MR. GREENS "FRESH TIPS"
August 31, 2001
Our last PRODUCE MAN PUZZZZLE dealt with summer Peaches: Why do peaches have fuzz and nectarines don't? Fuzz is nature's way of protecting the fruit from rain. The raindrops simply bead up and roll off the fruit. Rain can ruin stonefruit. So the poor Nectarine is defenseless. No fuzz. Scientifically speaking, fuzz is a dominant gene. Peaches have it and Nectarines don't. This week's PUZZZZLE deals with another summer fruit: What is the most talked about fruit…in the Bible? See next week's "Fresh Tips" for the answer.
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STRAWBERRIES:
Over the next few weeks, we could easily see lighter yields from the
Strawberry fields, and shorter shelf life. The problems stem from too much
moisture. In California, most of the Central Valley has been baking under
100+ degree temperatures. High temperatures in the Valley generally means
cool, moist conditions along the coast. In Watsonville, where most of our Strawberries are being harvested right now, the fog bank has been much thicker and lower, leading to even some morning drizzles in the fields. This is causing some problems with Strawberry harvest. Some growers are not even picking on some days, which is causing supply problems. The waterlogged berries will no doubt need some culling, which will certainly impact yields and pack-outs. Some growers are pro-rating orders already. Fruit will be quite tender, so handle very gently and use quickly. Don't expect these Strawberries to last a long time.
—HEIRLOOM TOMATOES: Over The past 5 years, we have noticed a great increase in "Heirloom" varieties of tomatoes. An Heirloom tomato is a variety that has been around for more than 50 years. They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. More and more growers have been getting into Heirlooms, including some larger growers. At one time, the only place you could find an Heirloom, was at the Farmer's Market. Not anymore. Earthbound, one of the largest suppliers of organic Spring Mix, is now marketing Heirloom Tomatoes. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, we have seen more old Eastern European varieties come to the United States. Many of the better varieties come from Poland, Yugoslavia and Russia. In fact, some of the old Russian varieties were enjoyed by the Czars of Russia. These take very special handling, which is why they cost a lot more.
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—LEAF
LETTUCE: This time of year, you can start seeing some roller coaster
supplies and quality. Supplies can be tied to "home-grown" supplies around
the country. Some of those homegrown regions have ended early because of
hot, dry weather conditions. When homegrown regions end early, that sends
more demand for Salinas lettuce. Secondly, during the later part of the
summer, more insects in the fields can cause less yields per acre. Also,
this time of year, the days get shorter and nights get longer. That simply
means less growing hours during the day. Concerning insects on the lettuce,
they are simple to deal with. Rinse your leaf lettuce in ice cold water.
You could add a squeeze of a lemon into the water as well. The cold temperature
of the water, plus the acid from the lemon, causes the insects to release
from the leaf.