There's an advantage in dealing direct with local farmers for decades, says the manager of Ikeda's, whose family opened the original fruit stand next to the Ikeda Ranch in Auburn in 1970. "When we say 'fresh,' that's exactly what you get. With high sugar content in apples, pears and plums, for example, you get that fresh, juicy taste." The manager asserts that fruits available in supermarkets have been bred for longer shelf life and have a lower sugar content. Ikeda's produce is picked and trucked to the store within a matter of days, sometimes even hours. Also, since Ikeda's bypasses middlemen, it can pass along significant savings. Some prepared foods are also available, including blueberry and "razzleberry" pies, Chepo's tamales, breads and salad dressings.