Fresh News
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 17 August 2017
- Hits: 44
Peppery foods have been a part of the human diet for more than 8,000 years.
Long before the ancient Greeks and Romans gave monetary value to peppercorns, South American Indians were eating fiery hot wild chili peppers.
Chilies were eaten in Mexico, Brazil and Peru 6,000 years B.C. and were one of the first domesticated plants in the New World.
The love affair with chili peppers continues. Most of us associate chili peppers with varying degrees of heat. Superhot chili peppers go beyond habanero pepper heat and surpass 350,000 Scoville Heat Units.
Any number of varieties of these superhots have surpassed two million Scoville Heat Units. Treat these peppers with the utmost respect when handling or cooking with them.
Long before the ancient Greeks and Romans gave monetary value to peppercorns, South American Indians were eating fiery hot wild chili peppers.
Chilies were eaten in Mexico, Brazil and Peru 6,000 years B.C. and were one of the first domesticated plants in the New World.
The love affair with chili peppers continues. Most of us associate chili peppers with varying degrees of heat. Superhot chili peppers go beyond habanero pepper heat and surpass 350,000 Scoville Heat Units.
Any number of varieties of these superhots have surpassed two million Scoville Heat Units. Treat these peppers with the utmost respect when handling or cooking with them.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 10 August 2017
- Hits: 63
Zucchini and other summer squash varieties seem to be everywhere. What are we waiting for such a squash surplus at our fingertips?
If pasta noodles are on the table at least once a week, this is the best season to go for a lightened up version with noodles centerplate.
Alfredo, marinara and pesto classics make for irresistible sauces on top of squash noodles.
Grain free squash cut in either wide ribbons or curly or flat thin noodles beckon to kitchen enthusiasts to explore all options. A simple dressed up topper of mint, basil, garlic and lemon juice keeps life simple.
Asian noodle bowls are a world apart from Italy. Pad Thai, lo mein, stir fries and brothier dishes meant to be slurped give way to robust flavors.
If pasta noodles are on the table at least once a week, this is the best season to go for a lightened up version with noodles centerplate.
Alfredo, marinara and pesto classics make for irresistible sauces on top of squash noodles.
Grain free squash cut in either wide ribbons or curly or flat thin noodles beckon to kitchen enthusiasts to explore all options. A simple dressed up topper of mint, basil, garlic and lemon juice keeps life simple.
Asian noodle bowls are a world apart from Italy. Pad Thai, lo mein, stir fries and brothier dishes meant to be slurped give way to robust flavors.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 03 August 2017
- Hits: 70
We’re completely used to seeing fresh produce in vivid and sometimes unusual colors.
Even so, when the flesh of a watermelon surprises us with a bright yellow interior, rather than the requisite pink or red, it’s exciting.
Watermelon is that ancient half fruit, half vegetable thing with likely origination from the Kalahari desert of Africa.
5,000 year old Egyptian hieroglyphs depict watermelon images. By symbolically burying the dead with watermelon, loved ones were thought to be nourished in the afterlife.
Rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, watermelon is over 90% water and contains abundant electrolytes. This combination is what is extremely hydrating in hot weather conditions. Color is optional.
Even so, when the flesh of a watermelon surprises us with a bright yellow interior, rather than the requisite pink or red, it’s exciting.
Watermelon is that ancient half fruit, half vegetable thing with likely origination from the Kalahari desert of Africa.
5,000 year old Egyptian hieroglyphs depict watermelon images. By symbolically burying the dead with watermelon, loved ones were thought to be nourished in the afterlife.
Rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, watermelon is over 90% water and contains abundant electrolytes. This combination is what is extremely hydrating in hot weather conditions. Color is optional.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 28 July 2017
- Hits: 87
By definition, a true tonic invigorates, restores, refreshes or stimulates. Sounds good, right? Particularly when the mercury is high and energy levels are low.
Let’s not mention alcohol nor so called “mocktails” here. A really authentic tonic stands on it’s own merits.
Americans as a whole know how to over-indulge. It makes sense that a new generation backlash aims to eat less, stay healthy and pay close attention to consumption.
Inclined to drink to their own health, Millennials know when it’s time to pass on a craft beer or vintage glass of wine. Mindfulness has an appeal that staying sober supports. Enter summer tonics.
Non-alcoholic drinks no longer stand as merely a glass full of club soda with a lime wedge. Adult beverages should feel like a celebration as we keep our wits about us.
Let’s not mention alcohol nor so called “mocktails” here. A really authentic tonic stands on it’s own merits.
Americans as a whole know how to over-indulge. It makes sense that a new generation backlash aims to eat less, stay healthy and pay close attention to consumption.
Inclined to drink to their own health, Millennials know when it’s time to pass on a craft beer or vintage glass of wine. Mindfulness has an appeal that staying sober supports. Enter summer tonics.
