Fresh News
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 14 February 2019
- Hits: 79
Ginger, lemon, honey and mint. Four fairly common kitchen ingredients, they partner well as a winter home remedy for what might be ailing us.
The changing winter weather conditions and constant fluctuation in temperatures taxes our resistance to catching a cold or the flu.
Immunity levels tend to dip in colder months. Confined to indoor environments, exposure to other human’s coughing, sneezing and wheezing puts us at higher risk for those nasty germs and viruses.
Calm jangled nerves and suppress early symptoms by getting into the kitchen. OTC in the pantry means something altogether different from the vast over the counter drugstore nasal, throat and body ache solutions.
Staying hydrated and flushing out the system with available fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables puts the home pharmacy at our fingertips.
The changing winter weather conditions and constant fluctuation in temperatures taxes our resistance to catching a cold or the flu.
Immunity levels tend to dip in colder months. Confined to indoor environments, exposure to other human’s coughing, sneezing and wheezing puts us at higher risk for those nasty germs and viruses.
Calm jangled nerves and suppress early symptoms by getting into the kitchen. OTC in the pantry means something altogether different from the vast over the counter drugstore nasal, throat and body ache solutions.
Staying hydrated and flushing out the system with available fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables puts the home pharmacy at our fingertips.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 08 February 2019
- Hits: 89
Flowers speak a language all their own. We give them for holiday celebrations, milestones and achievements and to mourn the loss of someone’s passing.
Various flower stems convey meaning through color, scent, and their cultural indications.
Bound by tradition, Valentine’s Day gifts typically include cards, candy and in some cases jewelry. Flowers nearly always accompany any of those presents.
For many centuries, flowers were used to convey romantic messages without having to verbalize the direct intentions. Particularly in the Victorian Era, it was considered impolite to openly state emotions or show physical affection.
The vehicle most often used to convey romantic interest or courtship was flowers. Specific bouquet arrangements, colors or types of flowers used would send a quiet lovers message.
Various flower stems convey meaning through color, scent, and their cultural indications.
Bound by tradition, Valentine’s Day gifts typically include cards, candy and in some cases jewelry. Flowers nearly always accompany any of those presents.
For many centuries, flowers were used to convey romantic messages without having to verbalize the direct intentions. Particularly in the Victorian Era, it was considered impolite to openly state emotions or show physical affection.
The vehicle most often used to convey romantic interest or courtship was flowers. Specific bouquet arrangements, colors or types of flowers used would send a quiet lovers message.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 31 January 2019
- Hits: 122
The 2019 Lunar New Year starts on the fifth of February. Coming off the Year of the Dog, this is the beginning of the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. The element for the year is Earth.
The promise for the new year is one of joy, celebration and success in all areas of life.
The pig (known also as the boar) is said to be generous, social and stable.
An Earth Pig year combines a realistic but happy-go-lucky sociable pig combined with the steady and sensible characteristics of Earth, it heralds a rewarding and prosperous year. This will be a year to enjoy friendships and social contacts and come together for the common good.
The promise for the new year is one of joy, celebration and success in all areas of life.
The pig (known also as the boar) is said to be generous, social and stable.
An Earth Pig year combines a realistic but happy-go-lucky sociable pig combined with the steady and sensible characteristics of Earth, it heralds a rewarding and prosperous year. This will be a year to enjoy friendships and social contacts and come together for the common good.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 24 January 2019
- Hits: 127
Grocery marketing has declared February as National Snack Food Month. Super Bowl Sunday is just days away.
We are a nation of snackers, spending over $60 billion dollars annually on those ever tempting chips, crackers and other processed goodies.
On the heels of those recently made resolutions to eat better and create a life around healthier imperatives, take time for preparations. A month-long snack fest requires some resistance, resolve and retooling.
Turn the tables on the media driven snack food propositions. Favorite nibbles can have a makeover that satisfies every occasion. Don’t support empty calories and carbohydrates, saturated fats, high in sugar and provide no nutritional value.
It’s hard to resist Doritos and Ruffles. Moderation is key in most food choices. Watch what goes in to the shopping cart for improving the inevitable snack attacks. Look for desirable alternatives to the known culprits of over-indulged behavior.
