The temperature is heating up and we find ourselves craving that oh-so-refreshing taste of a juicy watermelon. 

Watermelons have been quenching thirst for thousands of years. Their history starts in Southern Africa, where the drought resistant ancestor of watermelons first grew. The fruit is prized for its ability to store water; early African explorers even used watermelons as canteens. Watermelons are in the same gourd family as squash and cucumbers. Over time, throughout the warm climates of the world, farmers selectively bred varieties and saved their seeds. Currently, there are over 1,200 varieties grown worldwide ranging in size, shape, and color, including yellow and orange-fleshed types. 

Fun Fact: Like most fruit and vegetables, the skin is the most nutritious part; watermelon rind can be eaten raw, pickled or used in juice.  

During the 20th century, significant progress was made to improve the watermelon, such as the introduction of the seedless watermelon, which are hybrids that contain small white edible seeds. More recent variations focused on making watermelons that vary in size, are disease resistant, and even have more flavor. Regional favorites and heirloom varieties, like ‘Moon & Stars’ and the huge oblong ‘Charleston Grey’ are often only available at Farmers Markets these days.   

Fun fact: Over the last 40 years, smaller size varieties became more popular with modern families; they were first marketed as ‘ice-box’ melons because they could fit in a small household refrigerator. 

The latest trend in watermelon is the black-skinned red-flesh seedless types, including Yumi, Black Jack or Black Knight. Featuring black watermelon in our retail landscape is so new there is no universal PLU code yet, but it is coming, stay tuned. 

Talk to your account manager and make sure that you’re fully stocked up on watermelons this summer! We’ll have mini-seedless by the case and bins of seeded and seedless watermelons from Rundle Family Farms.  

New & Exciting!

Black Knight Watermelon: Grown by Rundle Family Farms, this “black-skinned” (which is actually very dark green) variety reigns supreme. It has gorgeous bright red flesh and amazing uber-sweet flavor, clocking in at 12% brix on our refractometer. The texture is crisp and juicy. Available in 60 count bins.  

Black Mission Fig: Fig season has started early! Black Mission figs are sweet with a rich, jammy interior that is filled with tiny, crunchy seeds. This variety is known for its honey-like flavor and versatile culinary uses. 

Blenheim Apricot: Blenheim Apricots have an incredible flavor and beautiful golden-orange color. Act fast – supply won’t last long! We’re at the peak of apricot season! 

California-Grown Eggplant: Globes have meaty texture and mild flavor which is perfect for grilling! Graffiti is a visually striking variety with vibrant purple and white streaks on its skin. Ideal for grilling and roasting, the tender flesh has a mild, sweet flavor. 

California-Grown Cucumber: The Painted Serpent is unique, slender, and elongated, with striking, light & dark green striped skin. It is known for mild flavor, crisp texture, and ornamental appeal. Don’t miss out on Pickling ‘cukes! Small and firm, this variety is ideal for brining, thanks to its crisp texture and ability to absorb flavors. Lemon cucumbers are round and yellow-skinned with mild flavor—the flesh is delicate and juicy, perfect for summer salads! 

Early Dapple Dandy Pluot: This early season pluot combines the best characteristics of plums and apricots. Juicy with a sweet-tart flavor, Early Dapples have mottled green and red skin.  

Gooseberry: AKA Goldenberry, Cape Gooseberry, Ground Cherry, Husk Cherry, Hawaiian Poha, Inca berry depending on variety & location. Small, round bright yellow-orange fruit encased in a protective papery husk. The flavor is sweet-tangy and reminiscent of pineapple and mango.  Not to be confused with the European Gooseberry, which is smooth, green or red with a striped pattern, and no husk or shell. Our gooseberries (with husk) are a delightful addition to salads, salsa, desserts, and preserves. 

Green Kiwi: These fuzzy green kiwis from the Zespri label are imported from New Zealand. Great for color breaks in your summer fruit displays!  

Gypsy Pepper: Sweet pepper variety, known for their mild flavor and sweetness. Perfect for eating fresh, frying, grilling or roasting! 

Komatsuna: AKA Japanese mustard spinach Komatsuna is a leafy green vegetable popular in Asian cuisines, characterized by its mild, slightly sweet flavor and rich nutritional profile. Commonly used in stir-fries, soups, salads, and pickling, Komatsuna can be easily substituted for greens like bok choy, tat soi or spinach. This seasons’s new staff favorite! 

