The arrival of California asparagus AKA ‘grass’ is the true sign of spring’s arrival. While imported asparagus is available year-round, the delicate, grassy and sweet flavor of freshly harvested in-season local asparagus is hard to beat! Originally a wild (but edible) plant, asparagus has been cultivated for thousands of years. Ancient art from Egypt and Crete portrays people harvesting rows of tender asparagus as early as 3000 BCE.  

Fun Fact: Asparagus was so prized that the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus was said to have built a fleet of ships to transport asparagus around the entire Roman Empire.   

Like leeks, onion and garlic, asparagus is a member of the lily family, and is enjoyed world-wide in many cuisines. Known as a ‘perennial’, a single plant can produce an annual crop for 15 years or more! Most notably, it takes three years for the root crown to produce a harvestable crop, which contributes to its high dollar value per pound. But the wait is worth it!  

Asparagus is available in various stalk sizes—ranging in diameter from ‘extra small’ all the way to ‘colossal’. Many people have a strong preference for plump or slender, but it is important to know that stalk diameter is NOT a reliable indication of the tenderness or maturity of the stem.   

Fun Fact:  From an ancient Persian word meaning ‘sprout’ the name evolved into ‘sparrow grass’ in England and is still known by that name today.  

The sweet crisp distinctive flavor of fresh asparagus lends itself to a myriad of culinary preparations. Enjoy raw and thinly shaved, or added to soups, pastas, or salads. The bright green color remains when quickly roasted, steamed, or broiled. No matter how you enjoy it, don’t miss this springtime favorite!   

Update on Trade Tariffs 

Under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), most fresh produce from Mexico and Canada remains excluded from tariffs. This agreement supports smooth trade between the USA and our neighbors without significant tariff increases on produce. 

However, while tariffs aren’t directly impacting produce from these countries, shipping costs, supply chain challenges and overall market pressure can still lead to price fluctuations for certain items. We’re closely monitoring the situation and working with suppliers to manage costs and maintain competitive pricing. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions about how these changes may affect your orders.

New & Exciting!

Abate Fetal Pear: Semi-crisp flesh with a velvety consistency and extraordinarily sweet honey flavor. Long and slender with a slightly curved shape. Abate Fetal is the most popular pear variety in Italy! These pears are grown in Argentina—where it’s currently experiencing the fall season. 

Asparagus: Tender, grassy and sweet, asparagus tastes best freshly picked and in-season right now! Volume is picking up as the weather gets warmer in California’s Yolo County, where we’re sourcing asparagus from our long-time grower: Durst Organic Growers. There will also be a limited  quantity of purple asparagus. Just in time for Easter Sunday (April 20th)! 

Dragon Fruit: Our popular red-skinned white flesh treats from Ecuador are back! 

Horseradish: Freshly dug and gorgeous horseradish now available from Knoll Farms. This root comes complete with vibrant leafy green tops! Horseradish is an essential ingredient for Passover, which starts at sundown on April 12th, ending April 20th.  

Rhubarb: Coming soon! A hallmark of spring, this beautiful pink and green vegetable is often used as a fruit. The tangy flavor is best enjoyed when cooked or baked with a sweetener. While it’s often paired with strawberry in pie and jam, hard core rhubarb fans appreciate the unique flavor on its own. Only the stalks are edible; the leaves should not be consumed. 

Snap Pea: Oh snap!  Local California growers, Veliz Organic Farm and Luna’s Farm are starting to come on with their spring crop.

Strawberry: A little bit of rain can’t stop local strawberries from bursting onto the scene! While the fields do need to dry out, growers are harvesting when they can.  

Tommy Atkins Mango: A beloved variety with firm and hardy flesh and colorful green/red and yellow skin. One of the most widely marketed mangoes! 

Promotable

One of our favorite holidays is on April 22nd—Earth Day. It’s a great opportunity to promote organic farming and regenerative agriculture in mitigating climate change and damage to our soil, air and water. Share your efforts to be a more sustainable business with your customers; many ideas for Earth-friendly produce departments are simple and creative. Reduce food waste with a ‘bargain bin’, featuring bulk greens, bulk herbs, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or berries, using thin flat paper bags instead of plastic produce bags, and identifying local farms are easy and cheap innovations. Showcase products with recyclable or compostable packaging such as Del Cabo resealable pints or Peri & Sons Earthbag onions (more ideas below!) Our oceans do not want any more plastic! Explaining your actions can be a great way to engage your customers and build loyalty; you and your customers make a difference with good food choices. Let’s make everyday Earth Day!   

