Ethylene Table

(Usually fruits produce ethylene, whereas vegetables are sensitive to it)

EP:Ethylene Producer

ES: Ethylene Sensitive

EN: Ethylene Neutral

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We did the survey about the transitional apples last delivery. If you recall, we had told you that our fruit buyer was asking us if we were willing to have transitional apples in our box. (Remember, these apples in question are local but only transitional--not yet certified organic. It takes 3 years of no synthetic pesticides before one can be considered organic. "Transitional" is what the produce is called before these 3 years have passed.)

10% of you did not want any of the transitional apples. So we are doing one additional survey with even more specific questions.

Please click the below link to participate.

Muscat Grapes (EN) are from Marian Farm near Fresno, CA. The muscat grapes are similar to the Thompson grapes that we have received in the past from Marian. Co-op Partners feels that this is a better grape than the Thompson. They are more crisp and don't have as much ambering. These grapes will store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Gala Apples (EP) are grown by Briggs & Eggers Orchards who is a part of New Harvest Organics. Galas have a shape similar to Fuji apples, but a more polished skin. Apples are picked at their peak ripeness so additional ripening really means acceleration in the decaying process (they will become mealy and mushy). Apples should be refrigerated as soon as they are brought home. It is best to keep apples as cold as possible so store them in the back of your refrigerator. If stored well, apples can last for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Dapple Dandy Pluots (EP) are from Homegrown Produce. Pluots are a hybrid of a plum and an apricot and mainly retain the characteristics of a plum. Their skin is a light reddish-yellow color with some speckling. This fruit has one of the highest Brix level readings on a refractometer, meaning that it has a very sweet taste. Keep at 65-70 degrees for the most ideal ripening conditions and then move to cold storage. Note: Dapple Dandy and other pluots are sensitive to ethylene-producing fruit (such as apples, pears, and bananas).

White Nectarines (EP) are grown by Columbia Gorge Organics in Hood River, OR. White nectarines have a paler yellow to white background and rosy blush than the traditional yellow nectarine although they are the same size and texture. The white nectarine is also sweeter than the yellow varieties. Nectarines are a good source of Potassium, and Vitamins A and C. Ripe nectarines should yield to gentle pressure along the “seam” and produce a sweet aroma. Ideally ripen at room temperature (not exceeding 78° F). Move to cold storage and eat within 1-3 days. Longer storage will diminish their juicy flavor.

Yellow Peaches (EP) are from Kokopelli Farms in Palisade, CO. Click here for some of their peach recipes. We recommend waiting until the flesh has a little give to it for best results.

Kent Mangoes (EP) are grown by Salvador Parra Ahumada in Mexico. Known for their fiber-less meat, they are often misjudged as being green because they don't show as much color as other varieties when ripe. Though they may be mostly green on the outside, Kent mangoes will show some color when ripe. They are easily one of the most string-free, juicy, and thin-seeded mangoes available. Close your eyes and choose mangoes by their give to gentle pressure not their color. Once ripe, mangoes can be stored in the refrigerator, but should be eaten within a few days.

Black Gold Plum (EP)- This Black Gold Plum from Oscar Carilla Farms in California is firm and sweet with a pleasant floral aroma when ripe. Its deep purple skin and amber flesh make it quite striking when sliced.