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THIS WEEK’S FRUIT:
Navel Oranges
Olson Organics, Lindsay, CA
California Navel Oranges are considered to be the best Navels for eating out of hand. They have a thick skin that is easy to peel, are seedless and have a meaty and sweet flesh that makes them a perfect snack. To read more about Ken Olson, please see previous blog post at http://bit.ly/2grsBOE.
Pink Lady Apples
Smit Farm, Linden, CA
Pink Lady’s are a cross between the Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. They are a crisp and juicy apple with a tart finish. Pink skins and a creamy white colored flesh that resists browning make this an excellent apple for salads and slicing. To learn more about Paul Smit and Smit Farm, please see previous blog post http://bit.ly/2ozoEuN.
Hass Avocados
Bravocado, San Diego, CA
Creamy in texture, nutty in flavor, with a small to medium seed. The Hass skin is easy to peel and darkens from green to purplish-black as it ripens.
Tango Mandarins
Premium Citrus, Los Angeles, CA
The Tango is a newer variety tangerine created from budwood of Murcott mandarins which are prized for sweet and tangy flavor, deep orange color and easy to peel rind. The Tango holds all of the delightful characteristics of the Murcott but is virtually seedless.
Pixie Tangerines
Churchill Orchards, Ojai, CA
Pixie tangerines are a late season variety that begin ripening in March and April. Their tough skin gives way to fruit with a very robust flavor.
…all varieties are subject to change…
A NOTE FROM SARAH:
Weather is still the big news around here. The rains are still coming, which at this stage is mostly good. Right now it is a double positive; free irrigation and great for washing off the powdery mildew. It’s a negative in it does create some disease issues with the pears.
Pears continue to be a problem due to fire-blight. There’s no organic cure for it other than physically removing one infected branch at a time. It’s highly contagious, therefore it must be removed in its entirety to an area way from the orchard where it can either be composted or burned.
Crops look like they’re going to be a week later than last year. Last year we were 10 days ahead of “normal” harvest dates. But, that said, we are operating under a new “norm”. Global Warming is alive and well! No joke.
We were able to get the tomatoes plants in the ground before this last rain, which will help them to grow stronger than if we had just watered them.
Cherry update: WE HAVE CHERRIES!!!!!!!!!! It’s been 5 years since we last had a decent cherry crop. YAY!!!!
Apricot Update: Sadly, the early varieties are a total loss due to the storm we got that dumped hail on the tiny fruit knocking it to the ground. However, good news is Golden Sweets are in good shape. Phew!
Enjoy the spring weather. Get out in it and spend time with your friends and family. Pack up a picnic, head out to your favorite spot and watch nature happening all around you. It’s glorious, isn’t it?!?
Peace,
Sarah