Non-alcoholic drinks no longer stand as merely a glass full of club soda with a lime wedge. Adult beverages should feel like a celebration as we keep our wits about us.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Tuesday, 25 July 2017
- Hits: 116
Our resident GP “chefs” boldly accepted the challenge. Without any experience cooking with the provided Broccoli Rabe, they faced off against one another to create original dishes. GP employees tasted & voted on their favorites. D’Arrigo provided prizes for the 3 chefs with the most popular recipes. So who won? The coveted first place went to Linda Unden for her Broccoli Rabe Soup. Second and third places respectively went to Marvin Watson for his Broccoli Rabe Feta Ham Pie and Jennifer Ho for her Broccoli Rabe Korean Pancake.
For both the participants and the taste-testers, it was a difficult choice. We had 9 wonderfully delicious recipes to enjoy. Check them out below & let us know which ones you would try.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 21 July 2017
- Hits: 116
Not everyone is blessed with the talents of a great pastry chef. A chemistry class at times seems easier than following an elaborate dessert recipe.
Not to worry. That same casual approach to summer dining allows for sweet forgiveness when it comes to summer’s famed desserts.
Pairing the best exquisite seasonal fruits with the simple, rustic methods of carefree desserts require almost no kitchen skills.
Light-hearted classics include fruit galettes, clafoutis, crisps and cobblers.
The imprecise, free-form galette is more of an imperfectly shaped pie or tart — filled with the goodness of sliced berries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, apricots, apples, rhubarb or any combination of on-hand summer fruits. The dough is folded in on itself giving it an irregular, but enticing look to the pastry.
Not to worry. That same casual approach to summer dining allows for sweet forgiveness when it comes to summer’s famed desserts.
Pairing the best exquisite seasonal fruits with the simple, rustic methods of carefree desserts require almost no kitchen skills.
Light-hearted classics include fruit galettes, clafoutis, crisps and cobblers.
The imprecise, free-form galette is more of an imperfectly shaped pie or tart — filled with the goodness of sliced berries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, apricots, apples, rhubarb or any combination of on-hand summer fruits. The dough is folded in on itself giving it an irregular, but enticing look to the pastry.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 14 July 2017
- Hits: 166
Grilling, smoking and barbecuing are all preferred methods of summertime cooking.
If you are the cook, you have a “secret sauce” of some kind in the outdoor cooking arsenal. Sharing it with others depends on how close to the vest you want to play it.
Those of us merely the lucky recipients of good food cooked by others can only imagine what goes into the secret sauce. A hint of honey, a hit of ginger…sweet apricots or plums all just a guess.
Masters of marinades and glazes typically have a “go to” one that can be applied to a choice of poultry, fish, pork, beef or vegetables. Divulging any family recipes might be tricky.
A quick internet search results in thousands of recommendations for rich, lusty, sticky sauces that can be appropriated as our own.
If you are the cook, you have a “secret sauce” of some kind in the outdoor cooking arsenal. Sharing it with others depends on how close to the vest you want to play it.
Those of us merely the lucky recipients of good food cooked by others can only imagine what goes into the secret sauce. A hint of honey, a hit of ginger…sweet apricots or plums all just a guess.
Masters of marinades and glazes typically have a “go to” one that can be applied to a choice of poultry, fish, pork, beef or vegetables. Divulging any family recipes might be tricky.
A quick internet search results in thousands of recommendations for rich, lusty, sticky sauces that can be appropriated as our own.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 06 July 2017
- Hits: 189
One great aspect of summer dining is the obvious, more relaxed approach to meals. “No fuss” and “effortless” are hallmarks of any indelible al fresco lunch or supper in July.
Whether a crunchy radish or carrot is plucked from our own garden, purchased from a seasonal farmers market or foraged from the produce aisle of a local grocer, they get sliced the same.
In summer, straightforward ingredients and simple servings lead to plates that are an invitation to relax and chill out.
Nothing formal is required. Take note of compatible partners or opposite attractions. Bright colors, varied textures, a dip or spread here, a bowl of olives or Marcona almonds there and “voilà”.
The point of eating, after all, is to nourish, restore and replenish. What we eat matters more than how it is served. The plate itself is only a visual invite. If it looks good, we want to dive in.
Whether a crunchy radish or carrot is plucked from our own garden, purchased from a seasonal farmers market or foraged from the produce aisle of a local grocer, they get sliced the same.
In summer, straightforward ingredients and simple servings lead to plates that are an invitation to relax and chill out.
Nothing formal is required. Take note of compatible partners or opposite attractions. Bright colors, varied textures, a dip or spread here, a bowl of olives or Marcona almonds there and “voilà”.
