There is no shortage of delicious options during winter citrus season. However, blood oranges stand out both in flavor and appearance. Bloods, as we affectionately call them, are not new to the citrus scene. These old-time orange hybrids were cultivated by 9th century Arab agriculturalists and introduced along the southern Mediterranean coasts of Italy, Sicily, Malta and Spain. Highly valued for their sweetness and unique flavor, they have been commercially produced in Europe since the 18th century. Blood oranges are generally smaller than other types of oranges, with thick, pitted skin that sometimes has a reddish blush.
There are three main types of blood oranges: Moro, Tarocco, and Sanguinello, each with varying color, flavor-profile and sugar levels. Their exterior may resemble a typical orange, but the inside flesh color ranges from plain old orange, brilliant dark pink, mottled, and even dark maroon–red. The anthocyanins, which give blood oranges their distinctly colored flesh, only develop when temperatures are low at night. Even the same variety on the same tree may yield fruit with different pigmentation. Blood oranges tend to be less tangy than other orange varieties and taste sweeter, often with strong berry/cherry overtones. They have fewer seeds as well. In Italy, blood oranges are more popular than any other orange!
Blood oranges are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. They are spectacular for fresh snacks or juice, baked confections, marmalade or a colorful addition to salads. Try displaying a few blood oranges cut in half to entice customers to these jewel-toned treats!
Weather Watch
manage your expectations in the face of climate change
While farmers are accustomed to being at the whim of Mother Nature, the recent intensity and extremity of weather patterns have signaled long-term shifts in growing conditions. We want to highlight the need for increased awareness and flexibility regarding produce quality, grades, and standards.
The fresh produce industry around the world is experiencing the tangible effects of climate change. In regions like California, recent weather patterns have brought about unseasonably high rainfall, which goes beyond typical seasonal fluctuations.
Environmental challenges affect the cosmetic appearance of fruits. For example, insects called thrips, which leave an external mark on citrus fruits, became more prevalent this season, producing more fruit with scars and blemishes.
One of our growers, Jose Fu from CCH Citrus in Southern California said, “Last year’s wet season in California brought with it not just a change in the size and quality of the citrus we grow but also heightened the battle with pests and diseases, including invasive species like fruit fly populations.”
Educate yourself, your produce team and your customers to the benefits of adapting to these new challenges in agriculture, a direct result of climate change. All communities in the supply chain benefit from accommodating ‘Choice’ grade fruit, which, despite its light scars, is equally nutritious and flavorful.
For example, selecting Choice grade grapefruit instead of (or in addition to) Fancy grade, can have a huge positive impact on a farm, and add value for your business. Reframing our approach to produce quality standards can ensure that no food is wasted, and together we seize every opportunity to nourish our communities.
New & Exciting!
Brown Eggs: We have egg-cellent news! Aptos based Glaum Egg Ranch is coming on with large and extra-large organic brown eggs.
California-Grown Hass Avocado: A little flurry of early fruit is just coming on. Be patient for the ‘regular’ season to kick off in 6-8 weeks.
Daikon: Just between us, you look radishing! New varieties just in from Riverdog Farm. Alpine is all white with green shoulders—the flavor is very sweet. Purple (right) is
sweet, crunchy with a simply beautiful lavender interior. Red is crisp and mellow—similar to a red radish, with a slight spicy kick. Display all three for an eye-catching display!
Kefir: Plain kefir is now available in glass quarts for pre-order from Straus Family Creamery. Kefir is a cultured lowfat milk similar to yogurt but with a drinkable consistency and more tangy taste. It is a good source of protein, high in calcium and boasts 11 different beneficial live and active cultures.
Nagami Kumquat: The entire fruit is edible, including the skin, flesh, and seeds. The skin offers a sweet taste while the flesh is acidic, developing an overall complex, spicy, and sweet-tart flavor. Highly aromatic.
Nettle (left): Tastes like spinach but punchier! Use for pastas, in sauces, in soups, sauteed or to make nettle tea. Highly valued for medicinal and nutritional properties. Just like spinach, nettles reduce greatly when cooked. Nettles are not consumed raw; cooking the leaves removes the stinging chemicals and renders them harmless. We love nettles on our pizza and flatbread!
