STONE
FRUIT
Summer
heat brings out the best in seasonal stone fruit. With the
exception of Cherries, July and August are peak season for
California Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. All
of these varieties of stone fruit are descendants of species
native to Asia and they are members of a large genus of
plants, Prunus. California 's Central Valley produces the
majority of the commercial stone fruit crop-90% of the industry
is concentrated in Fresno , Tulare and Kern counties. The
combined fresh peach, plum and nectarine industries are
grown on over 90,000 acres in California . Over 400 varieties
are grown and generate more than $300 million in income
for California Farmers. The challenge with stone fruit-peaches
in particular-is to find fruit that is ripening at the proper
time. The definition of ‘tree ripened' is used somewhat
loosely by the industry. In the rush to get product to the
market, the fruit may be picked at an under ripe stage and
will never ripen properly. If the fruit is too ripe, it
may not be useable by our restaurant customers. A good rule
of thumb is to plan ahead and allow the fruit to sit out
at room temperature for 1-2 days to reach the proper degree
of ripeness. Whenever possible, we will be using local growers
for stone fruit as the fruit is often picked with more regard
to how our customers want their fruit.
- Peaches/Nectarines-
We are currently receiving the majority of our
peaches and nectarines from Twin Peaks Orchards, located
in Newcastle , Ca. Twin Peaks has been growing quality
stone fruit since the orchards were first started in 1912.
This low Sierra foothill region creates an ideal environment
for the crops. Warm days and cool nights result in firm
fruit with good color and high sugar content. The first
few varieties of peaches were taking several days to ripen.
This week, we are receiving fruit that quickly ripens,
producing that classic midsummer peach with great flavor
and juice ‘running down your chin' when eaten. Twin Peaks
grows over 20 varieties of peaches that mature at different
times assuring availability throughout the season. Peaches
and Nectarines-$26.75 by the case and available by the
pound.
- Apricots-
Central Valley apricots are arriving with good
color, aroma and size. The most common varieties are the
Patterson and Blenheim. Apricots must be allowed to ripen
on the tree, as they do not improve in flavor after they
are picked. Ripe apricots that are a little firm improve
in texture if they are stored at room temperature for
a day or two. Apricots-$25.75 by the case and
available by the pound.
- Plums/Pluots-
Plums are the most diverse of stone fruits. Their
color ranges from green through yellow to red, purple
and black; their flavor from sour to very sweet. Shape
and size are variable. Some are best eaten fresh and some
will dry naturally to become prunes. Horticulturist Luther
Burbank played an important role in the development of
plums in the 1880's and eventually cultivated over 113
varieties, the most famous of which is the Santa Rosa
variety. He also crossed plums and apricots, calling the
new fruit plumcots. Today's farmers have continued that
tradition with Pluots and Apriums. Pluots are the more
interesting of these modern hybrids, reflecting a parentage
that is three-quarters plums and one-quarter apricot.
Pluots have rich, sweet flavor without the acid bite of
plums. Plums and Pluots should be plump and well colored;
when they are aromatic and give to gentle pressure, they
are ripe and ready to eat. We will carry a variety of
plums as the season progresses. Plums-$28.75 per
case and available by the pound. Pluots-$25.75, case only.
Seasonal
Produce
VEGETABLES
Beans-Blue
Lake , Baby
French, Yellow Wax, Romano
Squash-Italian,
Summer, Gold Bar, Ronde de Nice
Yellow
and White Corn
Eggplant,
Lemon Cucumbers, Peppers
Local
Cherry Tomatoes
Local
Vine Ripe and Heirloom Tomatoes
FRUIT
Stone
fruit-Local Peaches, Plums, Nectarines
Apricot,
Pluots, Apriums, Cherries ( Washington )
Red
and Green Grapes, Figs
Blackberries,
Blueberries, Raspberries
Cantaloupe,
Honeydew, Watermelon
Specialty
Melons-Gala, Sharlyn, Juan Canary, Casaba, Orange Flesh
Produce
Express carries a wide variety of items to enhance our selection
of fruits and vegetables.
Dairy-
Whipping Cream, Buttermilk, Sour Cream, Eggs,
Half and Half.
Olives-
Pitted Kalamata ( Greece ) and Mixed Harvest olives
( California ).
Olive
Oil- Sciabica Extra Virgin and Pure olive Oil
( California ).
Sparrow
Lane Vinegars- ( Napa )-Apple Cider, Champagne,
Balsamic, Golden Balsamic, Zinfandel, Cabernet
and Red Wine.
Gourmet
Valley Specialty Rice and Beans-
( Woodland )- Vermont Cranberry, Garboncito , Florida
Butter Beans. Basmati, Carnaroli, Jasmine and Wild Rice.
Nuts-
Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Hazelnuts, Macadamia,
Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Pepitas.
Dried
Fruit- Apples, Raisins, Peaches, Pears, Cherries,
Figs, Pineapple, Mango, Papaya, Apricots, Mixed
Berries, Blueberries, Dates, Sundried Tomato.
Decorative-
Palm Leaves, Ti Leaves, Bay Leaves, Leather leaf
Fern, Edible Flowers, Roses, Pansies, and Orchids,
Mixed Confetti Flowers.
Dried
Herbs and Spices- Whole Black Peppercorns, Crushed
Red Chile Flakes, Whole Fennel Seed, New Mexico Chile Powder,
Paprika, Oregano, Sage, Anise Seed, Whole Coriander Seed,
Cayenne Pepper, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon Sticks, Cumin Seed,
Black Sesame Seed, White Sesame Seed, Whole Nutmeg, Thyme,
Whole Cloves, Ground Nutmeg, Whole White Pepper.
Perfect
Puree- ( Napa )-Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry,
Blackberry, Blood Orange , Mango, Black Currant, Blueberry,
Cherry, Pomegranate, Lychee, Pricky Pear.
Vanilla-
Imported Tahitian Vanilla Beans (4oz and 8oz),
Vanilla Puree (Pint), and Extract (32) Wood-
Mesquite Charcoal, Wood and Chips, Hickory and Apple Wood
Chips.
