High temperatures and humidity for an extended period of time create the perfect conditions for aphids and mildew quality issues. This week temperatures in the California desert regions moved into the low 80’s and all desert vendors are seeing increasing mildew and aphid pressure on warm veg items.

Artichokes from California's central coast have a beautiful frost kiss. The frost causes the outer layer of the artichoke to turn brown, flake and peel when the temperature reaches below 32 degrees. Although the brownish color may not look pretty, frost kissed artichokes have a more intense nutty flavor. Once cooked, the brown disappears, leaving a delicious green artichoke!

Apples and pears are enjoyed long after being harvested in October/November by keeping them in storage. Storage delays the normal ripening and aging process. As we move into the New Year most of the fresh storage supply has run out and we can expect most apples and pears from the Pacific Northwest to be coming out of controlled atmosphere storage (CA Storage). Think of sleeping beauty under a spell and how she never aged a day until she woke up.

The California Hass avocado season historically starts as early as January/February in San Diego and works its way north as each area of California finishes their harvest and another area begins.  The beginning of the year is when the California Hass Avocado must pass the minimum allowed level of oil content before being picked. Understanding the geography of where your Hass avocado is grown will help you choose the best flavor.

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?