The local California fig season continues, and we are ecstatic the longer second crop has arrived! Figs develop their peak flavor and sugar during this time and truly taste exquisite! 

Figs are possibly the earliest known cultivated fruit, evidence of their food production is found in the Jordan River Valley in modern Palestine. Fig remains have been discovered dating back to 9,400 BCE—a whopping 11,400 years ago! Crossing most cultures in the ancient world, they are mentioned in the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, the story of Buddha, as well as in Hinduism and Jainism religions. 

Fast forward to today, California grows 98% of the fresh figs in the USA; world-wide, 70% are produced in the Mediterranean region. While there are thousands of fig varieties, California production for the fresh market is focused on Black Mission, Brown Turkey, and Kadota. The Black Mission is the most popular fig variety in North America, loved for its quintessential sweet figgy flavor and ability to thrive in the hot California climate. 

We’ll be carrying all available varieties this season, including specialty types, such as the gorgeous green and gold-streaked Candy Stripe, and the fig-lovers favorite, the Adriatic, with deep red strawberry-jam colored flesh. These arrive later in the season, so keep an eye out! 

Fun Fact: The Spanish priests at Mission San Diego originally planted figs in California in 1769. This is how the dark purple fig became known as “Mission.” 

New & Exciting! 

Blueberry: Willow Wind, a Washington-based grower has just started their spectacular late season berries. This family-run farm has the ideal climate for growing delicious blueberries due to cool temperatures at their high elevation in Eastern Washington. Their Draper variety berries are large and full of flavor! Jump on these now!   

Dry Farmed Early Girl Saladette Tomato: Dry-farmed tomatoes are given little to no water, and as a result are smaller than typical tomatoes, with lower yield. But the flavor is concentrated and rich, with a dense texture, and profound sweet acid balance, making it unlike any other tomato out there.

Fair Trade Intenza Papaya: New item from Organics Unlimited’s GROW program. The Intenza is a medium sized papaya variety with orange-yellow skin and red flesh. It has a sweet taste and pleasant aroma. Intenzas are grown in Mexico and are available year-round. Approximately 8-12 papayas per case. 

Gala Apple: New crop California-grown Galas from Ferrari Farm are some of the first local apples! Sweet and crisp!

Gravenstein Apple: Affectionately known as “Gravs” by apple enthusiasts. This early season heirloom variety is known for its sweet tart flavor. Delicious and versatile, Gravs are a great cooking apple particularly apple sauce and apple pie! Apple juice and cider are traditional ways to enjoy this apple; they add flavor, depth and complexity to many juice blends.   

Fun Fact: Gravensteins from Sebastopol, CA were the source for apple sauce and dried apples for our military troops in World War II. Sebastopol’s main road is Gravenstein Highway! 

Grape 

• Concord Grape: This unique flavored variety has just arrived from Heinke Family Farm in recyclable totes. Quality is stellar–large berries bursting with grape jelly flavor in every bite!    
• Green Rugby: Diamond-shaped berry like a rugby football; very crunchy and sweet! 
• Thomcord: A seedless cross of Concord and Thompson, with a lighter flavor. 

Red Starkrimson Pear: Columbia Gorge is starting off their pear season and harvesting now! Supply may be limited to start. Starkrimson have brilliant crimson red color, juicy, sweet flavor and a subtle floral aroma when ripe. 

Promotable 

Black Mission Fig: Rich and sweet with a hint of berry flavor. Great to eat fresh, in tarts and jam, orsavory dishes, even salads! Supply is strong from Maywood Farms, the premier organic fig farm in Northern California. 

Grape: Available in any virtually color, shape and pack type, (such as paper totes, fiber baskets, or plastic catchweight bags). Choose several varieties and build your displays for grape excitement as the season peaks.   

Hass Avocado: While the rest of the avo market skyrockets, 60 count are readily available at a sharp price from Las Palmalitas Ranch and Foothill Organics. Don’t sleep on killer deals on #2 grade fruit which may have cosmetic scuffs but perfectly delicious inside. Good for processing or educating shoppers on “inner beauty!” 

Mixed Heirloom Tomato: The season’s best heirlooms can be found at Veliz Organic Farm a 20-acre farm located in Hollister, California. Their Mixed Heirloom pack is vibrant, colorful, and the perfect mix of delicious tomato varieties. Each case may include Chocolate Stripe, Marvel Stripe, Pink Brandywine, Purple Cherokee, or Red Vintage Wine.

Pineapple: Costa Rican pineapples from Bio Sweet are readily available. These pineapples are grown in the heart of pineapple growing region in the central highlands of Costa Rica. It’s a ‘family and friends-owned’ operation with a local Costa Rican crew of workers who are deeply committed to what they do. Supply is expected to be steady year-round.  

Fun Fact: The Bio Sweet farm is watered from their own wells and powered using family installed solar power. 

Slicer Cucumber: Back in plentiful supply from Veliz! 

Stonefruit: Lots of stonefruit available at sharp prices. Nectarines have good availability and flavor. Peaches will continue with excellent supply and flavor. Pluots are going strong! 

Limited 

Artichoke: Large sizes are gapping; smaller sizes are steady. 

Bunched Spinach 

Green Onion: Limited/gapping, costs have spiked and what is available will be very expensive for next several weeks. 

Red Bell Pepper: Local choice bells are limited. 

Romano Bean: Gapping 

Tomato-On-the-Vine: Extremely limited 

Valencia Orange: Supply is tightening and getting limited. 

Yellow Bean: Gapping 

Young Thai Coconut: Gapping until early September. 

Done for the Season 

Ataulfo Mango 

Champagne Grape 

Gooseberry 

Nectaplum 

Sweet cherry: We started the cherry season by sharing haiku poems about cherry blossoms. We close with another, written by our cherry buyer:  

        Harvest is over.  

Silent cherry trees are glad.  

        Quietly I weep.