Apples

Pazazz Club Apples are almost finished. Cuyama California Apples have outstanding flavor: Don’t miss their Sweeties, Lady Apples and Crab Crimson Gold.

Avocados

Mexico is wrapping up their avocado season and Equal Exchange Small Farmer Coop fruit is at the end. California Hass Avocados are starting out of San Diego with larger sizes. Due to weather, growers are leaving fruit on the trees to size up. As soon as the rain lets up and they can get back in the fields we will see all sizes.

Bananas

Earl’s is a banana house carrying Fair Trade Organic Bananas year-round. Did you know the banana plant is an herb and not a tree?

Berries

Spring rains put a damper on Berries coming out of all California growing regions. Strawberries will return on the front side of the week  but will remain a bit limited until weather improves. Rain can bring seasonal quality issues such as bruising. Betterful Blueberry pints will return next week but we will have plenty of Homegrown pints to mix and match with California 6oz clamshells. Blueberries will start coming out of the central San Joaquin Valley mid-April bringing promotional opportunities. Blueberries are abundant in anthocyanins (plant compounds that give blueberries their beautiful blue color) and are a good source of vitamin C, which means they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support muscle recovery from exercising.

Citrus

Weather keeps coming and going with rain. It is late in the season and the fruit has high sugars but is highly susceptible to quality issues such as clear rot and has short legs across the category. Tangos and Murcotts are the last of the Mandarin varieties. We may see some Kumquats from Fruit World in a small way. Lemons 140ct continue to be scarce. Marsalisi Meyer Lemons are steady. 

Covilli’s Fair Trade Organic Lime program started in 2015, Covilli’s lime growers are located in two states in Mexico—Veracruz and Yucatán—and both are family-owned operations that were farming organically long before partnering with Covilli. When it comes to merchandising and marketing advice, Alex Madrigal said education around lime ripeness is key. “There is strong focus on dark green limes—everyone always looks for the greenest lime they can find,” he said. “We always like to remind our retailers and customers alike that the juiciest, ready-to-enjoy limes are typically a bit yellow and have some give to the touch.” 

grapes

Gapping until Coachella starts up in May.

kiwi

California supply is starting to wind down. We will have a small gap before New Zealand starts up with Golds in May, followed by green fruit in June.

melons

Mini Seedless Watermelons are back in low volume for the next week or so. Divine Flavor will start up in a few weeks with their melon program.

pears

Last of the domestic pears D’Anjou and Bosc. Heavily into the Import Pears with the delicious dessert pears. Abate Fetel sweetness is balanced by a complex floral palate. They should be eaten when they are barely soft to the touch. They are excellent baked in tarts and cakes. Alexander Lucas Pears have crisp white flesh with an incredible aromatic fragrance. When ripe they have a beautiful buttery texture that melts in your mouth. They are best eaten out of hand. Durondeau Pears are a bit tart with a crisp bite and a floral flavor. They are fantastic for cooking and eating out of hand.

stone fruit

Apricots and Cherries will kick off the stone fruit season around May 1st. Ask your Earl’s Sales Rep how we can help with your retail display and increase unit sales. POS cards will be available to make your displays shine!

tropicals

Crespo (Mexico) Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins Mangos are back in promotable volume. Cinco de Mayo is less than a month away. Download POS cards and share recipes and cutting tips with customers.