4th Fruit Delivery: July 27th, 28th, and 30th, 2011

This week we have nectarines, pluots, apricots, blueberries, grapes, and cherries.

White Nectarinesare from Made in Nature in CA. Nectarines are fuzzless peaches, and those with white flesh typically are very sweet with little acidity (while yellow-fleshed ones typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness — though this also varies greatly). Once ripe, nectarines will keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 5 days at most. Store in a plastic bag in refrigerator.

Ranier Cherries

Sugar Jewel Pluots are from Twin Girls Farm in CA, family started, owned and operated since 1993. Sugar Jewels are red with a green hue and yellow flesh. They have a high sugar content as their name implies. Pluots are a hybrid mix of plum and apricot, which predominantly retains the characteristics and flavor of a plum with slight apricot undertones. They are ripe when they give under gentle pressure; avoid keeping near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.

Apricots are from Stemilt Farms in WA. Its farmer was a key player in developing the tree fruit market and was the driving force in bringing Washington fruit to the global marketplace. Apricots originally come from China, and made their way across Europe and finally into California, where they were grown in the Spanish missions. Ripe apricots should be refrigerated. To ripen firm fruit, hold at room temperature or place in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Blueberries are from Blueberry Heritage Farms in Holland, Michigan! Fresh Midwestern blueberries are in their prime from June to August. In terms of U.S. fruit consumption, blueberries rank only second to strawberries in popularity of berries. Keep blueberries refrigerated, unwashed, in a rigid container covered with clear wrap. They’re highly perishable so try to use asap.

Red Seedless Grapes are from Rucker Homestead in Thermal, CA. Grapes don’t ripen off the vine. They’re very delicate and need to be handled carefully. Refrigerate them dry in a plastic bag. Never wash them until you’re ready to eat – moisture will make them deteriorate very quickly. Grapes will last up to a week properly stored in the refrigerator, but it’s best to eat them as soon as possible.

Rainier Cherries are from Spencer Fruit Organics in Wenatchee, WA, started in 1912 by an immigrant couple from Nova Scotia. In the 1980’s before the organic boom, Spencer Fruit pioneered many of the techniques that are contributing to the world-wide success of organic agriculture today. Rainiers are a premium cherry and really special! A cross between the Bing and Van cultivars, they’re sweet, large cherries with creamy-yellow flesh, and are also known as ‘white cherries.’ Brown spots or scuffing on the surface indicates high sugar content. About 1/3 of a Rainier cherry orchard’s crop is eaten by birds. Store unwashed cherries in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, and wash just before eating. Eat quickly!

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3rd Fruit Delivery: July 13th, 14th, and 16th, 2011

Santa Rosa Plums

This week we bring you Avocadoes, Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Mangoes, Kiwi, Apples, Plums, Nectarines, and a Coconut.

Hass Avocadoes are from Stehly Farms in southern CA. Avocadoes are a smooth, silky addition to a variety of foods. A little known fact is that avocadoes never ripen until after picked. Store at room temperature until ripe, and monitor daily to check for ripeness (gives slightly to a gentle press).

Lemons are from Twin Girl Farm in CA, family started, owned and operated since 1993.

Limes are from Patagonia Orchards, an organic grower, packer and shipper based in Rio Rico, Arizona.

Valencia Oranges are from Royal Pacific and Twin Girl Farms. Valencias are excellent juicers. Store oranges in a cool place outside the refrigerator and try to eat them within a few days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate in a plastic bag or in the vegetable crisper section of the refrigerator.

Kent Mangoes are from Patagonia Orchards. Kent Mangoes are one of the best varieties available in the States. Known for their fiber-less flesh, they are often misjudged as being unripe because they don’t show as much color as other varieties when ripe. Close your eyes and choose Mangoes by their give to gentle pressure, not their color. If not fully ripe, allow mangoes to ripen at room temperature in a paper bag. Once ripe, mangoes can be stored in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Kiwis are from Zespri Organic. The fruit should be firm, but not rock hard. Though most people prefer to peel the hairy, rough skin (or scoop the flesh out with a spoon) the skin is edible. Store at room temperature till ripe, then refrigerate.

Pink Lady Apples, also known as Cripps, are grown by Viva Tierra Organics in the American Northwest. This is a hybrid of the Australian apple Lady Williams with a Golden Delicious, combining the best features of both apples. Pink Ladies are both sweet and crisp.

Santa Rosa Plums used to be the gold standard of California plum growing, taste, and texture, but now they are more commonly found in farmer’s markets, as commercial interests have opted for firmer, bigger fruit. Once  they’re ripened at room temperature, store rich and tangy Santa Rosas  in the refrigerator.

White Nectarines typically are very sweet with little acidity (while yellow-fleshed ones typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness — though this also varies greatly). Once ripe, nectarines will keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 5 days at most. Store in a plastic bag.

Coconuts are from Patagonia Orchards as well. They are one of the most protected nuts out there! You’ll need some strength, and possibly this helpful website for helpful opening and storage instructions: http://www.howtoopenacoconut.com/