We are a nation of snackers, spending over $60 billion dollars annually on those ever tempting chips, crackers and other processed goodies.
On the heels of those recently made resolutions to eat better and create a life around healthier imperatives, take time for preparations. A month-long snack fest requires some resistance, resolve and retooling.
Turn the tables on the media driven snack food propositions. Favorite nibbles can have a makeover that satisfies every occasion. Don’t support empty calories and carbohydrates, saturated fats, high in sugar and provide no nutritional value.
It’s hard to resist Doritos and Ruffles. Moderation is key in most food choices. Watch what goes in to the shopping cart for improving the inevitable snack attacks. Look for desirable alternatives to the known culprits of over-indulged behavior.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 17 January 2019
- Hits: 145
Color affects both emotions and mood. Winter is no reason to forfeit bright colors. It may well be the absolute best time of year to strut the most vibrant hues on the color chart.
Citrus is at peak of season in availability and taste. Use the many varieties to lift spirits, boost immunity and improve menus.
Out of hand snacking is made convenient with portable “easy peel” varietals. This includes navel oranges, mandarins and tangerines.
Navel oranges have a sunny flavor with a touch of acidity. These seedless fruits are perfect for making any dreary day a bit cheerier. A fan favorite, they are bursting with unreal juicy sweetness.
Cara Cara oranges are very sweet with pinkish-red fruit flesh. They have hints of berry and floral flavors for a citrus change of pace. Consider segments added to yogurt, compotes and desserts.
Citrus is at peak of season in availability and taste. Use the many varieties to lift spirits, boost immunity and improve menus.
Out of hand snacking is made convenient with portable “easy peel” varietals. This includes navel oranges, mandarins and tangerines.
Navel oranges have a sunny flavor with a touch of acidity. These seedless fruits are perfect for making any dreary day a bit cheerier. A fan favorite, they are bursting with unreal juicy sweetness.
Cara Cara oranges are very sweet with pinkish-red fruit flesh. They have hints of berry and floral flavors for a citrus change of pace. Consider segments added to yogurt, compotes and desserts.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 11 January 2019
- Hits: 155
Smart cookers like Instant Pots are enjoying a moment. This celebrated multi-cooker is touted as capable of replacing seven different appliances.
It brags of doing the work of a slow cooker, an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and food-warming pot.
Cooking speed may be the single most advantage of going for the Instant Pot. This is particularly true if cooking some meats is high on the menu. Shaving time off of ribs, roasts and whole chicken matters.
Risotto and dried beans seem to cook in record time. Soups and stews from scratch develop depth of flavor without turning on the stove or oven.
Not everyone wants or needs several (or even one more) kitchen gadget taking up shelf space. Competition among food processors, stand mixers, blenders, juicers and various coffee makers is fierce within most households.
It brags of doing the work of a slow cooker, an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and food-warming pot.
Cooking speed may be the single most advantage of going for the Instant Pot. This is particularly true if cooking some meats is high on the menu. Shaving time off of ribs, roasts and whole chicken matters.
Risotto and dried beans seem to cook in record time. Soups and stews from scratch develop depth of flavor without turning on the stove or oven.
Not everyone wants or needs several (or even one more) kitchen gadget taking up shelf space. Competition among food processors, stand mixers, blenders, juicers and various coffee makers is fierce within most households.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 03 January 2019
- Hits: 169
Cultivating Change is a local farm grant program offered by Greener Fields Together.
It aims to fund projects and pursuits that will help local farmers do what they’re best at– farming.
Qualified growers and aggregators are able to win funding based through an online voting platform and peer review panel.
As farmers applied for this current January program, they were required to apply for a specific funding category to enhance an area of operations. Demands for all farms and ranches requires a continuous state of improvement for sustainability.
Certifications is one fund category that assists with organic, food safety, non-GMO, fair trade, biodynamic or other daunting regulatory requirements. This is an avenue of competitive advantage for many growers.
It aims to fund projects and pursuits that will help local farmers do what they’re best at– farming.
Qualified growers and aggregators are able to win funding based through an online voting platform and peer review panel.