The point of eating, after all, is to nourish, restore and replenish. What we eat matters more than how it is served. The plate itself is only a visual invite. If it looks good, we want to dive in.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 29 June 2017
- Hits: 174
We’ve said it before-California grows over 400 different crops, some grown nowhere else in the country. A few crops include wine and table grapes, almonds, artichokes, citrus, strawberries, and walnuts.
California produces nearly all of the country’s almonds, apricots, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines, olives, pistachios, prunes and walnuts.
Fifty eight counties make up the lush California landscape. All but three contribute to the total agricultural economy. Once transition happens from winter crops in Mexico moving north, the fertile California soil produces a bounty for our nation’s hungry tables.
Pick any county in the summertime to find a working family farm. We speak of “locale” when we mention who or where the melons, onions, squash and green beans are coming from.
“Brentwood” is synonymous with “super sweet“ white corn. Located in Contra Costa County, this delta town is steeped in a rich agricultural heritage.
Fifty eight counties make up the lush California landscape. All but three contribute to the total agricultural economy. Once transition happens from winter crops in Mexico moving north, the fertile California soil produces a bounty for our nation’s hungry tables.
Pick any county in the summertime to find a working family farm. We speak of “locale” when we mention who or where the melons, onions, squash and green beans are coming from.
“Brentwood” is synonymous with “super sweet“ white corn. Located in Contra Costa County, this delta town is steeped in a rich agricultural heritage.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 22 June 2017
- Hits: 213
The Summer of Love was a social phenomenon that occurred during the summer of 1967. As many as 100,000 people, converged in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district.
Tie-dyed clothing, love beads, men with long hair and a mantra of “free love” characterized the counterculture hippie groups that flocked to the city. A swirl of art, politics, music and revolution was in the air in 1967.
Among other notable shifts in traditions, this was the period in time that influenced our culture in the food movement and politics toward natural, organic and vegetarian diets in America.
The politics of food remain central to those conversations happening in California regarding organic farming, sustainability, improving childhood nutrition and the obesity epidemic.
Present day activism rises from the national trend toward local, sustainable and conscious eating. Consumers want to know what they’re eating, where it comes from and how it is produced.
Lucky for us then that locally grown actually means we’re able to enjoy melons, stone fruits, sweet corn, beans, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes that are actually grown and harvested close by.
Tie-dyed clothing, love beads, men with long hair and a mantra of “free love” characterized the counterculture hippie groups that flocked to the city. A swirl of art, politics, music and revolution was in the air in 1967.
Among other notable shifts in traditions, this was the period in time that influenced our culture in the food movement and politics toward natural, organic and vegetarian diets in America.
The politics of food remain central to those conversations happening in California regarding organic farming, sustainability, improving childhood nutrition and the obesity epidemic.
Present day activism rises from the national trend toward local, sustainable and conscious eating. Consumers want to know what they’re eating, where it comes from and how it is produced.
Lucky for us then that locally grown actually means we’re able to enjoy melons, stone fruits, sweet corn, beans, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes that are actually grown and harvested close by.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 16 June 2017
- Hits: 196
A renegade herb that will happily take over any untended garden bed, mint is a staple of summer eats and drinks.
Looking to exact a sense of culinary cool, calm, sweet or freshness? Mint is indispensable and without substitute.
The enticing aromatic gets its scent from the oil in the leaf, menthol.
A wide variety of mint plants exists, ready for use in the kitchen. The two most common are probably peppermint and spearmint and the more rare curly leaf, pineapple and ginger mint.
Get to know the nuanced differences so applications into salads, starters, sides, entrees, drinks, cocktails and desserts are best suited to specific flavor profiles.
A few top mints to get to know: Spearmint. Most commonly used in cooking for many notorious mint recipes, including lamb, spring rolls, vegetables (like peas, carrots, potatoes, beans and cucumbers), tabouli salad and favorite summer cocktails like mojitos and mint juleps.
Looking to exact a sense of culinary cool, calm, sweet or freshness? Mint is indispensable and without substitute.
The enticing aromatic gets its scent from the oil in the leaf, menthol.
A wide variety of mint plants exists, ready for use in the kitchen. The two most common are probably peppermint and spearmint and the more rare curly leaf, pineapple and ginger mint.
Get to know the nuanced differences so applications into salads, starters, sides, entrees, drinks, cocktails and desserts are best suited to specific flavor profiles.
A few top mints to get to know: Spearmint. Most commonly used in cooking for many notorious mint recipes, including lamb, spring rolls, vegetables (like peas, carrots, potatoes, beans and cucumbers), tabouli salad and favorite summer cocktails like mojitos and mint juleps.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 08 June 2017
- Hits: 231
Dads have that reputation for being “super-heroes”. That does not mean they have to eat like Superman, right?
Dads are just regular people looking to stay fit and healthy for their families. They do like to eat, drink and be merry when the opportunity strikes.
Upcoming Father’s Day is a perfect chance to share good food with the fathers in our lives. Like most holiday celebrations, the ways we make merry are diverse and unique.
