The large Intennza Papaya has a melon-like flavor, fragrant aroma and beautiful salmon red interior. The flesh is firm, but juicy, with one of the sweetest and least acidic flavors of any papaya variety. Read on to learn how to cut and enjoy papayas, more health benefits and storage and ripening tips.

Kumquats are a unique member of the citrus family and are thought to come from China.  The two main varieties of kumquats are the sweet and tart oval shaped Nagami and the sweet round Meiwa.  There are many other varieties of kumquats and hybrid kumquats including the Mandarinquat.

Sunny Cal Farms mission is to put quality and flavor above all else. Owned and operated by third generation grower/shipper C.J. Buxman, former president of Fruit World Co., and his wife Maureen. The original Sunny Cal Farms was started in 1981 by Buxman’s father, Carl Jasper Buxman. Sunny Cal Farms grows Thomcord grapes and specialty and traditional citrus.

From our frame of reference Side Hill Citrus Satsumas from Lincoln, in the Sacramento foothills have the perfect mix of sweetness, tartness and low acidity, with very little pulp, no seeds and taste like they are melting in your mouth. 

Sweet potatoes are commonly seen labeled as yams, when in reality they are most likely sweet potatoes. Many years ago the U.S. government decided to label sweet potatoes by their color to make things easier. The creamy white flesh ones are labeled sweet potatoes and the orange fleshed ones are sometimes labeled yams.  The USDA requires that sweet potatoes labeled as yams also be labeled as sweet potatoes. Chances are likely that you are buying sweet potatoes regardless of what the label says. Are you still confused?

It is that time of year when many California growers transition their wet veg operation, think lettuces, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and celery, from the cooler areas of the Central Coast and Salinas Valley down to the warmer regions in the California desert, Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona. Find out what that means for quality in the coming months.

October is Fair Trade Month. Earl’s Organic offers Fair Trade Bananas year-round. Buying Fair Trade products ensures that farm workers enjoy sustainable wages, safe working conditions and improves their community by collectively investing in social and business projects. $1 per every box of Coliman Bananas purchased goes to the Fair Trade Premium. Every purchase matters!

The first Cranberries of the season are here! Cranberries are incredibly good for you and are not just for enjoying during the holiday season. Eaten fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries are high in vitamin C, fiber and vitamin E and packed with antioxidants.

Hachiyas and Fuyus are the two main commercial varieties of persimmons in the United States and are eaten very differently.  Find out when and how to eat each variety.