Originating in France, the Abate Fetel pear has an elegant elongated shape with yellow skin that often is russeted. Sweet and aromatic, this pear is wonderful for cooking and eating out of hand. The Abate Fetel softens quickly so be sure to enjoy this variety while still slightly firm.

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.

The California Hass avocado season historically starts as early as January/February in San Diego and works its way north as each area of California finishes their harvest and another area begins.  The beginning of the year is when the California Hass Avocado must pass the minimum allowed level of oil content before being picked. Understanding the geography of where your Hass avocado is grown will help you choose the best flavor.

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.