Many crops are sensitive to weather extremes — read on for some of the current challenges affecting California growers.

Have you ever noticed when you buy a bag of cherries at the store they are typically all a uniform size? Cherry growers want to make sure the consumer is buying only the highest quality cherry so the cherries go through a machine before being packed to determine the size and quality of the cherry. Cherries have the same size pit regardless of the size of the cherry. The larger the cherry the more flesh on the fruit which demands a premium price.

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.

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.

High temperatures and humidity for an extended period of time create the perfect conditions for aphids and mildew quality issues. We see this happen with organic produce every year when it gets too hot in March in the California desert and again during the warm summer months in the Salinas Valley.

Images of tall, tight bunches of purple-tinged, green and white asparagus in the grocery store signal the arrival of spring. There are only a few organic asparagus growers left in California. For almost 40 years Coastal View Produce has been growing premium quality organic asparagus in the heart of the Salinas Valley. An Earl’s Organic exclusive.

California Organic Asparagus from Coastal View Produce in the Salinas Valley is a sure sign Spring is almost here! CVP is committed to growing organic California Asparagus for generations to come. Weather dependent the season runs through July 4th.

Do not miss these delicious California winter avocado varieties: Bacon, Fuerte and Zutanos. Learn about the differences between these tasty avocados.

The ginger market is currently facing challenges, primarily attributed to a significant decrease in production from Peru. According to Roger Zardo of JLZ Produce in California, low prices for Peruvian ginger over the past three years have led to an unsustainable situation for farmers, prompting them to reduce the amount of ginger they plant and harvest. Ginger will continue to be tight, gapping entirely by the end of February,