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 70’s and low 80’s and all desert vendors are seeing increasing mildew and aphid pressure on warm veg items.

Originating in France, the Abate Fetel pear has an elegant elongated shape with yellow skin that often is russeted. Sweet and aromatic, this pear is wonderful for cooking and eating out of hand. The Abate Fetel softens quickly so be sure to enjoy this variety while still slightly firm.

After banana bunches are harvested they are placed on hooks on a cable, pulled through the farm by hand and brought into an area outside the packing shed to be washed. They are washing away bugs, dirt and latex from the bananas. Then a worker will go through each bunch of bananas and cut off one banana to test for maturity and core development.

Banana hands size up smaller in the winter and larger in the summer when it is hotter. Winter in the northern hemisphere is summer in the southern hemisphere. Know what to expect when buying bananas, by understanding the growing regions and seasonality.

Brighten the coming rainy days with delicious Crespo Mangos from Mexico. Smooth and buttery Ataulfos turn a golden yellow as they ripen and taste even better when they start to wrinkle. Tommy Atkins are covered in red blush tones and hints of orange, gold and yellow appear and expand as it ripens.

Specialty Purple Brussels Sprouts have a sweeter and milder flavor than green brussels sprouts. Green and purple sprouts share a similar nutrient profile. Both provide healthy servings of vitamins A, B6, C and K. Each variety is an excellent source of folate and fiber. However, the deep purple pigmentation results in more anthocyanins, delivering even more antioxidants.

Sunrise Farms Savoy Spinach has a hearty and bold flavor. The dark green crinkly leaves have a slight bitter flavor that when cooked, softens in texture and develops a sweeter taste.

Artichokes from California's central coast and desert 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.

Gold Nugget Mandarins have bumpy skin and are very aromatic and easy to peel. Fruit is seedless with a rich and sweet flavor. Excellent for juicing! Download Earl’s Winter Citrus Guide and follow the flavor.