THIS WEEK’S FRUIT

Farmer Al wearing overalls inspecting an olive tree branch

Farmer Al inspects the blossoming olive trees.

Super Zee Peaches Frog Hollow Farm, Brentwood, CA Native to China, peaches of legend conferred immortality and were treasured by ancient Emperors. In the early 17th century a horticulturist by the name of George Minifie is said to have brought the first peaches from England to the United States, planting peach trees at his Estate of Buckland in Virginia. Peaches now grow throughout the world’s temperate regions, but find a uniquely suited home in Brentwood’s Mediterranean climate. The Super Zee is a new early peach variety with medium-sized firm fruit. It has an attractive red skin with yellow, moderately juicy flesh. CSA members, you will be our focus group to try this new variety of peach. Let us know what you think! Kettleman Apricots Frog Hollow Farm, Brentwood, CA Truly from the cradle of civilization, the apricot was first grown in ancient India around the year 3000 BCE. In the Middle East, the fruit’s brief season became the source of an Egyptian saying, “fel meshmesh” or “in the apricot,” used much as English speakers would say “once in a blue moon.” Something is “fel meshmesh” when it’s unlikely to happen because the time for it is so brief. Like cherries, our apricots are here and gone again in the blink of an eye. A rich golden orange, the Kettleman has that bit of tartness that apricot fans love along with a beautiful aroma. Kettleman are smooth-textured and delightfully sweet. Brooks Cherries Frog Hollow Farm, Brentwood, CA Named for the Turkish town of Cerasus, cherries have been cultivated since about 300 BCE. In 1912 they came to the U.S. by way of Japan, as a gift of friendship from the people of Japan. The Brooks Cherry was developed at U.C. Davis in the 1980s. Though early to arrive, Brooks don’t sacrifice taste, color or texture. They resemble a Bing with a more balanced sweetness in their dark, rich flesh.

Tomato Variety Preview

Brandywine Tomato The Brandywine might be considered the poster child of heirloom tomatoes. A old-time favorite dating back to 1885, the Brandywine has superb flavor and beautiful red to pink skin. Fruits are large and can grow up to 2 pounds. Brandywines are excellent for fresh eating, and also good for canning due to their easy to peel skin and low seed content. Enjoy this historic beauty! We are planting tomatoes now. Add-ons are expected to be available in late July.

A Note From Farmer Al

close up of an olive branche laden with tiny yellow white flowers

Flowering Olive Tree

The 2011 olive harvest in late November was by far the smallest crop of olives we’ve ever seen on a tree by tree basis here at Frog Hollow Farm. That very light crop was the case for farmers state-wide. Every olive grove in the state was seeing slim pickings, whereas the 2010 harvest was a record harvest statewide. This reflects the typical olive production pattern of alternate year bearing.

Our 2012 harvest looks great, confirming that pattern. Right now, mid-way to olive harvesting time, is when the trees bloom; the branches are bright with flowers, and the ground below is yellow with tiny olive blossom petals. Truly, this is a glorious sight to my eyes, and a good omen to all of you olive oil lovers out there. On that note, we are rapidly running out of our 2011 oil. Sold mostly at Farmers’ Markets, Frog Hollow Farm’s Tuscan Blend is getting rave reviews from regulars who are coming back for more. CSA members who love it should stock up now because we will run out months before our 2012 crop is harvested in late November. Organically yours,