The warm weather means it’s time for California-grown heirloom and cherry tomatoes to make a big splash. We love the rich flavors of tomatoes and the many ways to enjoy them; but there is one nagging question when it comes to tomatoes – are they a fruit or a vegetable? The answer may surprise you.
The United States passed the Tariff Act of 1883, which required a 10% tax on imported vegetables (but not fruit). The tariff was to help farmers from the South recover produce business they had lost during the Civil War. Tomatoes were given the 10% import tax, as they were commonly prepared in savory dishes, soups, and condiments, just like vegetables.
When a Manhattan wholesaler, John Nix, got hit with the10% tariff on a shipment of Caribbean tomatoes, he argued that tomatoes were botanically fruits, not vegetables, and that he shouldn’t have to pay the tax. John Nix & Co sued, and the case wound up before the Supreme Court in 1893.
The court voted unanimously that tomatoes should be classified by how they were used. One of the justices said: “Botanically speaking, tomatoes are the fruit of a vine, just as are cucumbers, squashes, beans, and peas. But in the common language of the people, whether sellers or consumers of provisions, all these are vegetables.”
John Nix lost the case, and tomatoes were legally declared vegetables. This disagreement continues today, as Tennessee and Ohio have named the tomato their state fruit, while New Jersey has made it the state vegetable.
Whether you side with the botanists or the chefs on this issue, we know you’re going to love the California grown heirloom and cherry tomatoes coming in from Veliz Organic Farm!
“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in your fruit salad.“
– Brian O’Driscoll
For your amusement, check out these short 3-minute comedy skits about Tomato’s identity crisis. Poor Tomato!
Weather Watch
You aren’t the only one suffering during the recent heatwave that encased many parts of Northern and Central California and the Southwest.
- Masumoto Farms and our other single layer peach growers in the Central Valley are experiencing stalled out production due to the heat. The trees are confused.
- Grapes go into hibernation when it’s too hot and there are not enough cold nights, which has caused some delays in harvesting. The vines are confused.
- Row crops like peas, which are at the end of their season, are ending early.
- The Northwest sweet cherry crop is ending months earlier than ‘normal’.
- Not only plants are affected; worker safety is a huge issue in the field. Rocketing temperatures can cause heat stroke and health & safety challenges for farmers, pickers, packers and all farm laborers. Smoke from distant wildfires can affect air quality. Crews have to work limited hours and must take more breaks to stay hydrated. Extended heat spells limit yields of otherwise harvestable food.
New & Exciting!
Asian Greens: Lakeside Organic is offering a new line of Asian leafy greens: Choi Sum, Gai Lan and Komatsuna. The Choi Sum flavor is a cross between broccoli rabe and bok choy, but less bitter. Gai Lan, AKA Chinese broccoli, has two distinct flavor profiles: long green stalks with a sweet taste and dark, glossy leaves with a bitter, more earthy taste. Komatsuna is known as a superfood in Japan. The flavor is somewhere between mild mustard and cabbage. These fiber-rich greens are delicious and versatile; enjoy steamed, stir-fried or added to soups and stews. Choi Sum and Komatsuna leaves are tender enough to be added raw to salads.
Baby Artichoke: Smaller and fully mature version of traditional artichoke. Baby artichokes never form the fibrous “choke” and are entirely edible with a little bit of trimming. Yes, that means you can eat ‘em whole, and we do!
Necta-plum Spice Zee: Delicious cross between a nectarine and a plum with a fanatical & loyal following. One taste of this perfectly sweet, juicy fruit and you’ll be a convert. Our staff wait all summer for this amazing fruit; we have to hold ourselves back to sell any to you! If you know, you know! The fruit is small-sized this season and the crop is small, so act fast!
Okra: Mild and sweet grassy tasting. It can be enjoyed raw, pickled, fried, pan fried, or added to soups and stews! This versatile vegetable is growing in popularity and is a staple in African and Southern American cuisines.
Piel de Sapo: Oval and long, with a striking rind, this specialty melon’s name means “toad skin” in Spanish. The sweet flesh ranges from white to pale green coloring. Extremely aromatic and a staff favorite! Bonus: It has a long shelf life and displays well.
Rosa Eggplant: Plump, rounded Sicilian variety with white and violet streaks. Mild, creamy taste with no bitterness. Good for grilling, baking and most other cooked applications. Look for more specialty eggplant coming soon!
Specialty Grape: Murray Family Farms has started with concord flavored Thomcords (cross between Thompson and Concord) and candy-sweet varieties such as the red-skin Candy Snap and Muscat-ish Sweet Sunshine (formerly known as IFG-38.) Champagne grapes are in stark contrast to other table varieties, adding flair to any grape display. This variety has tiny “baby” seedless berries with dark maroon skin and a super sweet delicate flavor. Each cluster has a striking appearance, truly a conversation starter and gorgeous on any cheese platter, Studies have shown that offering multiple varieties of grapes boost all grape sales.
Promotable
Blueberry: Supply is plentiful for delicious berries from Northwest grower, LaPierre Farms. This family-owned farm has been farming since 1985 in Yakima, Washington. Before every harvest, they taste the berries to make sure they are at peak flavor and hand-pick the fruit.
California-Grown Tomato: The California tomato season is starting to pick up. Heirlooms are coming on with 1-Layer Mixed cases, Brandywine, Marvel Stripe and Purple Cherokee available now. Cherry tomatoes are bursting onto the scene. Check out the open pint Mixed Medley pack from Veliz Family Farm. The first Saladette Early Girl tomatoes are also here!
Hass Avocado: Prices are sliding down and currently we have great supply on 48s & 60s.
Pickling Cucumber: Great for brining but can also be eaten ‘unpickled’. Shorter in length, with thicker skin than traditional slicer cucumbers. Veliz Family Farm pickling ‘cukes are the best of the best and harvested early for optimal size (not too large.)
Slicer Cucumber: This small family farm also has an abundance of slicer cucumbers at sharp pricing!
Pluot & Plum: Supply is picking up and prices are coming down—both are great for promotion. We have a wide variety of sizes, varieties and labels. Talk to your Account Manager for recommendations.
Seedless Grape: Both Red and Green are in good supply from California’s Central Valley.
Specialty Melon: Rundle Family Farms boasts the summer’s most delectable melons. Ideal growing conditions in the Fresno region and years of perfecting growing methods enable the farm to produce melons with outstanding flavor. Basking in the warm sun, Rundle’s melons develop natural sugars and are handpicked at peak ripeness, ensuring the highest quality and taste. This season’s offering from the farm include: Galia, Cantaloupe, Orange and Green Honeydew, Mini Seedless Watermelon, and Snow Leopard. Check out our melon guide for flavor notes on all varieties. Let your Account Manager know if you’re interested in mini seedless bins!
Yellow Peach: 2-layer peaches are going strong, despite the hot temperatures in the Central Valley. Supply is steady with promotable pricing.
Limited
Arugula
Iceberg Lettuce
Lemon: Choice and Fancy
Snow Leopard Melon: Gapping until the next planting is ready
White Peach
Done for the Season
Northwest-grown Apricot
Ataulfo Mango: Season is ending early, but don’t worry, Kents are coming on heavy and are in the house already!
Reed Avocado
Produce Resources
Check out the Customer Toolbox on our website (login required) for more produce resources!