Ethylene Table

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

EP:Ethylene Producer

ES: Ethylene Sensitive

EN: Ethylene Neutral

*****

Thompson Seedless Grapes (EN) are grown biodynamically at Marian Farm near Fresno, CA. Thompson grapes are thin-skinned, sweet and juicy, and can be eaten fresh or dried. Marian Farms’ grapes are also unique in that they are not treated with gibberellic acid or “gibbed,” as most grapes are in both the organic and conventional markets. Gibberellic acid-3 is a commercially produced plant growth regulator (i.e. growth hormone) which is sprayed on seedless grapes to increase grape size and yield. These grapes will store for up to 7 days in cold storage. It is recommended that you remove them from the refrigerator one hour prior to serving. Allowing them to warm up will heighten the flavor and sweetness.

Jonagold Apples (EP) are grown by Rider in CA. The name of this brilliant golden-red apple reflects its parentage of Golden Delicious and Jonathan. It has the tart-sweetness of the Jonathan and juicy, crispness in texture of the Goldens. It is best to keep apples as cold as possible, so store them in the back of your refrigerator. Apples can last up to six weeks in the refrigerator.

Limes (EN) are grown in Mexico by New Harvest. Limes put in a plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator will last up to six weeks. We found a recipe for Lime Bundt Cake that looks awesome.

Keitt Mangoes (EN) are grown by Howard Marguleas. in CA. Excellent eating quality, this virtually fiberless fruit has a sweet firm flesh that is abundant and delicious. This variety tends to be a large size and fully green when ripe. These Mangoes turn from an orange-green to a very bright green as they soften up and ripen. California Keitt Mangoes can be left on the tree longer, which allows for a sweeter, more mature Mango. Because Keitt Mangoes are grown domestically, they do not have to be treated for fruit flies. Mangoes imported from other tropical areas often have to be treated, usually with a hot water process, which means the grower has to pick the fruit when they are not fully ripe on the tree. These Mangoes can be added to salads, or used in vegetable or poultry dishes. Or try a squeeze of lime juice on the fruit with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Bartlett Pears (EP) are grown by Columbia Gorge Organics in Hood River, OR. Bartletts ripen to bright yellow and give off a lovely aroma. Sweet and juicy, the Bartlett is perfect for eating out of hand. They are also an excellent canning pear. Leave them out at room temperature and they will ripen in a few days to a week, depending on their maturity when delivered. Most pears show subtle changes in color as they ripen. If you choose to hold off the ripening process, the fruit should be refrigerated and will hold three to four weeks until you are ready to ripen them. Once ripe, a pear will not last much more than a couple of days, even in the refrigerator. Click here for a wonderful Pear Sorghum Cake recipe that Shareholder Lenae Weichel brought to the open house.

JoAnna Plums (EP) are grown by Valleywide. We recommend letting the skins ripen just past springy to soft. Fruit has an attractive red skin color with gold highlights and gold flesh as well as good balance between acid and sugar with good sweet flavor and eating quality.

Honeycrisp Apples (EP) are grown by Rider in CA. They may not be the prettiest apples of the lot, but they are becoming famous for their great flavor and satisfying CRUNCH! The Honey Crisp is a new apple variety that was developed right here in the Midwest, at the University of Minnesota.