Although dried figs are available most of the year, nothing compares to the unique taste or texture of fresh figs. Fresh figs have the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor yet smooth and sometimes crunchy texture. Not to mention they are highly nutritious—high in fiber, potassium and antioxidants. This fascinating fruit has a long and significant history and may be the oldest fruit in the world. Eating this ancient superfood is like enjoying a piece of history!
Figs are one of the first plants that were cultivated by humans. Figs uncovered in the Jordan River Valley have been dated to 9500 BCE and earlier, preceding domesticated wheat, barley, or legumes! In the ancient world, they appear across virtually all cultures and are mentioned in the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, the story of Buddha, as well as Hinduism and Jainism religions. Figs were introduced by European colonizers even before the Gold Rush, and flourished in California’s mild climate.
Fun Fact: Figs were an important part of ancient Olympians’ diets and victors were crowned with a fig leaf laurel.
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. Black Mission is also known for being easy to handle and is sturdy, but will get sweeter and slowly soften at room temperature.
We’ll be carrying all available varieties this season, including specialty types, the fig-lovers favorite, the delicate and super sweet Adriatic, with deep red strawberry-jam colored flesh. Get ‘em while you can!
Weather Watch
Some of our local grape growers reported quality issues thanks to the wet winter combined with hot summer weather. Some varieties have ended unexpectedly early (Sayonara, Black grapes in totes and Champagne grapes!) The Candy Stripe fig crop was wiped out this year due to similar irregular hot/cold weather patterns. Fig trees were stressed by the extreme fluctuations. There was less fruit on the trees and many dropped in the heat before they ripened.
Hurricane Hilary heading up the Baja peninsula off the coast of Mexico could result in heavy rain in the Fresno and Bakersfield areas. Rain at this time of year is very rare in the Central Valley, and could have serious effects on all fruit ready to harvest, such as peach, nectarine, grape, and plum. Fingers crossed!
Current hot temperatures aka Heat Dome in Washington and Oregon are making new-crop pear and apple picking a challenge. Orchard workers can only function safely for limited hours.
Extreme and persistent fog during avocado bloom this winter prevented bees from doing their pollination work. Las Palmalitas Ranch and other growers say the fruit set for 2024 looks very light. Stand by for updates.
New & Exciting!
Black Mission Fig: Rich and sweet with a hint of berry flavor. Great for eating fresh, jams and jellies or using in sweet or savory dishes. Brown Turkey, Excel and Kadota figs are available!
Dracula Chili Pepper (left): It’s still summer but this spooky pepper gives us major Halloween vibes. Dramatic black color with Jalapeno-like spice—this pepper has some bite! Use this pepper in salsas, sauces or anywhere you want a little heat!
Early Girl Saladette Tomato: These beauties are “dry farmed,” which means grown without water, producing fruit that has more concentrated flavor! Truly a staff favorite!
Goldenberry: From Wild River. Superfood native to Peru and Chile. Resembles a small yellow tomatillo. The orange fruit has a husk, and tastes sweet when ripe with a mildly tart tropical flavor. Known by many names around the world, Groundcherry, Cape Gooseberry. Poha, Husk Cherry, or Inca berry! Related to the smaller husked Gooseberry we offer from Coke Farms.
Grape
- Green Quip (right): Green skin seedless grapes with long finger-like berries.
- IFG-34: Dark purple/black skin, small berry with super sweet slightly spicy flavor. Highest brix of any grape—over 33! Very unusual flavor, they are still looking for a catchy name for this newly developed variety, only from Murray Family Farm.
- Thomcord: Blue-black skin grape combines the deep lushness of Concord grapes with the light sweetness of Thompson grapes. Plump, juicy, seedless and delicious! Available in paper totes from Fruit World.
- Classic ‘East Coast style’ Concord grapes from Heinke Family Farm are on their way.
Pear
- Bartlett: California-grown. Sweet and juicy with the definitive pear flavor. The green skin turns yellow as it ripens!
- Bosc: California grown. Brown skinned with crisp and woodsy texture and honeyed sweetness.
- Red Starkrimson: Brilliant red skin. Sweet juicy flavor with subtle floral aroma.
- Shinseki Asian: The first Asian pears of the season are here from EARTHseed Farm! The Shinseki is yellow skinned with little or no russet. It has crisp, creamy white flesh and the flavor is mild, sweet with a hint of spice.
Promotable
Braeburn (right): Delicious, sweet tart flavor. Great all-purpose apple for eating fresh, cooking or baking. Plentiful supply; ask about volume deals. 
Hass Avocado: Las Palmalitas Ranch has a bulge in 60 count 2-layers. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Potato: 70 count Russet have strong supply and sharp pricing. Great deals on Bouchey label red & yellow potatoes.
Raspberry: In great supply. Build an eye-catching berry display with strawberries and blueberries.
Red Seedless Grape: Readily available and incredible quality this season. We have a variety of labels and pack types to choose from (totes & pouches)!
Stonefruit: Lots of stonefruit still available at sharp prices. Red plums, pluots and yellow peaches are in good supply. Check out our Plum & Pluot Guide! 
Tomato: Peak tomato season happening now! Abundant supply on Cherry: Mixed Medley, Sungold, Sweet 100 and Heirlooms galore: Brandywine, Purple Cherokee, Marvel Stripe, Pineapple, Solar Flare and Mixed Medley.
Limited
Artichoke
Hass Avocado: Larger sizes are getting very scarce and prices are rocketing.
Asparagus
Celery: Available but not great supply; prices are up
Corn: Dwelley corn is limited for short period due to worm pressure.
Peas
Specialty Beans
Tomato-on-Vine (TOV)
Done for the Season
Ataulfo Mango
Black Grape Totes
Champagne Grape
Fruit World Muscat Grape
Masumoto Family Farm Peach and Nectarine
Merchandising Corner
As a produce distributor, it’s hard to pick a favorite season but late summer is definitely a top contender! Feast your eyes on some of these gorgeous summer inspired displays.
You say potato, we say po-tah-to. Either way, they are versatile and delicious!
Is it even summer without tomatoes and basil?
Spice up your displays with some colorful sweet peppers!
Produce Resources
Check out the Customer Toolbox on our website (login required) for more produce resources!
Remembering Beloved Farmer and Friend, Pete Wolf ‘
We are saddened to share the news of long-time grape farmer, Pete Wolf, who recently died at the age of 92.
Pete was a greatly valued pioneer and leader in the organic grape trade. Customers all over California and beyond enjoyed his Wolf Pack grapes for three decades and more. His fresh Muscat grape is beyond compare, while his homemade wine was not quite up to the same standard. Pete was always good-natured and gentle. He was a personal inspiration of how to do business with integrity and humor.
After a very fruitful and long career, Pete partnered with CJ Buxman and Bianca Kaprielian who took over the management of his vineyards and sold his grapes under the Fruit World label.
CJ Buxman (left) and Pete Wolf. Courtesy: Fruit World
We are honored to remember him fondly and have deep gratitude for the opportunity to share in his wisdom and knowledge; VV sold his grapes for over 45 years. Pete was still working in the orchard up to the end.
Maui Disaster Relief Resources
We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, devastation to homes, businesses, and historical spaces in West Maui, Kula and Kihei on the island of Maui.
If you wish to support efforts on the ground, we recommend checking out these three vetted organizations:
For a reliable information source regarding the needs of the people of Maui, we recommend that you visit this resource maintained by the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action.
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