Gai Lan or Chinese Broccoli has a taste similar to broccoli but slightly more bitter. Gai Lan is a Brassica oleracea plant species that includes cultivars such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts and collard greens.

The Big J is the most common New Mexico chile variety boasting meaty walls and a large size (up to 14 inches in length!). The heat can vary from mild to medium, and the flavor is sweet and slightly smoky. Victor from La Granjita buys seeds from the Hatch Valley to grow his own Big J peppers, so you can taste the essence of New Mexico without a trip to the state.

Kiwano Horned Melon taste like a mix of cucumber, kiwis and bananas when ripe. The fruit will have an orange rind and give slightly to gentle pressure when ripe.

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.

Over 99% of the grapes grown commercially in the United States are from California.  Grapes are grown in the 450 mile long by 50 mile wide area between Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley regions and in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County.  Deep purple Thomcords, red seedless Sparkle, and green Stella Bella are just a few of the seasons highlights.

The first of the locally grown California Bartlett pears have arrived. In our opinion, we at Earl’s feel that California Bartlett’s are some of the best pears in the world. Pears ripen from the inside out and have a fragrant aroma, but how do you know when your pear is ripe?

Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are shaped like baby watermelons and are about the size of your thumb. They taste similar to a cucumber with a hint of lemon.

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. 

Traceland avocados out of Morro Bay came on a month earlier than usual with a small and fast season. Buyer beware: Late season California avocados will be very mature, high in oil and need to be eaten firm.