- Peaches existed before humans. In 2015, Chinese scientists discovered peach fossils dating back 2.6 million years.
- The peach is a member of the rose family and is a close relative of the almond.
- California produces about 50% of the peaches in the USA, but Georgia is still famous for their peaches nationwide.
- In Japan, white peaches are highly prized and often given as luxurious gifts, sometimes even costing upwards of $10 each for the most perfect specimens.
- Peach fuzz is a survival tactic, providing protection from the elements. It stops water and moisture from reaching the delicate skin, preventing premature rot, and ensuring development of a fully mature seed.
- Clingstone peaches have flesh that “clings” to the stone pit. Freestone peach fruit separates easily from the pit. There is no way to know from looking at a peach whether it is clingstone or freestone.
- There are over 300 varieties of peaches in the USA and over 2,000 varieties worldwide.
- Only one gene separates peaches and nectarines. The gene variant between the two causes peaches to have a fuzzy skin and nectarines to have a smooth skin.
- Peaches have been cultivated in China for over 5,000 years; they are considered a symbol of fertility and immortality
- Originally bred as an ornamental for their beautiful blossoms, the donut aka flat peach has grown in popularity in recent years as a super sweet novelty fruit.
Life is better than death, if only because it is less boring and because it has fresh peaches in it.
— Alice Walker
New & Exciting!
Blueberry: Now available in open pints from beloved Murray Family Farms, located in Bakersfield, CA.
California-Grown Melon: All melons are transitioning to the desert growing region; the Mexican season has ended. Mini Seedless
Watermelon (left) are steady; Honeydew and Cantaloupe are starting up. Seeded and Seedless bins are both available—pre-order with your Account Manager today.
California-Grown Red Seedless Grape: Coachella grown red grapes coming soon from Anthony Vineyards. Green grapes are not far behind!
Gold Zucchini: Beautiful golden color and slightly sweeter in flavor than green zucchini. Check out other locally grown squashes: Mixed Medley, Straightneck, and Crookneck!
Peel & Reseal Cherry Tomato Pint: The same cherry tomato you love from Del Cabo but in an eco-friendly resealable container. The tub is 100% recyclable and the label top can be peeled and resealed. This new pack type uses 25% less plastic in the move away from single-use clamshells. Note: There are 15 pints per flat, not the usual 12 count.
Purple Asparagus: Mild in flavor but sweeter and nuttier than green asparagus. The pretty violet hue adds a pop of color to any display.
Purple Garlic (right): Coveted hardneck variety with purple-hued skin and white cloves. Purple garlic cloves are “juicier” and have a milder flavor than white garlic, offering a more complex garlic flavor with hints of heat and a peppery bite.
Sour ‘pie’ Cherry: Rare and limited in California, from Murray Family Farms. With high flavor and acidity, this type is preferred for pies and jam, with lots of sweetener needed. Montmorency variety is available for a limited time.
Sunflower: Brighten up your floral department with newly bloomed sunflowers from Thomas Farm. Each case includes 16 bunches; no less than 5 stems per bunch.
Turmeric: Domestically grown from White Acre Farms in Florida. Great for adding color, flavor and nutrition to foods. Turmeric has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Yellow Nectarine (right): The first variety of the season, the Zee Fire, has arrived and tastes great! Hang on tight, the stone fruit train is just taking off!
Yellow Peach: Kristas are here and eating great for an early season variety!
Promotable
Cherry: Ask your account manager for volume deals of the right size cherries for your business. Our growers are packing Coral aka Champagne Coral right now. Bings are coming soon!
Gem Lettuce: Steady supply on locally grown Little Gem and Red Little Gem (left) lettuces. This wildly popular lettuce is known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor. Great for salads, sandwiches or throwing on the grill!
Mango: Both Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins are in good volume. Now is the peak time for mango promotions! The market is expected to tighten up in July and prices will go up. Let your Account Manager know if you’re interested in Fair Trade Tommys in a larger 9
Count.
Sunrise Papaya (right): AKA Strawberry Papaya. Grown in Hawaii from Kumu Farms, the Sunrise papaya has firm, juicy flesh and very sweet flavor with notes of peaches, melons and berries. The green-yellow skin turns yellow as it ripens.
Strawberry: It’s officially strawberry season! Locally grown berries are vibrant red, plump and full of sweet berry flavor! There are so many ways to enjoy strawberries: eat ’em fresh, add to spring salads or bake into desserts. Don’t forget to stock up for red, white and blue Memorial Day dishes!
Limited
Asparagus from Durst Farms: Winding down for the season
Bell Pepper: The Mexican season for red/yellow/orange peppers is winding down. What’s available is the last of the season until California starts up in July. Quality is not as strong at this time and will continue until the end of the season.
Broccoli/Cauliflower: Still limited with high costs. Salinas production has not yet taken off and desert production is done.
Celery: Limited; costs remain high
Coconut: Very limited
Cucumber: Persian and English Hot House are limited.
Lemon: The domestic lemon market is tightening; prices will go up.
Shallot: Gapping until June.
Done for the Season
Kylese Apricot
Mexican-grown Honeydew and Cantaloupe
Nature’s Pride Red ‘A’ Potato
OB1Kinobi Cherry
Produce Resources
Food Mover & Shaker
Fellowship Fund recipient Maricar Souza of Hoʻōla Farms. Courtesy: hoolafarms.org
Farmer Veteran Coalition
In honor of Memorial Day, we’d like to give a shout out to our longtime friends and allies at the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). The Farmer Veteran Coalition assists veterans and current members of the armed forces to embark on careers in agriculture. With a nationwide network of more than 30,000 veterans, FVC offers support services including education, employment, and mentorship opportunities.
One of the FVC’s core programs is the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, which provides grants and financial assistance to veterans starting out as ranchers, farmers, and even beekeepers!
The FVC provides educational resources and training to help veterans succeed, connecting them with experienced farmers who serve as mentors, providing guidance and support.
Fun Facts: The original name of this non-profit was ‘Farms not Arms” and was started in 2007 by two organic farmers, both veterans themselves, Jim Cochran of Swanton Berry Farm, and Michael O’Gorman formally with Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo. Jim and Michael believe the healing power of the Earth abides. We salute those who chose to serve their country twice – once by defending it and once by feeding it.
Learn more about farmer veteran members’ stories here.
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