MR. GREENS "FRESH TIPS"
October 20, 2000
Our last MR. GREEN'S PUZZZZLE dealt with Fall favorites: You've heard of pears and apples, but what in the world is an Apple Pear? Most of you got this answer correctly, however many of you think that it is called the Apple Pear because it is a cross between an apple and a pear. Actually, it is the oldest known cultivated pear, sweet and juicy, but it has the crispness and crunch of an apple. Of course you know it as the Asian Pear. By the way, the Asian Pear is the only pear that does not have a bottle neck. It's round. This week's PUZZZZLE deals with another Fall favorite: Most citrus originated in China. Where did today's Grapefruit originate? See the answer in next week's "Fresh Tips."
CHERRY TOMATOES: As night temperatures get colder, older and tired tomato vines become much more susceptible to growing problems and disease. This particularly affects the "smallest" of the tomato family, the Cherry Tomato and the Roma. You could easily find quick jumps in prices, seemingly overnight, as supplies tighten quickly because of lack of product and because of quality. Usually, this time of year, you also start noticing that they don't last as long in your refrigerator. It's wise to buy them just before you need them.
BANANAS: There is less competition for grocery cart space because of the end to summer fruits and melons. That generally means more demand for bananas and that can lead to higher prices. Don't be shocked if that's what happens. Remember too, this time of year with colder temperatures in your home, buy your bananas a little riper than you normally would. They will last just fine for you.
GRAPEFRUIT: New crops are starting up from both of the major growing regions, Texas and Florida, as well as Arizona and California. Florida grows a little over half of the US supply of grapefruit. Despite drought conditions in Texas, growers there are expecting a very large crop, especially from the Rio Grande Valley. Trees in Texas will desperately need rain, not so much for this year's crop, but most importantly, for next year's crop. Acreage in Florida is down a little bit, but much cleaner fruit this year will mean a higher yield when packing, and that should offset any acreage shortage. Growers are finding that bad rootstock (the tree) is to blame for the decreased acreage. It seems that this rootstock is dying after 7 years. Until growers get a handle on how to deal with this problem, this could have some supply impact over the next 5 years. With the Fall/Winter crop of Grapefruit starting up, that will mean much better color. The red will be back in Red Grapefruit, as well as juice and sugar.
Mr. Greens will be participating in the 3rd annual state conference breakfast for the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, held this year October 20 at the Doubletree Hotel in Modesto. "Michael is such a hit every year, we had to have you back," says Judy Culbertson, executive director. This year, JC Produce will be joining CDFA Sect. Bill Lyons for the breakfast
TRANSITION MONTH: October is just about one of the most critical weather watch months of the year, at least in the produce department. What happens this month could impact the supply, price and quality of produce all winter long. Many crops are being planted or are young. If storms hit places like Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona or the desert region of California, that will impact those newly planted fields. Also, treefruit in Chile is in full blossom. Cold, rain or wind right now would reduce the stonefruit crop. Storms right now would not only impact supplies, but would for sure also impact quality for winter crops of fruits and vegetables. Watch the weather!
CLICK HERE for Mr. Green's Cranberry Apple Tart Recipe