Fall is here, and pomegranates are a delicious and healthy way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. 

Pomegranates are considered a superfood due to their high levels of antioxidants (3x more than green tea or red wine!) and numerous health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, preventing disease, and reducing inflammation. 

This wonderous fruit has been cultivated in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean region going back at least as far as 5,000 BCE. Pomegranates have been referenced in many religions and historical texts and celebrated for nutritious and medicinal properties. In Jewish tradition, each fruit is said to contain 613 arils (seeds), the same as the number of commandments in the Torah. Some say it was the ‘forbidden fruit’ in the Garden of Eden (not an apple!) In ancient Greece, the story of Persephone’s descent into the underworld and her consumption of pomegranate seeds could be seen as a journey of transformation and resilience.   Full of seeds, it’s a symbol of fertility and fecundity in Chinese culture. In Armenia, the fruit stands for abundance. Modern feminists have adopted the pomegranate as an empowering symbol of womanhood.,  

Even though this fruit has been around for millennia, people still have questions about how to get the very juicy arils (seeds) separated without making a mess (although we think the mess is part of the fun!) This 2-minute video shows how to de-seed a pomegranate using a wooden spoon! 

Fun Fact: Pomegranate fruits are botanically considered berries. 

Pomegranates are a versatile fall fruit that is ready now. The jewel- like arils can be eaten fresh, scattered over salads, or used in Middle Eastern-inspired meals, desserts, and beverages. Many cuisines reduce the juice into a molasses-like syrup. Encourage shoppers to try pomegranates & ready-to-use packaged arils this fall! 

Weather Watch

This week’s heat wave has brought excessive temperatures to the Bay Area, and California. While some crops are used to the heat, others like baby greens, are not. Expect some gaps, shortages or quality issues for boxed greens. Leaf crops do not like heat and may experience greater insect pressure. Some areas will have more limited or reduced picking schedules to avoid the hottest times of day.  

Please be patient while we ride out this heat wave and stay cool and hydrated. 

On a serious note: Our hearts go out to the farmers, ranchers and friends hit by Hurricane Helene. If you’re interested in helping, here are some relief organizations supporting Western North Carolina’s recovery. 

New & Exciting!

Cranberry: You know it’s fall when cranberries show up! We expect to have the first arrivals from Wisconsin this week.  Biodynamically grown! 

Dracula Pepper: These spicy purplish-black chili peppers are just what you need to create a spooky produce display this Halloween!

Fuyu Persimmon: Fuyus are here now! This variety is non-astringent and can be eaten while still firm. The flavor has notes of pear, dates, and hints of cinnamon. 

Green Kiwi: The season is starting up for California-grown green kiwi. Sweet, tart, citrus-y flavor that can’t be beat. Our local supply is from Wild River, located just 130 miles from San Francisco in the Gold Country. 

Jack O’Lantern Bin: Get into the Halloween spirit with these pumpkins! Available in Regular (averages 46 per bin) or Large (averages 25 per bin) size. 

Marigold Bouquet: This eye-catching and fragrant flower is sacred in India and Mexico and are an important part of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. The holiday falls on November 2nd this year. Brighten up your floral displays with this seasonal beauty!   

Mixed Kabocha Squash: New colorful mixed pack with Green, Red and Winter Blush Kabocha varieties. Kabocha is finely grained with a buttery, sweet, nutty flavor reminiscent of sweet potato and pumpkin with a hint of chestnut. This squash is extremely versatile and can be used in any preparation instead of Butternut or Acorn. Kabocha is the most favored squash in Japanese cuisine, partly due to its terrific texture. 

Mixed Variety Squash Bin: Bins contain a mix of Acorn, Butternut, Carnival, Delicata, Honeynut, Spaghetti, and Sugar Pie. A great option for offering a variety of hard squash with less handling for your department and a fun visual impact for shoppers. Think abundance!  

Passionfruit is back! Hurray-oh! 

Pomegranate: Early Wonderful variety kicks off this superfood’s fall season! Its jewel-colored arils are perfect for eating fresh or scattering over yogurt, salads, roasted vegetables and more! 

Promotable

Biodynamic Thompson Grape: It’s the last push for delicious, sweet Thompson grapes from Marian Farms. Help this local farm end the season strong! 

Hass Avocado: Supply is plentiful on 48 and 60 count from Las Palmalitas Ranch and Foothill Organics for another month! Perfect for fall promotions. 

Reed Avocado: Large fruit, very creamy, rich and flavorful. The thick skin works as a natural bowl! California-grown. 

Slicer Cucumber: In very strong supply with sharp pricing. Lean into Slicers while English Hot House are limited. 

Tomato: Beefsteak, Roma, Tomato-on-the-Vine, Mixed Heirloom and Cherry are readily available. Build a beautiful display with different types of tomatoes for an eye-catching tomato bonanza! 

Limited

Blueberry: Very limited until the Peruvian season picks up 

Bok Choy: Still gapping 

Crimini Mushroom: Still limited; availability not expected to improve until the beginning of next year. 

English Hot House Cucumber: Very limited and high priced. 

Ghost Pepper: Limited 

Gold Zucchini 

Habanero Pepper: Gapping 

Heirloom Apples 

Napa Cabbage: Gapping due to quality issues. 

Done for the Season

Cosmic Crisp Apple 

Fuji Apple from Ferrari Farms 

Locally-grown Granny Smith Apple 

Locally-grown Bartlett & Bosc Pear 

Northwest-Grown Corn 

Okra 

Nopales