THE STORY

In the genesis of Arelia Goods Farm, Red, a farmer with an unwavering green thumb, embarked on a mission to combat the prevalence of genetically modified and pesticide-laden produce. His solution? Cultivate a community-based partnership with neighboring homeowners. In exchange for access to their land, they reaped the bounty of organic crops: collard greens, rosemary, mint leaves, scallions, aloe vera, zucchini, mullein tea, tomatoes, and more.

One sunny day in 2017, the city farm received an abundance of walnuts. With creativity in mind, we transformed them into delectable walnut pralines. The positive reception inspired me to venture further—why not try my hand at crafting the renowned pecan pralines?

In collaboration with my spirited 86-year-old mother, Juanita (the official sweet-treat sampler), I proposed, “Mom, let’s start a small business specializing in pecan pralines, in your honor.” Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she exclaimed, “Oh, that’s wonderful!” My childhood memories resurfaced—the pecans that fell in my Grandma Minnie’s Atlanta yard, where these southern nuts thrived. Thus, the pecan became our emblem, representing my mother, Juanita—a Georgia pecan herself: rich, flavorful, and ever-fresh when kept cool.

Choosing a name was no small task. We settled on “Arelia,” signifying gold, golden, or gold-colored. Pronounced awe-rell-lia, it resonated deeply with my mother, so with Red the farmer and Arelia Goods we blossomed into Arelia Goods Farm.

Certified by the Department of Agriculture and approved by the Los Angeles Health Department, Arelia Goods Farm graces farmers’ markets with its bounty of fruits, vegetables, and organic mullein tea. Our confectionery delights and baked goods find their way to individuals, event planners, restaurants, and grocers—satisfying the sweet cravings of the world.