played a pivotal role in the creation of the Sebastopol Farmers’ Market. For the first two years, she was a vendor and served as a board member for the market. Then, when the original market manager had to leave due to family obligations, Paula’s 25 year tenure as the manager of the market began, where she brought to fruition the vision of the market organization: transforming it into a community based event, one where people would come not just for the sake of buying produce, but as a way to pass the time and connect with others.
Paula’s journey as a market manager continued with the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market, located in the east parking lot of the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. Under her guidance, this market evolved into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors of Sonoma County.
Paula’s commitment to small farmers was unwavering. She always went the extra mile for each member farm, providing assistance personally or by connecting them with the resources they needed. Her deep understanding and love for farmers made her a beloved figure among the farming community. Her impact was felt far and wide.
Pegi Ball, the current market manager, fondly remembers Paula as an unwavering source of support and wisdom. She shared, “Paula was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. She reached out to me when I was just starting, answering my questions and offering unwavering support. Her mentorship was invaluable, and many vendors owe their success to her guidance.” Despite her unique personality that sometimes led to friendly disputes, Paula’s dedication to farmers and agriculture was unquestionable, earning immense gratitude from all who crossed her path.
Paula’s markets were not just places to buy fresh produce; they were vibrant community centers. She organized special events throughout the year, from tomato tastings with guest chefs to customer appreciation days and holiday-themed festivities. Paula also made a significant contribution by advocating for fair compensation for farmers, putting an end to the practice of endless requests for donations.
In addition to her market work, Paula was a passionate advocate for the environment, clean air and water, local foods, and the preservation of biodiversity. She was an integral part of Slow Food Russian River and played a crucial role in efforts to save the Gravenstein Apple. Her impact extended beyond markets, as she tirelessly worked to protect headwaters, combat the use of DDT, and save old-growth trees in Oregon.
Paula’s sister, Barbara, highlighted the remarkable dedication Paula displayed in taking on all these demanding roles. She remarked, “Paula willingly dedicated herself to this challenging work out of her love for the community and her sense of duty.”
Paula’s infectious energy and dedication to her passions were felt by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever shape the landscape of Sonoma County’s farmers markets. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life filled with love, advocacy, and a profound impact on our community. Paula, you will be deeply missed, and your spirit will forever inspire us.
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SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET
P.O. Box 3148, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
707-596-8553