Apricots

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA					L	P	P	L
CHILE												L
WA						L	P	L

Varieties

Blenheim, Castlebrite, Katy, Improved Flaming Gold, Patterson, Tilton

Avoid

Avoid fruit with blemishes, dull-looking skin, soft or mushy spots, or those that appear pale yellow or greenish-yellow in color.

Selection Tips

Look for well-colored, plump apricots with fairly firm texture.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Unripe-countertop in a closed paper bag. Ripe-refrigerate.

Continues to ripen after harvest.

Nutrition

Low Fat
Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin A
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C
Good Source of Potassium
Fat Free

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving TIps

Easy to eat, fresh apricots make an ideal choice for out-of-hand snacking. They may also be added to fresh fruit salads or cooked and added to fruit compotes.

Fresh apricots make a great base for homemade jams and preserves.

Fun Facts

The apricot is a staple among the Hunzukut of the mountainous region along the Chinese/Pakistani border. It is said that Hunzukut women refuse to live where no apricots grow.
Fruits & Nuts in Symbolism & Celebration, Mary Reed. Resource Publications, Inc. 1992.

The famous "Golden Apples" that Juno received from Mother Earth as a wedding present in the Greek myth actually were apricots.
California Apricot Advisory Board

Cantaloupe

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
AZ							L	L		L	L
CA					L	P	P	P	P	P	L
COSTA RICA	M	M	M	M	M
DOM REP	L	L	L	L	L						L	L
GUATAMALA	M	M	M	M	M						M	M
HONDURAS	M	M	M	M	M
MEXICO	L	L	L	P	P	M	L				L	M
TX					L	L	L	L	L	L	L

Avoid

Avoid shriveled or bruised fruit or cantaloupe with punctured or cracked rinds.

Selection Tips

A ripe cantaloupe will have a distinctive aroma and the blossom end should yield to gentle pressure.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Uncut - countertop. Cut - refrigerate.
Does not ripen further after harvest.

Nutrition

Saturated Fat Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C
Good Source of Folate
Fat Free
High Potency Vitamin A

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Reduce risks of birth defects by increasing folate

Serving TIps

Cantaloupe comes with its own serving bowl. Just cut them in half through the middle and scoop out each half with a spoon.

For a colorful luncheon idea, halve small cantaloupes and fill with cold chicken or seafood salad.

Fun Facts

Cantaloupe gets its name from the Italian city of Cantalupo, where it was grown after being imported from Armenia in the first century AD.
The Great Food Almanac, Irena Chalmers, Collins Publishers, 1994. Page 239.

The true "cantaloupe" is a European melon that is not exported. Taxonomically, the American fruit is actually a "muskmelon."
Produce Solutions 2000. Produce Marketing Association, 2000.

Cherries

Varieties

Bing, Lambert, Rainier, Burlat, Brooks, Tulare, Lapins, Chelan, Sweetheart

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA						M
CHILE												M
OR							M
WA						P	P	M

Avoid

Avoid cherries with blemishes, rotted or mushy skins, or those that appear either hard and light-colored or soft, shriveled, and dull.

Selection Tips

Look for cherries that are plump with firm, smooth, and brightly colored skins. Good quality cherries should have green stems attached.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Refrigerate.

Does not ripen further after harvest.

Cherries bruise easily; handle with care.

Nutrition

Low Fat
Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
Good Source of Fiber
Good Source of the antioxidant Vitamin C

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer-risk with high-fiber fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease with high-fiber fruits & vegetables

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving TIps

Sweet cherries may also be used in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and turnovers.

When it's snack time, grab an apple or orange, or make a ready-to-eat bag of sweet cherries.

Useful Links

California Cherry Advisory Board
Northwest Cherry Growers
See Also:
www.nationalcherries.com
www.wastatefruit.com

Fun Facts

Cherries were brought to America with early settlers and were cultivated in Massachusetts as early as 1629. The fruit was transported from Iowa to the Northwest by ox cart in 1847 by Henderson Lewelling.
1999 Produce Availability and Merchandising Guide, The Packer. 1999.

