Archive for January 2020
Gravenstein Apples
August – September from California Gravenstein Apples are just starting to come in. This apple comes and goes in a blink of the eye, so get ‘em while you can. In Sonoma County, the perfect region for Gravenstein’s there’s only about 80 acres left producing the fruit. This highly desired apple is not a money…
Read MoreGrapefruit
October – may from Texas and Florida, year-round from California and Arizona Look for firm heavy fruit with no soft spots. Newer grapefruit will be shinier on the surface and is perfect for out of hand eating. However, dull, mildly dehydrated skin and slightly softer grapefruit is best for juicing. Florida varietiesFlame Grapefruit: Flavorful, sweet…
Read MoreGold Kiwifruit
May – October from New Zealand This kiwifruit has a completely different flavor than its green cousin. It combines the flavor of mango, citrus and berries and is exceptionally sweet and juicy. The potato skin-like peel is fuzzless and edible. Its golden sunshine interior makes a stunning presentation on a fruit platter, in a salad…
Read MoreFava Beans
April – August from California When eying them at the market, look for a bright finish to the pod and well-formed beans inside. But don’t be afraid if the pods look less than perfect. The prize, which is the bean, has a much longer life than the pod. — Guido the GardenerVideo: https://youtu.be/4USSNmnTPSw
Read MoreFresh English Peas
Year-round from California and Mexico When at the market, look for shiny, smooth surfaced pods that are bright in color. The calyx end of the pod should be vibrant and green. Pick pods that are full, but not puffy. The sweetest peas are in the medium width pods. Not too big, not too small. It…
Read MoreDonut Peaches
Late May – October from California, July – September from Washington Donut peaches, UFO peaches, Galaxy peaches, whatever you want to call them these babies are packed with flavor! The pit is small leaving an abundance of juicy peach flesh. However, this peach is susceptible to some natural growing defects that do not affect the…
Read MoreSweet Corn
March – August Coachella Valley & Riverside, June – October from Brentwood surrounding areas When selecting corn in the store, look for plump, firm ears. Look at the husks. Make sure they are green and moist. Feel the ear for any sunken areas that may be under the husks. Sometimes corn will not fully mature or…
Read MoreCooking Pumpkins
September – December from California Many cooking pumpkin varieties come to market this time of year. The pumpkin varieties make great pies, tarts, cakes, raviolis, soups and so on. My favorite pie pumpkin is the Australian Queensland Blue. It has a gray/green skin and a deep orange flesh. It is often confused with Jarrahdale Squash…
Read MoreChestnuts
September – November from California, October – November from Italy, October – March from Korea When selecting chestnuts in the store, look for deep colored nuts with significant striping. Press the nut between your fingers. It should be solid – no give. A retailer who really knows about chestnuts will not display them with the…
Read MoreCherries
April – June from California, June – August from Oregon & Washington, December – January from Chile Pick cherries that are dark red to almost black, but still firm with fresh green stems. They should be shiny and not stick together. There is nothing like a good crisp dark Bing cherry. They are sweet with a…
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