Fresh Talker

Another Thanksgiving is in the books and I am so thankful for everyone that worked so hard all year long. We are blessed to have the excellent quality, abundance and variety we enjoy in our Produce markets. It truly takes everyone working together to make it all happen. From our partner growers and farm workers that plan, plant, harvest and pack throughout the year to the truck drivers that transport our food safely and on time in all types of weather. The distribution centers here in Washington and all those buyers, warehouse workers and our staff that work diligently to display and serve …
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Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away! Many families will be celebrating differently this year, with less traveling or hosting guests and holiday parties. But they will still be celebrating. Personally, I feel we will see much smaller family gatherings that are hopefully as safe as possible. However you choose to celebrate, we will be prepared to serve all your needs as best we can. One tip, though: shop early! Avoid the holiday crowds that typically rush our markets in the last few days leading up to Thanksgiving. Classic Holiday Veggies are in Full Supply [caption …
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First of all, a big shout-out to Jake Sterino of Sterino Farms in Puyallup, Wash. His pumpkins look fantastic and we’re excited to showcase them in our markets again this year! We’ll also feature his Washington-grown cabbage and celery for several more weeks. Unfortunately, his sweet yellow corn is all but done. This will be its last week but it’s been an absolutely delicious and outstanding this year! Thank you, Jake. Now is the Time for Northwest Apples …
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Autumn arrived in a big way this year…we went from smoky, warm weather to rain nearly overnight here in the Northwest. This coupled with heatwaves and wildfires in California is making for a rocky transition from the Northwest to southern growing areas. Goodbye Berries, Hello Northwest Apples Cosmic Crisp Apples All the rain …
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The warm weather is still trying to keep autumn at arm’s length but the calendar most certainly says we are closing in fast on the fall season. As we move into the second half of September many of our summer favorites are winding down. Northwest peaches and nectarines are in their final stretch. Organic are already done and soon the conventional side will be as well. …
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Autumn may be creeping into the evening air around the Puget Sound, but that doesn’t mean Labor Day weekend won’t be chock-full of Northwest berries and melons. Plus, local last summer corn is on its way from southern Washington and Joe gives us a sneak preview of autumn gourds and local pumpkins. September is here and summer is starting to wind down, although you wouldn’t know it by the current weather here in the Northwest. But I have noticed a very subtle hint of cool evening air that will soon have that familiar smell of autumn, my favorite time of year. The warm, …
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I can’t believe the 4th of July weekend is just around the corner! Before you know it we’ll be talking Hatch Chile Roasting and Labor Day… but for now let’s talk about what’s happening in produce now and on the horizon. Berry Delicious! First, let’s talk local berries. The June Northwest strawberry season is winding down. We had a couple rough spots this season with all the rain we had a week or so ago, but overall it’s been a great crop. We may have a couple more shots of berries as we finish out this week, but Hayton Farms is all but done for the year on their …
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It’s hard to believe this is the first blog entry of 2020! I sincerely apologize for the gap. Due to the pandemic, all our attention over the past few months has been on creating a safe environment for our customers and staff. As we ease into whatever the new normal will be, I feel comfortable reigniting this blog to share what’s happening in fresh produce over the next few weeks. Northwest Strawberries Delivered Daily …
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Another Thanksgiving holiday is in the history books. I am so thankful for everyone who works so hard year-round to make it happen – my deepest appreciation, gratitude and thanks to all. Picks of the Orchard – Cosmic & Sugarbee Cosmic Crisp Apples Now a look ahead to the next several weeks through the end of the year.…
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Joe visits Bainbridge Community Broadcasting  every once in a while to have a conversation with BCB’s Bob Ross on his “Tastes of Bainbridge” show. In this session, Joe and Bob talk about early Sumo mandarins (!!!), the extraordinary 2019 chanterelle mushroom crop and a new and promising apple called the “Sugar Bee” (among other things!).  Give it a listen! …
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