Farmers' Market Update from July 16, 2005

In a recent post, I noted that the folks from Paredez Farms have been selling some excellent stone fruit at the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market over the past several weeks, and I suggested that they might continue that trend at the market held on Saturday, July 16.   Well, I can now tell you that they did not disappoint.

Paredez delivered another installment of outstanding Catalina Plums and White Peaches, quite possibly even better than those from last Saturday.
But Paredez also had two additional offerings in the mix this time around, both of which are equally delicious.   The first are Flavor Rich Pluots, which have a greenish-red exterior and a very pleasing balance between sweetness and just a hint of sour.   The Paredez stand also featured some wonderful White Nectarines, labeled “Honey B12.”   These fruits are not only deliciously juicy, they look beautiful as well.

Frog Hollow Farms, based in Brentwood, is widely known for its outstanding organic produce, and this week’s farmers’ market demonstrated why.   The Suncrest Peaches they were selling are sweet with an explosive burst of flavor, and their Golden Sweet Apricots will live up to anybody’s mental impression of what the perfect apricot should taste like.

But the best fruit that I tasted at the market came from Kashiwase Farms, located in Winton.   Kashiwase is a source

Left to right:  White Peaches, Catalina Plums, "Honey B12" White Nectarines, Flavor Rich Pluots (all from Paredez Farms), and Arctic Jay White Nectarines (from Kashiwase Farms)

that I have long found to be reliable for producing excellent organic stone fruits, although their crop this year has been somewhat slow to attain the right sugar levels.  This week, however, one of Kashiwase’s selections reached perfection.   The “Arctic Jay” White Nectarines are now amazing, with a pure bright flavor, a soft juicy texture, and an unadulterated sweetness that tastes like summer itself.   I only hope that the next few weeks of Arctic Jays are able to rise to these same heights.

So, if you happen to be at the farmers’ market next weekend and are interested in stone fruits, definitely check out the farmers and fruits mentioned above.   And as always, be sure to taste before you buy.