Though it is going to slowly warm up there are some long-term effects worth consideration. Prices will continue to stay high until the supply side stabilizes and price and quality do not track side by side. Often higher prices reflect difficult growing conditions and veg has more cosmetic challenges than we are used to. Which vegetables will be affected?

Historically January sees disruptions in organic markets due to various factors such as frosts, winter storms and less daylight hours. Shorter days mean less sunlight hours for plants to grow and short harvest time in the fields.

It is that time of year when many California growers transition their wet veg operation, think lettuces, leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, from the cooler areas of the Central Coast and Salinas Valley down to the warmer regions in the California desert, Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona.

October is Fair Trade Month. Earl’s Organic offers Fair Trade Bananas year-round. Buying Fair Trade products ensures that farm workers enjoy sustainable wages, safe working conditions and improves their community by collectively investing in social and business projects. $1 per every box of Coliman Bananas purchased goes to the Fair Trade Premium. Every purchase matters!

Earl’s Organic bananas are Fair Trade Certified 365 Days A YEAR

Equal Exchange Bananas are grown in Ecuador by small farmers under the AsoGuabo Cooperative.  Farmer cooperatives are groups of small farmers that have come together to collectively operate their businesses at a larger scale. They share resources, capital, and knowledge, democratically electing leadership and collectively making decisions.

Late summer produce is starting to wind down and it is the time of year to start making room for the wonderful bounty of Fall. There is a chill in the morning air and new crop California red Gala apples and fragrant Bartlett Pears are the stars of the show.

Cape Gooseberries are full of seeds with a texture and flavor similar to a tomato but with a deeper flavor and a hint of tartness.

California Apricots and Cherries historically lead off the season late April. This year, however, various factors have combined to delay the early varieties by as much as two weeks. The late start is being attributed to tremendous amounts of rain and colder-than-usual weather, which impacted bloom and pollination. “Overall it is going to be a unique and positive year,” Jarod Hunting, Earl’s Stone Fruit buyer said. Discover which varieties are arriving weekly.

Most years, the California stone fruit deal begins in late April, with apricots and cherries leading the way. This year, however, various factors have combined to delay the early varieties by as much as two weeks. Find out when to expect apricots and cherries.