SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA FARMERS
Need to Know Info as reported by Talley Farms Fresh Harvest
We want to support our California and USA Farmers, but how do we know what’s grown domestically, and what’s imported?
Those of us working in the produce industry know that California Valencia Oranges grow in the summer heat and Navel Oranges grow in the cold of winter. So, if you eat a navel orange in summer, it’s most likely from Australia or Chile. But most people don’t know this; it is the same as eating a Washington-grown apple in July, it is almost a year old! If you want to eat local and support domestic farmers and farm workers, you want to know where your fruits and vegetables are grown.
First, most produce items have stickers on them or their packaging. Look before you buy. If an item is imported, you can substitute it, such as broccoli versus brussels sprouts or cauliflower. Second, change your eating habits as the seasons change. Eating a variety of produce items throughout the year supplies a variety of vitamins and minerals when your body needs them the most (winter citrus provides a lot of Vitamin C).
Winter/Spring Veggies: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Leafy Greens, Asparagus, Beets, English Peas, Artichokes, Butternut and Winter Squash
Winter/Spring Fruits: All varieties of Apples and Citrus, Kiwi, Blueberries, and early Strawberries.
Summer/Fall Veggies: Zucchini and Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Snap and Snow Peas, Lettuce, Fresh Herbs, Sweet Corn, Green Beans, all kinds of Sweet and Chili Peppers, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Eggplant, and of course, Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Summer/Fall Fruits: Table Grapes, Stone Fruit like Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines, Figs, Persimmons, Pomegranates, all kinds of Berries and Melons, Avocados, Pears and Apples (in Sept.)
Of course, with the increase in greenhouses, you may be able to find tomatoes, cucumbers, or sweet peppers grown in California in the wintertime!
KNOW YOUR FARMERS - SHOP LOCAL FARMER’s MARKETS and CSA’s,
then you will know where your food comes from & what’s in season!