Market Report
- Friday, 26 May 2017
Memorial Day and weekend are focused on celebration and remembrance for those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor those who’ve died while serving this great nation.
Invariably, the weekend also ends up being the unofficial start of summer. Vacation travel, picnics, camping, barbecues and patio parties bring families and friends together.
Lucky for us all then that with warm weather trending, summer berries are coming into peak play. California growing regions are now harvesting sensational blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries and blackberries.
Multi-dimensional, berries add that burst of color and flavor zing, just where expected. Planning for breakfast, smoothies, salads or summer desserts? Berries are a knockout for presentation and get an A+ for taste.
Strawberries always seem to top the list for favorite fruits. Blueberries are inching up with kids and those adults who like to power up with super foods.
The antioxidants in berries just seem to be an added bonus. We eat them because we love them. The fact that they are a healthier alternative to other possible warm weather treats makes them all the more desirable.
Invariably, the weekend also ends up being the unofficial start of summer. Vacation travel, picnics, camping, barbecues and patio parties bring families and friends together.
Lucky for us all then that with warm weather trending, summer berries are coming into peak play. California growing regions are now harvesting sensational blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries and blackberries.
Multi-dimensional, berries add that burst of color and flavor zing, just where expected. Planning for breakfast, smoothies, salads or summer desserts? Berries are a knockout for presentation and get an A+ for taste.
Strawberries always seem to top the list for favorite fruits. Blueberries are inching up with kids and those adults who like to power up with super foods.
The antioxidants in berries just seem to be an added bonus. We eat them because we love them. The fact that they are a healthier alternative to other possible warm weather treats makes them all the more desirable.
- Thursday, 18 May 2017
Public health officials estimate that nearly 48 million people are sickened each year by food that has been contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Most people are aware that animal products must be handled carefully to prevent illness. Many need a reminder that fresh produce can also be the culprit in outbreaks of foodborne illness.
Outbreaks can be large, widespread or localized. In recent years, lettuce, spinach, green onions and tomatoes have been the source of food illnesses.
As our fresh produce consumption trends up in summer months. Now is a good time for a refresh on practices and protocols on safe food handling.
Fresh produce can become contaminated in many ways. During the growing phase, fruits and veggies may be contaminated by animals, harmful substances in the soil or water, and by poor hygiene among workers. After produce is harvested, it passes through many hands, increasing contamination risks.
Most people are aware that animal products must be handled carefully to prevent illness. Many need a reminder that fresh produce can also be the culprit in outbreaks of foodborne illness.
Outbreaks can be large, widespread or localized. In recent years, lettuce, spinach, green onions and tomatoes have been the source of food illnesses.
As our fresh produce consumption trends up in summer months. Now is a good time for a refresh on practices and protocols on safe food handling.
Fresh produce can become contaminated in many ways. During the growing phase, fruits and veggies may be contaminated by animals, harmful substances in the soil or water, and by poor hygiene among workers. After produce is harvested, it passes through many hands, increasing contamination risks.
- Thursday, 11 May 2017
How does it taste? What can we make? How do we treat it? How much should we buy?
It’s amazing how the sight of a fragrantly ripe melon or aromatic peach will be perceived among any group of individuals. So many choices, all different, and none of them wrong.
Slice for the plate or a salad, blend for smoothie, sorbet or ices, grill for a summer side or bake into a breakfast or dessert treat. Preferences depend on the mind and heart of the cook.
Inspiration is generated from cookbooks, family traditions, culture, food magazine articles, and now, the abundance of irresistible social media posts.
- Friday, 05 May 2017
Damasco is the Portuguese name for apricot. The Wesley/Patterson area of California is considered one of the prime apricot growing regions in the entire country.
Once named the “Apricot Capitol of the World”, the Mediterranean climate and well-drained soils make this location an apricot paradise.
This arid landscape is also still home to many Portuguese farmers and families who settled there to make farming a way of life.
Every summer, the Patterson Apricot Fiesta celebrates the stone fruit that has a rich California history. This year, the festival will run June 2nd — 4th.
Apricots debuted in California in the orchards and gardens of the Spanish missions. California farmers grow more than 95 percent of the nation’s apricots. In a typical weather year, harvest begins in Kern County and moves northward through the San Joaquin Valley to the Westley/Patterson area.
Once named the “Apricot Capitol of the World”, the Mediterranean climate and well-drained soils make this location an apricot paradise.
This arid landscape is also still home to many Portuguese farmers and families who settled there to make farming a way of life.
Every summer, the Patterson Apricot Fiesta celebrates the stone fruit that has a rich California history. This year, the festival will run June 2nd — 4th.
Apricots debuted in California in the orchards and gardens of the Spanish missions. California farmers grow more than 95 percent of the nation’s apricots. In a typical weather year, harvest begins in Kern County and moves northward through the San Joaquin Valley to the Westley/Patterson area.