As farmers applied for this current January program, they were required to apply for a specific funding category to enhance an area of operations. Demands for all farms and ranches requires a continuous state of improvement for sustainability.
Certifications is one fund category that assists with organic, food safety, non-GMO, fair trade, biodynamic or other daunting regulatory requirements. This is an avenue of competitive advantage for many growers.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 27 December 2018
- Hits: 190
Folklore and superstition prevail in the kitchen on New Year’s Day.
What we eat on day one may well set the course for all the days to follow in 2019. Many cultures look to foods that are round or shaped like a ring will bring things full circle. This signifies good luck.
Forward movement, good health and prosperity are all welcomed as we celebrate the coming days ahead.
In Holland, by example, a round fritter made of raisins and apples is a New Year’s Day favorite. The traditional Dutch treat may, in fact, be the original donut. What a way to start to the New Year!
Some families choose to assemble twelve round fruits, one for each month, to usher in the new year. Gather up oranges, grapefruit, quince, pomegranate, grapes, persimmons, figs and apples for this fresh offering. The healthy montage will only lead to wise personal choices for good eating in the coming year. That is a custom worth getting used to.
What we eat on day one may well set the course for all the days to follow in 2019. Many cultures look to foods that are round or shaped like a ring will bring things full circle. This signifies good luck.
Forward movement, good health and prosperity are all welcomed as we celebrate the coming days ahead.
In Holland, by example, a round fritter made of raisins and apples is a New Year’s Day favorite. The traditional Dutch treat may, in fact, be the original donut. What a way to start to the New Year!
Some families choose to assemble twelve round fruits, one for each month, to usher in the new year. Gather up oranges, grapefruit, quince, pomegranate, grapes, persimmons, figs and apples for this fresh offering. The healthy montage will only lead to wise personal choices for good eating in the coming year. That is a custom worth getting used to.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 20 December 2018
- Hits: 198
Closing out the year gives way to personal and professional reflection.
As an industry, 2018 presented many difficult challenges to hurdle for every supply chain stakeholder.
Growers, shippers, processors, suppliers, retailers and foodservice establishments all shared in the endeavor to deliver fresh produce.
Demanding everyone’s attention throughout the year were various product recalls, warnings and alerts. Recent romaine illnesses are still top of mind. Fifty nine individuals, in fifteen states, were affected in the last outbreak.
These all too frequent outbreaks unfortunately adversely impact the health of any number of fresh produce consumers. For the rest of the marketplace, it casts a dark shadow on eating any leafy greens or vegetables.
Promoting increased consumption of fresh produce is an already tall task. Rebuilding eroding consumer confidence in the aftermath of these periodic outbreaks puts additional stress on most industry professionals.
As an industry, 2018 presented many difficult challenges to hurdle for every supply chain stakeholder.
Growers, shippers, processors, suppliers, retailers and foodservice establishments all shared in the endeavor to deliver fresh produce.
Demanding everyone’s attention throughout the year were various product recalls, warnings and alerts. Recent romaine illnesses are still top of mind. Fifty nine individuals, in fifteen states, were affected in the last outbreak.
These all too frequent outbreaks unfortunately adversely impact the health of any number of fresh produce consumers. For the rest of the marketplace, it casts a dark shadow on eating any leafy greens or vegetables.
Promoting increased consumption of fresh produce is an already tall task. Rebuilding eroding consumer confidence in the aftermath of these periodic outbreaks puts additional stress on most industry professionals.
- Category: Market Report
- Friday, 14 December 2018
- Hits: 203
Gingerbread and holiday spices are warming from the inside out. Take comfort and joy to the next level by including pears in those festive preparations.
Maybe the best part of pears this time of year is their accidental ornamental nature. The sensuous shapes and various sizes and skin colors suggest endless culinary possibilities. They provide a fresh fruit component in baked goods, salads and entrees, while all at once insert high drama and art on the plate.
Pears are very versatile. In addition to being served raw in almost anything, pears bake, poach, sauté, roast and grill very nicely. They can be made into preserves, jams and chutneys which can be a seasonal boost to pancakes, waffles and toast.
Whole, sliced, chopped or chunked, pears offer great flavor in addition to texture and visual interest to many recipes.
