High temperatures and humidity for an extended period of time create the perfect conditions for aphids and mildew quality issues. This week temperatures in the California desert regions moved into the low 80’s and all desert vendors are seeing increasing mildew and aphid pressure on warm veg items.

Earl’s California Floral program supports small local California floral growers. We are taking on the dirty floral industry, supporting the sustainability of California floral, and making a difference while supporting small family farms.

TDE Mandarins are a triple cross between a Temple Tangor, a Dancy Mandarin and an Encore Mandarin. They are very sweet and juicy with a wonderful balanced tart flavor. Did you know that TDE Mandarins branches are very thorny making it hard and delicate work to pick? TDE’s are a true labor of love.

Moro Blood Oranges are now coming out of the Central San Joaquin Valley. Blood Oranges are packed with vitamin C, carotenoids and are high in potent antioxidant properties. Excellent for juicing and eating out of hand. Try this delicious radicchio blood orange salad.

Apples and pears are enjoyed long after being harvested in October/November by keeping them in storage. Storage delays the normal ripening and aging process. As we move into the New Year most of the fresh storage supply has run out and we can expect most apples and pears from the Pacific Northwest to be coming out of controlled atmosphere storage (CA Storage). Think of sleeping beauty under a spell and how she never aged a day until she woke up.

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.

The large Intennza Papaya has a melon-like flavor, fragrant aroma and beautiful salmon red interior. The flesh is firm, but juicy, with one of the sweetest and least acidic flavors of any papaya variety. Read on to learn how to cut and enjoy papayas, more health benefits and storage and ripening tips.

Mandarinquats are a cross between a kumquat and a mandarin. They are a fun bell shape, larger than your average kumquat and they have an edible sweet peel and tart flesh. Take a bite out of this juicy kumquat or cut into slices to add to salads or desserts.

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.