Fun Fact: In German “to sit in nettles” means to get into trouble, (because of their sting in the bush)
Navel Orange: from Blue Heron Farm! This small 20-acre farm in Rumsey, CA, produces legendary and sought-after heirloom ‘Washington’ Navel Oranges, prized for their sweetness and superior flavor.
Red Walnut: AKA Livermore walnut. Creamier texture and milder taste than brown skinned walnuts. The nutmeat has a gorgeous mahogany color. Also has higher oil content and is more nutritious!
Promotable
Blood Orange: Growers are peaking on large sized fruit. Stock up now! Bloods have a complex flavor that is sweet and less acidic than regular oranges with notes of berry.
Delicata Squash: Local supply of hard squash is starting to wind down but Delicata is still plentiful. Sharp pricing and steady volume.
Hass Avocado: Check with your account manager for volume deals and incentives, particularly on 60 count. Good supply on Mexican-grown in all sizes,
Heirloom Tomato (left): This mixed medley offers rich tomato flavor during the peak of winter. Grown in Mexico, Ram’s Farm tomatoes are handpicked, cooled, and carefully packed for long lasting quality!
Kent Mango: Peruvian-grown fruit is in good supply, finally. Kents are sweet with hints of sour notes, indicating high vitamin C content. Juicy and tender with limited fibers, this variety is ideal for juicing, salsa and drying. Read more tips for how to cut a mango.
Mini Seedless Watermelon: Crisp & flavorful. Supply is stable; promote with confidence! 
Rosa Radicchio (right): AKA Radicchio La Rosa del Veneto. One of the least bitter chicories, this eye-catching green boasts beautiful pink colored leaves and a sweet, mellow taste. Perfect for salads and holds up well in a sauté or roasted.
Royal Mandarin: In a sea of winter citrus, this one reigns supreme. Royals have zesty sweet orange flavor and are juicy with some lemony undertones. The thin skin is easy to peel; expect some seeds. Wonderful for eating fresh or juicing!
Ruby Grapefruit: Juicy, sweet and tart. Grown by VV exclusive grower, B&J Ranch. This one is a staff favorite and will quickly become yours as well!
Limited
Arugula: Limited until weather conditions improve.
Beefsteak Tomato: One and Two-Layer fruit are gapping. Check out TOVs as a sub!
Bell Pepper: Choice yellow peppers are extremely limited and high priced. Choice green bells are gapping. Large green and red peppers are limited. Lean into orange—which is steady on choice and large!
Bok Choy & Baby Bok Choy
Bunched Spinach
Cherry Tomato
Golden Chanterelle Mushroom
Green Bean: Mexican-grown green beans are limited.
Kale
Kishu Tangerine: Winding down for the season.
Napa Cabbage: Riverdog Farm is in an extended gap and Napa is generally limited.
Raspberry
Strawberry: Gapping; situation will improve when the weather improves.
White Onion: Onions are at historically high prices. North American supply is short due to a number of global factors increasing demand on US grown onions. Hurricane Hilary hit Baja Mexico in August wiping out the Mexican supply. Heavy rain in Eastern Canada impacted crops during their harvest and Peru experienced an extremely short crop from.
Yellow Ginger: Yellow ginger plantings in Peru are down resulting in a short crop this season. A worldwide ginger shortage is expected until the next season starts in June/July.
Done for the Season
Bacon/Ettinger/Fuerte/Zutano Avocado: Sayonara green skins! See you all next year!
Comice Pear
Red & Green Seedless Grape: Expect to see more grapes in March.
Merchandising Corner
Citrus fatigue is real. Yeah, it is. As we head into the third month of citrus, you may need to shake up your merchandising strategies to boost citrus sales. Check out some of our favorite citrus retail displays for inspiration to use in your produce department. Remember: our growers aren’t going to quit picking until all the fruit comes off the trees!
Cheery winter flowers complement the ombre colored blood orange display!
Sunny yellow lemons and grapefruit are nice color breaks among the sea of oranges and tangerines.
Prepacked bags of tangerines are convenient and easy for customers looking for a grab-n-go option.
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