Firmer varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Concorde are best for heated applications— poaching, baking and grilling. Because their flesh is denser, they hold their shape better. Their inherent flavor is not overpowered by other cooking ingredients.
Maybe the best part of pears this time of year is their accidental ornamental nature. The sensuous shapes and various sizes and skin colors suggest endless culinary possibilities. They provide a fresh fruit component in baked goods, salads and entrees, while all at once insert high drama and art on the plate.
Pears are very versatile. In addition to being served raw in almost anything, pears bake, poach, sauté, roast and grill very nicely. They can be made into preserves, jams and chutneys which can be a seasonal boost to pancakes, waffles and toast.
Whole, sliced, chopped or chunked, pears offer great flavor in addition to texture and visual interest to many recipes.
Firmer varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Concorde are best for heated applications— poaching, baking and grilling. Because their flesh is denser, they hold their shape better. Their inherent flavor is not overpowered by other cooking ingredients.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 06 December 2018
- Hits: 251
As the eight days of Hanukkah finish, we are gently reminded of those lovely fried gems that are customarily eaten during the course of the Festival of Lights.
Tradition serves up golden brown latkes. One does not have to be Jewish to appreciate this especially delicate good bite. Nor do we need to confine our latke indulgence to the few short days of the holiday season.
Latkes (potato pancakes) are traditionally topped with applesauce or sour cream. There are many new creative variations to these cakes and toppings.
The crisp, golden classic is made of shredded russet potatoes and grated fresh onions. Yukon gold or sweet potatoes put a softer spin on the classic.
Other root vegetables like carrots, turnips and parsnips surprise the pallet in a new cake direction. Include zucchini, cauliflower, apples, green onions and fresh herbs to amp up flavors.
Tradition serves up golden brown latkes. One does not have to be Jewish to appreciate this especially delicate good bite. Nor do we need to confine our latke indulgence to the few short days of the holiday season.
Latkes (potato pancakes) are traditionally topped with applesauce or sour cream. There are many new creative variations to these cakes and toppings.
The crisp, golden classic is made of shredded russet potatoes and grated fresh onions. Yukon gold or sweet potatoes put a softer spin on the classic.
Other root vegetables like carrots, turnips and parsnips surprise the pallet in a new cake direction. Include zucchini, cauliflower, apples, green onions and fresh herbs to amp up flavors.
- Category: Market Report
- Thursday, 29 November 2018
- Hits: 243
Good news for fruit lovers after the Thanksgiving feast. Apples and citrus fruits begin to dominate produce stands and farmer’s markets.
No need for unwarranted comparisons. Both fruit families contribute to beverages, snacks or meals this time of year.
Versatile and distinctive, each category seems to have endless possibilities as new varieties become available throughout the season.
Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, Opal or Sweet Tango apples remind us that there is a favored choice for every taste profile. Sweet and crisp, choose the one that fits out of hand or baking needs.
Tiny Lady apples and other miniature varieties range from brilliant red to golden yellow with red blush. They run from sweet to tart in taste and are good for hand-eating or cooking. They make for particularly good garnishes and fresh décor ingredients during winter months and upcoming holiday celebrations.
No need for unwarranted comparisons. Both fruit families contribute to beverages, snacks or meals this time of year.
Versatile and distinctive, each category seems to have endless possibilities as new varieties become available throughout the season.
Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, Opal or Sweet Tango apples remind us that there is a favored choice for every taste profile. Sweet and crisp, choose the one that fits out of hand or baking needs.
Tiny Lady apples and other miniature varieties range from brilliant red to golden yellow with red blush. They run from sweet to tart in taste and are good for hand-eating or cooking. They make for particularly good garnishes and fresh décor ingredients during winter months and upcoming holiday celebrations.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Friday, 14 September 2018
- Hits: 283
Green Business Bureau
By Amanda Johnson September 11, 2018 Blog, Member News
From foodservice to retail, export to wholesale, the fresh produce distribution business can cover a wide-rage of business segments that come together to service everything from grocery stores to restaurants and casinos to schools. One business that successfully covers all of these segments is Green Business Bureau member, General Produce Company, a company tackling the fresh produce market in Northern California.
