Stephen Albert
The sky might be darkening, but there is still plenty to enjoy from the harvest.
The first Mandarin oranges of the season are coming to market now. There are several varieties of Mandarin–some are sweet and some are tart.
Members of the Mandarin orange family include clementine, dancy, satsuma and tangerine.
Most of the Mandarins that come to market are satsumas. But try and find the clementine. It is tiny with a very thin skin. It is seedless with red-orange flesh. Pop it in your mouth for a tangy-sweet treat!
As you head out to the farm market this week, here’s an update on the fresh vegetables and fruits your growers will likely have on hand:
First-of-season: Almonds, celery, kale, hydroponic tomatoes, Mandarin oranges, pomegranates, walnuts.
Peak-of-season: Apple cider vinegars, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, carrots, chard, chilies, chipotles, cilantro, collards, dried fruit, herb starts, kale, kiwi, leaf lettuce, leeks, olive oil, parsley, persimmons, potatoes, pumpkins and decorative gourds, radishes, raisins, salad mix, spinach, squashes (Delicata, butternut, Kabocha and acorn), sweet potatoes, turnips, walnuts, winter squash, yams. Fresh herbs, including chives, garlic chives, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, Russian tarragon, sage, oregano, and culinary bay leaves.
End-of-season: Apples, apple cider, chestnuts, dill, figs, French tarragon, garlic, guava (pineapple and strawberry), heirloom tomatoes, lima beans, sweet yellow onions, red onions, plums, pears, sweet peppers, new potatoes, raspberries, red flame grapes, strawberries, tomatillos.
