Sweet potatoes are commonly seen labeled as yams, when in reality they are most likely sweet potatoes. Many years ago the U.S. government decided to label sweet potatoes by their color to make things easier. The creamy white flesh ones are labeled sweet potatoes and the orange fleshed ones are sometimes labeled yams.  The USDA requires that sweet potatoes labeled as yams also be labeled as sweet potatoes. Chances are likely that you are buying sweet potatoes regardless of what the label says. Are you still confused?

It is that time of year when many California growers transition their wet veg operation, think lettuces, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and celery, 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. Find out what that means for quality in the coming months.

The first Cranberries of the season are here! Cranberries are incredibly good for you and are not just for enjoying during the holiday season. Eaten fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries are high in vitamin C, fiber and vitamin E and packed with antioxidants.

The staple Fairtrade Fruit, this week is all about Bananas! The U.S. is the largest importer of bananas and the demand for Organic Bananas only continues to grow. Here at Earl’s we support a better banana: we offer superior flavor, in-house conditioning to order, and daily photos so you can make the right choice. Meet Coliman Bananas, a family business.

Bouchey Farms is a third generation farm located in Wapato, Washington in Yakima Valley. They specialize in red, gold and russet potatoes and Russian Banana, Amarosa, Purple Pelisse and French fingerlings.

California melons are at the peak of flavor! California melon season begins around Memorial Day. Picking a ripe melon is very difficult and is not an exact science. Melons ripen on the vine and do not get any sweeter once picked although texture and flavor can improve. 

Organic corn is difficult to grow because of a major pest, the corn earworm. Patrick Johnston, owner of Dwelley Farms, shares their secret for keeping the corn earworm away!

Earl’s long relationship with Burkart begin over 20 years ago. Picked at optimum maturity with the highest sugar levels, Burkart stone fruit has outstanding flavor and is a real crowd pleaser! Richard Burkart grows high-quality organic stone fruit on 65 acres near Dinuba along the northern border of Tulare County about four hours south of San Francisco.

Temperatures over the past week reached over 100 degrees in many growing regions including Salinas, Watsonville and Bakersfield and up to 115 in Yolo County and Chico. The heat affects our food production, putting not only the plants and fruit at risk but the people harvesting our food.