The Bing cherry variety was developed on the Lewelling farm and named for a Chinese workman.
1999 Produce Availability and Merchandising Guide, The Packer. 1999.

Grapes

Varieties

Green, Green Seedless, Red, Red Seedless, Blueblack, Blueblack Seedless

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA	L	L	L	L	M	P	P	P	P	P	P
CANADA									L	L
CHILE	P	P	P	P	P
MEXICO					P	P	L

Selection Tips

Grape bunches should be well-colored with plump berries firmly attached to green pliable stems.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Refrigerate.
Does not ripen further after harvest.
Do not wash until just before serving.

Nutrition

Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C
Fat Free

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat
Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol
Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving Tips

Keep things fresh and interesting by combining fruits of different flavors, like red grapes with pineapple chunks.

Use grapes as an edible garnish to accompany breakfast, lunch, or dinner fare.

Useful Links

California Table Grape Commission
California Grape & Tree Fruit League

Fun Facts

Research indicates that most of the grapes produced in America today are of vitis vinifera, or the "European grape" stock that originated in Asia Minor, near the Caspian Sea.
World Book Encyclopedia of Food, 1982.

Concord grapes are one of only three fruits native to North America. The other two: blueberries and cranberries.
Fun with Fruit Facts," Fruit Grower, December 1997. Page 58.

Honeydew

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
AZ						L	M	L			M
CA						P	P	P	P	P	M	L
MEXICO	M	M	P	P	P	P	M			M	P	P
TX					M	M	L				L

Avoid

Pitted rind; reddish-tan discoloration of flesh; failure to ripen.

Selection Tips

Choose honeydew melons that are heavy for their size and are well-shaped. Ripe honeydew melons are characterized by a creamy yellow rind, light green juicy flesh, and a slightly soft blossom end.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Uncut - countertop. Cut - refrigerate.

Does not ripen further after harvest.

Nutrition

Low Sodium
Saturated Fat Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving Tips

Add honeydew melon cubes or balls to fresh fruit salads.

Looking for a fun appetizer when you entertain? Try making spears of fruit by attaching strawberries, grapes, melon slices, or pineapple chunks onto small skewers. Use low-fat or non-fat yogurt for a dip.

Fun Facts

All three melon groups (muskmelons, cantaloupes and winter melons) are closely related and can interbreed if given the chance.
Blue Corn & Square Tomatoes, Becky Rupp.

The Myan melon was developed by horticulturists in Texas to be grown specifically in the Guatemalan highlands, where, in fact most of them are now grown. The Myan is a cross between a honeydew and a casaba melon.

Nectarines

Varieties

Mayglo, Rose Diamond, Ruby Diamond, Spring Bright, Red Diamond, Summer Grand, Summer Blush, Spring Bright, Bright Pearl, August Red, Red Jim, September Red, Summer Fire, Arctic Snow

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA					L	M	P	P	M	M
CHILE	M	M	L									L
WA							L	M	P

Avoid

Avoid shriveled or rotting nectarines.

Selection Tips

Good quality nectarines should have a yellow background color with no hint of green.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Unripe - countertop in closed paper bag. Ripe - refrigerate.

Continues to ripen after harvest.

Nutrition

Low Fat
Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
Good Source of Fiber
Good Source of the antioxidant Vitamin C

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer-risk with high-fiber fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease with high-fiber fruits & vegetables

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving Tips

Grill skewers of pineapple, eggplant, nectarines, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.

Serve whole nectarines as a delicious out-of-hand snack.

