Ume Japanese plums are not for eating raw out of hand, as they are very astringent. Ume need to be processed before they can be eaten. How it tastes depends on how you prefer to enjoy it. Ume is commonly used to make salty and sour pickled plums called Umeboshi or plum alcohol called Umeshu.

We are just starting to see organic California Hass avocados on the scene in mid-April due to a cold and rainy winter. The season historically has started as early as January/February in San Diego and works its way north as each area of California finishes their harvest and another area begins.  The beginning of the year is when the California Hass Avocado must pass the minimum allowed level of oil content before being picked. Understanding the geography of where your Hass avocado is grown will help you choose the best flavor.

Spring onions have crisp green leaves and firm white or red bulbs. This mild tasting onion is its own unique variety.  They can be grown year round but they are usually highlighted during the spring.  Now is a great time to try them when some of the storage onions are almost finished and we are waiting for the new fresh crop. 

Formosa Papayas are a large variety with pretty orange flesh, a mild flavor and light fragrant aroma. Papayas contain the super enzyme papain which helps break down protein, aids in digestion and detoxifies the body. Read on to learn how to cut and enjoy papayas, more health benefits and storage and ripening tips.

The Alexander Lucas pear when ripe, has buttery soft flesh, and is smooth and extremely juicy with a sweet delicate flavor. Pears are harvested when they are mature, but not yet ripe. Pears ripen from the inside out and are ready to eat when they give to slight pressure at the neck.

Covilli’s lime growers are located in two states in Mexico—Veracruz and Yucatán—and both are family-owned operations. Covilli reminds retailers and customers that the juiciest, ready-to-enjoy limes are typically a bit yellow and have some give to the touch.

Storage onions are almost done and we are looking to imports to finish out the season. Onions will be very tight for April, and we will see gaps on red and white onions. It is uncertain to when onions from Mexico will be available. Storage yellow and sweet onions continue out of the Pacific Northwest a little longer. California will start up with new crop onions in May.

Beautiful red stalks of rhubarb signal the beginning of spring. Often thought of as a fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable.

Look for bright red stalks which have a sweet rich flavor. The size of the stalk is not an indicator of tenderness! Read more for storage tips and recipe ideas. Enjoy the bounty of spring!

A new crop of California Hass avocados is starting. As we eagerly await the California season to get going, we must be patient. Buyers should be aware of the avocado growing cycles and know that they can be disappointed with an early crop. Each year the timing is different, and the weather can have a major impact on how it ripens and availability.