What is sweet and healthy with the raddest name and mythical appearance? There can only be one Queen of Tropical Fruits–the majestic dragon fruit.   

Dragon fruit aka ‘pitaya’ are actually cacti, and like almost all cacti, they’re native to the Americas – specifically southern Mexico and Central America; they have been an important food source for indigenous people for centuries. Today, Vietnam is the leading producer and exporter of dragon fruit, and locals call it thanh long, which translates to “dragon’s eyes.” This is believed to be a possible origin for its common English name.  

While dragon fruit looks like it’s from another world, the mild taste is actually familiar. Soft and refreshing, it is often described as a mix of kiwi and pear, with low acidity and a sweet, floral flavor. Popular with mixologists, dragon fruit juice makes any cocktail or mocktail a totally new experience. Kids will go crazy for the amazing color and weird shape. Nutritious enough for dragons, dragon fruit is a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium, chock full of anti-oxidants, with no complex carbs.  

Commonly a teardrop shape, dragon fruits range in size from ‘globe eggplant’ size to ‘small pear’, but size is not an indicator of sweetness. The internal flesh and edible part of dragon fruit comes in a variety of colors—white, pink, magenta or red, with skin that is a striking combination of  green, pink, yellow or red. The flavors are all similar but vary in sugar levels.  

Currently, the Ecuadorian season is going strong and supply is plentiful. Try some yellow or red skinned dragon fruit today! 

Update on Import Tariffs 

On March 4th, a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada went into effect. However, two days later, it was announced that there would be a month-long delay on the tariffs. The situation is changing day-by-day. Here’s what we know: 

• When the tariff is in effect, prices on produce items from Mexico and Canada will be increasing. These changes will be reflected on our daily price lists as we receive updates from vendors and growers.  
• To see which items may be impacted, please refer to the Country of Origin listed in the Item Description or the Country of Origin column on our mileage lists. 
• While domestic pricing may also be affected, the full impact remains uncertain.

We appreciate your understanding and remain committed to supporting our growers through this transition. Please reach out with any questions—we’ll keep you updated as things change.  

New & Exciting!

Artichoke: California artichoke season is starting up. Whether steamed, grilled, baked, or fried, artichokes are a versatile spring vegetable that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of dishes.   

Bartlett Pear: Argentinian-grown pears are coming on. The first arrivals are fairly green, but when fully ripe, Bartletts develop a sweet flavor with a juicy, buttery texture. 

California-Grown Blueberry: California-grown blueberries are here now and expected to be steady! They are fabulous—crisp and sweet! 

California-Grown Strawberry: Strawberries are back in season and tasting great! 

Pixie Tangerine: This late season variety is one of the most popular. Pixie tangerines are seedless, easy to peel, and remarkably sweet. They have low acid, but just enough tang to keep the flavor exciting. Super popular with kids and citrus lovers!

Tommy Atkins Mango: Coming soon! Tommy Atkins mangoes are round with a striking red blush and deep yellow flesh that is juicy and slightly fibrous. They are ready to eat when a small squeeze yields some give. 

Yuzu: Very aromatic deep citrusy aroma. The juice flavor is like a mix of lemon and lime. Generally used for its juice and zest. Yuzu is popular in Japanese cuisine and becoming increasingly popular in the culinary and mixology worlds. 

Promotable 

Asparagus: Mexican-grown asparagus has strong supply. Display with some cheery lemons for a pop of color! California-grown asparagus is not expected to come on for a couple weeks.

Ataulfo Mango: Known for its honey sweet flavor, Ataulfo is a favorite among mango lovers. This variety is creamy, buttery-soft, with non-fibrous texture. Supply is expected to be steady for awhile. 

Dragon Fruit: The Ecuadorian dragon fruit season is in full swing. These colorful fruits bring a nice dose of the tropics to your winter fruit displays! Both Red and Yellow dragon fruit are readily available. Both varieties have white flesh with mild sweet tropical flavor with notes of pear, kiwi and citrus. 

English HotHouse Cucumber: We’re starting to see volume on Mexican-grown ‘cukes.  English HotHouse have thinner skins (no peeling needed!) and are sweeter than traditional slicer cucumbers. Bonus: They are seedless and easier to digest! 

Green Cabbage: In good supply and perfect for St. Patrick’s celebrations on March 17th! 

Medjool Date: Stock up on retail packs of dates for shoppers looking to celebrate the Ramadan holiday ending on March 29th. Medjool dates are one of the most popular varieties—known for sweet, caramel taste and moist texture.  

During the entire period of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, taking neither food nor water. Traditionally, a date is the first food eaten after the sun goes down. Dates, a symbol of prosperity, are also traditional gifts during this lunar holiday and are prominently featured in Eid al-Fitr, the feast that ends Ramadan.   

Look for a lovely 5–lb gift pack on Date Confection w Almond. Perfect for the holiday! 

Murcott Tangerine: Priced to move! Murcotts are beloved for their seedless, super juicy flesh and easy-to-peel skin. One taste of this delicious Vitamin C rich tangerine, and these will be flying off your shelves. 

One & Two-Layer Tomato: Mexican-grown tomatoes are expected to be readily available. 

Royal Mandarin: Also known as the Temple Orange, ancestor to many citrus varieties. The flavor is sweet, very juicy and acidic, with hints of lemon and orange. Easy to peel, with some seeds. High in vitamin C and antioxidants! A staff favorite for the complex flavor profile! 

Ruby Grapefruit: Sweet-tart flavor with light pink flesh that is mostly seedless. Great promotable price from B&J Ranch, a VV exclusive grower. 

Tulip Bouquet: Stellar blooming deal on fresh-cut organic tulips from Thomas Family Farm. With ten long stems per bunch, there are 16 bouquets per case. Spruce up your floral displays with these eye-catching beauties! 

Zucchini: Supply is plentiful, and prices are sharp on Mexican-grown squash.   

Limited

Bunched Chard 

Lettuce: Aphid pressure remains high. Lettuce will continue to be very limited with some gaps throughout most of March.  Lean into cello wrapped products such as iceberg and romaine and living lettuces to get through this transition period. 

Napa Cabbage/Savoy Cabbage: Gapping 

Retail Greens: With desert temps rising, salad greens will be susceptible to the same insect pressure as other leaf crops.  

Yellow Potato: Extremely limited. 

Done for the Season 

Nam Doc Mai Mango 

Rio Red Grapefruit from B&J Ranch 

TDE Tangerine