MR. GREENS "FRESH TIPS"
November 10, 2000
Our last MR. GREEN'S PUZZZZLE dealt with Citrus: How many sections are in a Navel Orange? In nature, there is tremendous order. There are 10 seeds in an apple. There are around 200 seeds on every strawberry. And there are always between 9 - 11 sections in your Navel Orange! This week's PUZZZZLE deals with a winter fruit: What fruit is known as the candy fruit? As a hint, you can eat the skin and all. See the answer in next week's "Fresh Tips."
MEXICAN MELONS: Most supplies of domestic fruit from the California and Arizona deserts is quickly winding down, which will mean we will be relying on more imported fruit. Most melons during November, are grown in Hermosillo, Sonora, in northern Mexico. I've been to this growing region, investigating the quality of growing, water and food safety. In the La Costa Valley, about an hour northeast of Hermosillo, the capital city of Sonora, melon fields are now coming into full production. Less than 50 years ago, this entire valley was nothing more than a desert, with mesquite bushes and cactus as the only vegetation. Irrigation literally transformed this desert into an oasis for melons. Today in the La Costa Valley, over two-thirds of the growers use drip irrigation, technology and equipment from Israel and California. Unlike some misperception about foreign-grown produce, the water for irrigation is drawn from deep wells, about 600 feet deep, tapping into subterranean rivers flowing from the Sierra Madre mountain range, just east of the La Costa Valley. The water is then filtered, first by nature, then by high-tech, computer-analyzed systems. The drip irrigation tubes are then placed, not above the ground, but generally about 4 - 6" under the soil. This method puts water close to the root system of the plant, not on the surface where it can drain off or evaporate. Growers here also use colored plastics to line the rows of melons. In cooler regions of the valley, clear plastic is used. Condensation forms underneath the plastic. As the sun's rays shine through the clear plastic, each water droplet acts like a magnifying glass, warming the soil and the root system. Warmer soil and roots means faster growth and a healthier plant, and this produces better sugar content in the fruit as well. In the Hermosillo region, there are about 16,000 acres of vegetables and melons. Most of the melons are shipped to the U.S. through late December. That's when supplies from the Caribbean should start up. These are known as "off-shore" melons. The main countries in this region are Costa Rica and Honduras. Between Thanksgiving and Mothers Day, these two countries will supply about 60% of the U.S. supply of melons. Two years ago, Hurricane Mitch wiped out a lot of supplies. So far, weather conditions have been excellent for planting and fruit growth.
KIWIFRUIT: New crop Kiwifruit has been harvested in California. Most is grown in the San Joaquin Valley, mainly in Tulare County and around Fresno, although there is some acreage from Yuba City to Gridley. In fact, Gridley is the "Kiwifruit Capital of America." Gridley, in the Northern Sacramento Valley, is the sister city of Te Puke in New Zealand, which is the "Kiwifruit Capital of the World." Up until now, most Kiwifruit supplies have been from New Zealand and Chile. At the end of their season, you noticed sweet, ripe fruit. New crop California fruit is not ripe. In fact, you will notice that the fruit is nearly hard as a rock. You will need to buy your Kiwifruit well in advance of when you need them. Then you will have to ripen them. Do not refrigerate them. Keep them at room temperature, enclosed in a brown paper bag. California's Kiwifruit crop is the largest in many years, with excellent quality. Kiwifruit is the healthiest fruit grown on earth, with more Vit. C than an orange and more Potassium than a banana. It is like eating a vitamin pill.
PRESIDENTIAL GOOD EATS: Mr. Greens first found out the favorite fruits and vegetables of Vice-President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush. You can read it for yourself at our http://www.jcproduce.com website. Well, Mr. Greens has been in contact with Chef Sarah Bishop, the executive chef for Gov. Bush at the Texas Governor's Mansion. In fact, Chef Sarah has cooked for three different Texas Governor's. Check out our website to find some interesting recipes, including a favorite by the Bush family. And yes, George W. does eat broccoli. "He doesn't order it," Chef Sarah says, "but if it's placed in front of him, he will eat it, especially if I put it into a broccoli-cheese soup. In fact, Gov. Bush is a lot like a little kid. Hide it under cheese, and he'll eat it."
CLICK HERE Mr. Green's TEXAS GOVERNOR'S MANSION RECIPES By Executive Chef Sarah Bishop