Everyday dad food does not translate into “cheese, bacon and burgers”. Traditional fare from days long past was largely meat and potatoes basics for Dads. Maybe for most conventional men, that would still be typical.
New dude foods, prepared by using the freshest ingredients, strike a cord with those favorite family traditions and deliver full of flavor on the plate.
By example, Pops might like a nice ravioli with red sauce, skillet chilaquiles or marinated skirt steak on Father’s Day. Cooking at home can be a group effort. “No fuss” should be the mantra of the day, but if a little extra effort is made, we’re good!
Dads are just regular people looking to stay fit and healthy for their families. They do like to eat, drink and be merry when the opportunity strikes.
Upcoming Father’s Day is a perfect chance to share good food with the fathers in our lives. Like most holiday celebrations, the ways we make merry are diverse and unique.
Everyday dad food does not translate into “cheese, bacon and burgers”. Traditional fare from days long past was largely meat and potatoes basics for Dads. Maybe for most conventional men, that would still be typical.
New dude foods, prepared by using the freshest ingredients, strike a cord with those favorite family traditions and deliver full of flavor on the plate.
By example, Pops might like a nice ravioli with red sauce, skillet chilaquiles or marinated skirt steak on Father’s Day. Cooking at home can be a group effort. “No fuss” should be the mantra of the day, but if a little extra effort is made, we’re good!
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 01 June 2017
- Hits: 271
A plant-based diet can boost optimum health, decreasing the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The main advantages with a plant-based diet seem to be related more to the foods consumed (eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts) rather than those foods avoided (primarily meats).
Staying at a healthy weight is easier on a plant-based diet and menu. A “less meat, more plants” style of eating can improve quality of life.
Associated benefits include the reduction of inflammation and diseases attributed to inflammation. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels are others plus ups seen with plant-based food choices.
There are many different types of plant-based diets. The three most common ones are: Vegan: No animal products such as meat, eggs, or dairy products. Lacto-vegetarian: No meat or eggs, but dairy products are acceptable. Lacto-Ovo-vegetarian: No meat is consumed, but dairy products and eggs are allowed.
The main advantages with a plant-based diet seem to be related more to the foods consumed (eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts) rather than those foods avoided (primarily meats).
Staying at a healthy weight is easier on a plant-based diet and menu. A “less meat, more plants” style of eating can improve quality of life.
Associated benefits include the reduction of inflammation and diseases attributed to inflammation. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels are others plus ups seen with plant-based food choices.
There are many different types of plant-based diets. The three most common ones are: Vegan: No animal products such as meat, eggs, or dairy products. Lacto-vegetarian: No meat or eggs, but dairy products are acceptable. Lacto-Ovo-vegetarian: No meat is consumed, but dairy products and eggs are allowed.
Red Yams, Japanese Yams & Okinawa Sweet Potatoes
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 23 November 2016
- Hits: 496
David John differentiates various yams and sweet potatoes.
Smitten Apples
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 16 November 2016
- Hits: 570
David John explains what Smitten Apples are, how they taste and how they compare to other apples.
Calabaza & Red Kuri Squash
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 09 November 2016
- Hits: 584
David John talks about what to do with Calabaza and Red Kuri Squash. Try it!
Satsumas
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 02 November 2016
- Hits: 547
How Satsumas are different from other citrus fruits.
Fennel
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 12 October 2016
- Hits: 605
How to pick, store, and 3 ways to use fennel.
Cactus Pears
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 05 October 2016
- Hits: 624
David John III explains how to pick, clean, eat and use the cactus pear.
Apple Hill Apples
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 28 September 2016
- Hits: 627
David John explains the history and current state of Apple Hill apples.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Monday, 26 September 2016
- Hits: 1089
Chilean Navels
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 21 September 2016
- Hits: 634
Chilean Navels are in season and better than ever!
Figs
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 14 September 2016
- Hits: 645
David John III differentiates figs: Brown Turkey, Kadota, Tiger Striped.
Italian Prune Plums
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 07 September 2016
- Hits: 659
David John III explains how to choose, ripen, use and enjoy this seasonal treat!
Forono Beets
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 31 August 2016
- Hits: 686
Learn about this seasonal root vegetable: what it is, what it tastes like, how to use it.
French Butter Pears
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 24 August 2016
- Hits: 682
Learn all about this seasonal fruit: what it tastes like, how to choose, store and use it.
River Bartlett Pears — Red & Green
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 17 August 2016
- Hits: 642
All about River Bartlett Pears.
Deep Roots: Agriculture 360
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Monday, 15 August 2016
- Hits: 1066
Learn about California’s rich agricultural industry.
“Jimmy Nardello” Sweet Peppers
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 10 August 2016
- Hits: 705
What are “Jimmy Nardello” sweet peppers and how are they used?