Earth Day Favorites 

• Cherry Tomato Resealable Pint (Del Cabo) – The tub is 100% recyclable and the resealable label top is made from quality adhesive for a great repeated experience. This alternative to single-use plastic will save 170,000 pounds of plastic per year. Download promotion materials here. 
• Compostable Potato Bale (Ladybug) – These 16×3 bales are 100% bridgeable and break down completely. Available for Red, Russet, and Yellow potatoes. 
• Fair Trade certified Cherry Tomato Brites, Darlings, Kaleidos, and Poppies (Wholesum) – Fairly traded, sustainable, and exactly what inspired shoppers are looking for right now. 
• Glass Milk Bottles (Straus) – The glass bottles are reusable and help keep plastic milk containers out of landfill. Straus cleans and reuses more than 2.75 million bottles a year! Available for all types of milk as well as whipping cream and half & half. 

• G.R.O.W. Bananas (Organics Unlimited) – Ethically sourced and fairly traded. A premium from every case of G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources & Opportunities to Workers) bananas sold goes back to support underserved agricultural communities in Mexico and Ecuador. 
• Mushrooms for plant-based menus and reducing your carbon footprint! Especially bulk packs with less packaging. 
• Retail Herb Compostable Clamshell (Bay Area Herbs) – These clamshells are made with 99% plant-based materials and are fully biodegradable. Available for  Basil, Chive, Dill, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon and Sage. 
• Yellow Onion Earthbag (Peri & Sons) – The name says it all. Earthbags are made from paper/bamboo mesh and are 100% biodegradable and compostable! 

More Promotable Items 

Artichoke: Earthy and slightly nutty flavor, artichokes complement any number of spring dishes. While the petals are crunchy on the outside, the heart is much softer and has more intense flavor.  

Fun Fact: According to Greek mythology, Zeus was enraged when a deity, Cynara, snuck back to Earth to visit her human mother. As punishment, Zeus turned her into an artichoke and tossed her to the ground! 

Bartlett Pear: The Argentinian import season is well under way. We’re seeing strong supply on green Bartletts. Bartlett pears have the classic pear shape, with smooth green skin that brightens to golden yellow when ripe. they are very aromatic and offer sweet, delicate quintessential “pear” flavor.  

Cosmic Crisp Apple: The perfect balance of tart and sweet. Ideal for snacking, baking, cooking and however you like to enjoy apples! Steady supply and promotable price!   

Murcott Tangerine: We can’t stop eating Murcotts! This variety is very sweet and extremely juicy. They are mostly seedless and easy to peel. Both the flesh and juice are vibrant red/orange. Ask your Account Manager about volume deals! 

Pink Lady Apple: Juicy and crisp with sweet and tart flavor. These apples have beautiful coloring- reddish-pink blush with splashes of yellow and green. Supply is readily available; 88 count are promotable! 

Ruby Grapefruit: Great deals to be had on Ruby grapefruit from B&J Ranch. The quality is strong, and the flavor is unbeatable! Supply is expected to last through May and into June.   

Valencia Orange: California-grown Valencia oranges from B&J Ranch are in good supply. The sweet-tart flavor and high sugar content make this variety perfect for juicing.

Limited

Baby Bok Choy: Gapping for a couple of weeks. 

Green Bean: Extremely limited; prices have shot up. Fresh-cut green beans from Josie’s Organics are a steady alternative. 

Heirloom Tomato: The market is very limited. We’re getting what we can. 

Heirloom Medley Cherry 

Jalapeno: Very limited 

Mexican Asparagus: Limited; prices are up. Good news the California season has started! 

Napa Cabbage: Gapping. 

Onion: It’s the time of year when the storage crop is winding down every where and short-day onions are getting ready to come on. Yellow, Red and White storage onions are expected to continue through April. The California short-day crop is starting end of April or beginning of May. Supply will be limited to start but we’re not expecting any gaps.  

Romanesco 

Serrano Pepper: Very limited, prices are high 

Sunchoke 

Yellow Dragon Fruit: May be ending soon, gapping for now 

Young Thai Coconut: Gapping for a couple weeks. 

Produce Resources

The National Organic Program (NOP) published a resource for retailers to educate consumers about the benefits of products labeled and marketed as organic. Check out the free courses available through the Organic Learning Center and download the Organic Retail Toolkit.

We offer more produce resources through the  Customer Toolbox on our website (login required).