Galia Melon: A hybrid melon between the Honeydew and the Cantaloupe. The Galia has netted greenish-yellow rind, and sweet, juicy, light-green flesh that offers a fragrant, tropical flavor. Look for more specialty melons coming on towards the end of the month! 

Hami Melon: Golden yellow, lightly netted skin with pale, coral flesh. Crisp flesh is juicy and refreshingly sweet with a trademark floral and sweet aroma. These have a long shelf life and are a great addition to summer melon displays! 

Promotable

Celery: After a tight few weeks, prices are finally coming down. Supply is looking good for promos!

Jalapeno Pepper: What’s hotter than summer? The sharp price on California-grown jalapenos! Although on the overall Scoville Heat Scale, Jalapenos are relatively mild in spiciness, clocking in at 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). 

Strawberry: Local supply at its peak brings great color, flavor, supply and promotable pricing. Check out the open pint option from Blue House Farm and clamshell packs from JSM Organics, Sea Level and Sun Valley. JSM also offers an eco-friendly compostable ReadyCycle clamshell.   

White Nectarine/Yellow Peach /Yellow Nectarine: If you haven’t fully embraced stone fruit season, now is the time for a promotion! White Nectarines, Yellow Peach and Yellow Nectarine have strong supply and pricing. We have a wide range of sizes and labels from Valley Pride, Blossom Bluff, Balakian Farms, Fruit Fairy Farms and more—talk to your Account Manager for recommendations! 

Watermelons from Rundle Family Farms: Melons from Rundle Family Farms are at the top of our list. We offer bins of seeded and seedless watermelons in 45 and 60 count as well as the super sweet Black Knight, a dark-skinned variety. What makes Rundle’s melons so good?  Watermelons are this farm’s specialty, and years of perfecting growing methods produce delicious melons with outstanding flavor. Picked at peak ripeness providing sweet and juicy fruit with great crisp texture! 

Zucchini & Specialty Squash: Supply or local zucchini and soft squash is plentiful. We’re seeing lots of varieties of specialty soft squash including Gold Zucchini, Scallopini, Sunburst and the cheery Mixed Medley from Comanche Creek. 

Limited

Aloe: Gapping 

Bell Pepper: All colors are gapping. Large red bells are available but limited. 

Bok Choy: Still gapping 

Brussels Sprout: Gapping until August 

Cantaloupe & Mini Watermelon: Hot sunny weather and windy conditions have caused sunburn damage to the melons.  

Deglet Date: Continuing to gap. 

Hass Avocado: Supply is tightening, and prices are rocketing up. Check out the Reed Avocado special for an affordable and delicious substitute. The easy peel Reed is great for food service and delis, too! 

Heirloom Tomato 

Iceberg Lettuce 

Lemon: Supply is getting squeezed and prices are on the rise. 

Russet Potato 

Sweet Peppers 

White Onion 

Done for the Season

California Bing & Rainier Cherry: Next up are cherries from the Northwest! 

Cherimoya 

Purple Asparagus 

Produce Resources

Stone Fruit Variety Overview  

Plum& Pluot Guide  

Masumoto Variety Notes  

Check out the Customer Toolbox on our website (login required) for more produce resources! 

Merchandising Corner

Getting ready for the 4th of July 

The 4th of July is the biggest holiday of the summer and the perfect time to showcase all the best summer foods. Here are some key things to focus on to make sure your store is ready for the holiday celebrations. 

• Watermelon bins are a must for the 4th of July. Even a small store can move through an entire watermelon bin over the holiday, because everyone is looking for this fruit! If there isn’t space for a full bin, you can floor stack cases of mini melons at registers for quick impulse buys. Also, remember to keep bins shaded if they’re outside. 
• Berries, berries, berries. Make sure to have your department stocked with plenty of berries with an emphasis on strawberries and blueberries. Berries will be used for everything from snacking to salads to drinks and desserts. Inspect daily and cull out all undesirable looking fruit. 
• Cross merchandising opportunities. The 4th of July is a big outdoor holiday, so supplies for the grill, plus beer and chips, are obvious items to add to your displays. Floor stacking beer, soda, and sparkling water next to your tables or in a standalone display is a great way to increase ‘basket size.’ Also, when stocking beverages don’t forget to add lemons and limes to your display! 
• Stock up on stone fruit. Customers will be looking for peaches, nectarines, and apricots, as they have become popular grilling items and are fantastic when given a slight char. They’re also popular ingredients for holiday cocktails, desserts, and fruit salads. 
• Corn-on-the cob. What more needs to be said? 

“Sex is good, but not as good a fresh sweet corn” —Garrison Keillor