Few ingredients evoke the holiday season quite like roasted chestnuts. With their subtly sweet, nutty flavor and tender, almost potato-like texture, chestnuts have been enjoyed for centuries in cuisines around the world. Unlike most nuts, chestnuts are low in fat and rich in starch, giving them a unique texture and versatility. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. 

In Italy, chestnuts find their way into pasta, soups and desserts. French cooks use them in savory stuffings and rich purées, while in Japan, they’re especially prized in seasonal sweets, from chestnut-filled buns and sweet chestnut confections to Mont Blanc cakes. They’re also enjoyed in savory dishes like kuri gohan, a comforting autumn rice dish made with chestnuts. Closer to home, chestnuts are a natural fit for Thanksgiving stuffing, roasted vegetable medleys, and hearty winter soups. 

For those new to preparing fresh chestnuts, the process is simple: score the flat bottom of the shell with an X, roast until the shells curl back, and peel while still warm. Many cooks prefer to boil them for 30-45 minutes for easy peeling and moist texture. Either way, the result is a tender, flavorful ingredient that’s equally delicious on its own or incorporated into a favorite recipe. 

With holiday cooking underway, now is the perfect time to bring this traditional seasonal favorite back to the table. 

New & Exciting! 

Arkansas Black Apple: From Cuyama Orchards-very limited crop this season.

Brussels Sprouts: A fall favorite, Brussels sprouts are in season and ready for holiday menus! These tender, flavorful little cabbages are delicious roasted, sautéed, or shaved raw into seasonal salads. 

Cranberry: Fresh cranberries are a holiday essential! Keep them on shoppers’ radar for homemade cranberry sauce, baked goods, festive salads and seasonal cooking. A great time to build displays and encourage shoppers to stock up ahead of the holiday. 

Date: Walnut Roll and Walnut Nuggets now available!  Delicious date paste coated with chopped organic walnuts. Check out Zahidi dates– Golden in color with a firm, chewy texture and mild, nutty sweetness. Less sticky than other date varieties. 

Dried Fruit: Knoll Farm has a plethora of sundried fruit including apricot, lite & dark fig, peach, plum and a mixed fruit option. Available in 1lb and 4oz bags. Perfect for snacking and holiday baking!  Keep refrigerated.

Eggnog: Straus Family Creamery and Alexandre Family Farm are offering organic eggnog through December only! Rich, creamy, and not too sweet—this seasonal favorite is downright addicting! Place your preorders now!     

Graffiti Eggplant: Mexican-grown Graffiti eggplant is here! Known for its beautiful purple-and-white striped skin, this variety has a tender texture and mild, creamy flavor that’s perfect for roasting, grilling, or sautéing. 

Holiday Floral Bouquets: Get ready for Thanksgiving with Thomas Family Farm holiday floral bouquets, available in large and small sizes. Orders for Thanksgiving week are due Monday, November 9, so be sure to plan ahead!

Holiday Herb: What are the holidays without herbs?  Poultry Mix (Rosemary, Sage, Thyme) & Holiday Mix (Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Thyme) are now available in bunches and clamshells.  Alternatively, preorder your Retail Display Box Set including 12x3oz clamshells, available now through the holidays.  

Kiwi: Wild River’s gold kiwifruit is now available. This variety offers a smooth, tropical sweetness. This grower’s green kiwis will start shipping soon! 

Pinova Apple: Delicious balance of sweetness and tartness, with a crisp, juicy bite. Their bright flavor and firm texture make them excellent for fresh eating and baking. 

Red Butter Salanova: Compact heads with deep red coloring and delicate, layered leaves arranged in a striking geometric rosette. Smaller than standard red butter, with plenty of visual appeal. 

Tangerine: Satsumas and Clementines are coming on, bringing plenty of sweet, easy-peeling citrus for the season ahead. Satsumas are known for their loose, easy-to-remove skin, juicy segments and mild sweetness, while Clementines offer a bright, sweet flavor and typically few to no seeds. A bumper crop is expected this year, so start planning now for fall citrus promotions! 

Promotable 

Apple: Honeycrisp and Gala: Two customer favorites with plenty of crunch and sweetness! Honeycrisp offers a juicy, sweet-tart bite, while Gala is known for its mellow sweetness and crisp texture. Both are great for everyday snacking and fall recipes.

Butternut Squash: A fall staple with sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy flesh. Roast it, blend it into soups, or add it to hearty seasonal dishes. 

Chestnut: With their subtly sweet flavor and soft, starchy texture, chestnuts are a welcome addition to holiday stuffing, roasted vegetable dishes, and seasonal desserts. Available in Colossal, Jumbo and Super Colossal sizes. 

D’Anjou Pear: Juicy and gently sweet, D’Anjou pears hold their shape beautifully when baked or poached. They’re just as delicious sliced fresh into salads or paired with cheese. 

Fuyu Persimmon: Don’t let persimmon season pass you by! Fuyus are hitting their stride, with crisp, juicy flesh, gentle sweetness and gorgeous orange color. They’re easy to enjoy sliced fresh, added to salads or paired with cheese and charcuterie. 

Garnet Sweet Potato: Thanksgiving is just three weeks away! Now’s the time to build displays and stock up for holiday demand. Keep Garnets in the mix for traditional sides, casseroles and all the Thanksgiving table favorites. 

Green Bean: A necessity during the holiday season! Rundle Family Farm green beans have started. His beans are plentiful and of superb quality. Get your Thanksgiving orders in now!   

Navel Orange: California Navel orange season is getting underway! Sweet, juicy, and easy to peel, these seedless citrus favorites are perfect for snacking and fresh-squeezed juice. 

Limited 

Berry: Blackberry & Raspberry: Mexican season is delayed due to 3 back-to-back storms that hit the Michoacan region. Blueberry: Peruvian supply situation is improving but still limited. 

Cantaloupe: New crop Mexican melons are very limited. Expect prices to go up. 

Cucumber: Slicer, Persian and English are very limited due to recent weather events in Mexico. 

Hachiya Persimmon: Winding down 

Heirloom Apple: Selection is dwindling, but the good-keepers are still happening! 

Hass Avocado: Domestic product is limited, as the season comes to a close. Labor strikes in Mexico are causing prices to increase—supply is uncertain. Stand by for updates! 

Passionfruit: Slowing down as the season comes to an end 

Quince 

Tomato: Heirlooms, 1-layer and Sugar Plum and grape tomatoes are all limited.  

Gapping 

Artichoke 

Asparagus 

Mango: Kent Mango from Peru will start soon! 

Mini Seedless Watermelon 

Sunflower Bouquet: Thomas Farm Missed a planting but will be back 

Done for the Season 

Corn 

Early Girl Dry Farmed Tomato 

Orin Apple