Founded in 1933 by Chan Tai Oy, his three sons and nephew, General Produce Co. is a third generation owned and operated family business that distributes and exports fresh fruits and vegetables that are local, organic, sustainable, and regionally and globally sourced. As a PRO*ACT member, General Produce is focused on energy conservation and reduction, recycling and participating in programs like Greener Fields Together, a local farm initiative. General Produce works to integrate sustainability – social, environmental and economic – into their daily business practices and long range planning.
While General Produce is challenged with facilities that are dated in terms of structures, energy systems, fleet demand for service and CA legislation, they have worked hard to be creative in addressing the demands of state mandates, as well as facility layout. From lighting to cooling and refrigeration, the company’s operations and facility team continuously work toward making improvements. They also look for ways to minimize the company’s environmental impacts in the areas of water, waste, energy and air, and reduce their carbon footprint by installing cost saving measures.
“Our approach to business is guided by our commitment to the principles of integrity, honesty, personal relationships, diverse expertise, stewardship and innovation,” said Linda Luka, Director of Marketing & Communications. “We are dedicated to providing quality service and products. To do so, our aim is to ensure that our workforce and communities benefit from the small scale of our daily operations to the large scale of our supply chain.”
Read the original article here.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Friday, 24 August 2018
- Hits: 360
On Monday, August 20, our resident GP “Chefs” made 10 delicious dishes. Some developed their own recipes while others tried their hand at classic recipes found in cookbooks or innovative recipes found on food blogs. The winning recipe was Gina Backovich’s Cobb Ice Cream with Smoky Corn Crack, and boy was it addicting! Despite some skepticism about “corn ice cream,” anyone who tried it could not walk away without taking at least one more bite.
- Category: News Blog
- Friday, 15 June 2018
- Hits: 715
Seeking to infuse your culinary or beverage creations with the ultimate fresh fruit flavor? No need to peel, dice, purée, and simmer for those ideal results.
Perfect Purée is the solution!
Perfect Purée is the premium purée product on the market. The succulent, single-note flavors of Perfect Purée inspire everything you can think of: cocktails, marinades, cakes, cookies, sorbets and smoothies. At the back of the house or front of the house, chefs, cookes, baristas, bartenders, pastry chefs, and brew masters love this product line!
For a perfect summer, try out our favorite warm weather flavors: El Corazon, Pink Guava & Passion Fruit.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Friday, 22 September 2017
- Hits: 409
On Monday, September 18, our resident GP “Chefs” made 12 delicious dishes with recipes they developed just for this challenge and recipes they already knew and loved from their favorite food bloggers. The common opinion among the Chefs is that the precut Cauliflower Pearls saved them time by cutting out the prepping steps of washing, cutting, and processing cauliflower. With how delicious all of these dishes are, that’s a huge win for anyone who wants to recreate them.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Tuesday, 25 July 2017
- Hits: 1514
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.
Red Yams, Japanese Yams & Okinawa Sweet Potatoes
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 23 November 2016
- Hits: 1584
David John differentiates various yams and sweet potatoes.
Smitten Apples
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 16 November 2016
- Hits: 1762
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: 1801
David John talks about what to do with Calabaza and Red Kuri Squash. Try it!
Satsumas
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 02 November 2016
- Hits: 1775
How Satsumas are different from other citrus fruits.
Fennel
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 12 October 2016
- Hits: 1850
How to pick, store, and 3 ways to use fennel.
Cactus Pears
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 05 October 2016
- Hits: 1738
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: 1716
David John explains the history and current state of Apple Hill apples.
- Category: GP Newsroom
- Monday, 26 September 2016
- Hits: 3042
Chilean Navels
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 21 September 2016
- Hits: 1649
Chilean Navels are in season and better than ever!
Figs
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 14 September 2016
- Hits: 1672
David John III differentiates figs: Brown Turkey, Kadota, Tiger Striped.
Italian Prune Plums
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 07 September 2016
- Hits: 1668
David John III explains how to choose, ripen, use and enjoy this seasonal treat!
Forono Beets
- Category: Produce Beat
- Wednesday, 31 August 2016
- Hits: 1661
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: 1667
Learn all about this seasonal fruit: what it tastes like, how to choose, store and use it.