Useful Links

California Tree Fruit Agreement

Peaches

Varieties

Queen Crest, Spring Lady, Flavor Crest, Rich Lady, Red Top, White Lady, Elegant Lady, Summer Lady, O'Henry, Ryan Sun, Fairtime, Last Chance, Man Crest, June Lady

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA					L	P	P	P	P	M	L
GA						L	L	L
SC						L	L	L
WA							L	M	P	L

Avoid

Avoid bruised or discolored peaches. Green color indicates immaturity. Shriveling at the stem end or excessive softening are indications of overripe peaches.

Selection Tips

Choose bright, fresh-looking peaches. Skin color should be creamy or yellow with varying degrees or red blush or mottling, depending on the variety. Ripe peaches should yield to gentle palm pressure.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Unripe - countertop in closed paper bag. Ripe - refrigerate.

Continues to ripen after harvest.

Nutrition

Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
Good Source of the antioxidant Vitamin C
Fat Free

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving TIps

Add peach slices to fresh fruit salads or use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Use fresh peaches in baked goods such as pies, tarts, and cobblers as well.

Useful Links

California Tree Fruit Agreement

Fun Facts

Today, peaches are a real bargain. In first-century Rome a peach cost the equivalent of $4.50; in Victorian England, a peach cost the equivalent of $5.00.
1999 Produce Availability and Merchandising Guide, The Packer. 1999.

The ancient Chinese considered the peach a symbol of long life and immortality. These "Persian apples" actually had their beginnings in China, but were developed in Persia and went from there to Europe and then to America with the colonists.
"Fun with Fruit Facts," Fruit Grower, December 1997. Page 61.

Plums

Varieties

Red Beaut, Black Beaut, Santa Rosa, Black Amber, Fortune, Friar, Simka, Kelsey, Royal Diamond, French Prune, Casselman, Angeleno, Black Ambar, Larry Ann, Stanley, French (d'Agen)

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA						P	P	P	P	P	L
CHILE	P	P	M									M

Avoid

Avoid plums with discolored skins or that appear shriveled, soft, or leaky.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Unripe - countertop. Ripe - refrigerate.

Continues to ripen after harvest.

Nutrition

Low Fat
Saturated Fat Free
Sodium Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving Tips

Serve fresh whole plums for quick out-of-hand snacking.

Add plum slices to fruit salads or use as a fresh fruit topping for desserts.

Useful Links

California Tree Fruit Agreement

Fun Facts

The Welsh say that when a plum tree blooms out of season, a family death is imminent.
Fruits & Nuts in Symbolism & Celebration, Mary Reed. Resource Publications, Inc. 1992.

According to an Oriental legend, the first plum tree sprang from the blood of a dragon.
Fruits & Nuts in Symbolism & Celebration, Mary Reed. Resource Publications, Inc. 1992.

Watermelon

Varieties

Picnic, Icebox, Seedless, Yellow, Orange

Availibility

L=Low, M=Medium, P=Peak

Location	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
CA				L	P	P	P	P	P	P	L
FL					P	P	L			L	L	L
GA						M	P	L	L
MEXICO	M	M	P	P	P	M				M	P	P
SC						M	M	L	L
TX				L	M	M	M	M	P	M	L

Selection

Choose a symmetrical watermelon that is heavy for its size.

Storage, Ripening (if any) & Handling

Uncut - countertop. Cut - refrigerate.

Does not further ripen after harvest.

Ripe indicators: a dull rind, dried stem, and a yellowish underside where it touched the ground.

Wash watermelon with water before cutting.

Nutrition

Saturated Fat Free
Cholesterol Free
High in the antioxidant Vitamin C
Good Source of the antioxidant Vitamin A
Fat Free

Health Benefits

Reduce cancer-risk with more fruits & vegetables

Reduce cancer risk by decreasing fat

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease with high-fiber fruits & vegetables

Reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol

Reduce risk of hypertension by decreasing sodium

Serving Tips

Looking for a fun appetizer when you entertain? Try making spears of fruit by attaching strawberries, grapes, melon slices, or pineapple chunks onto small skewers. Use low-fat or non-fat yogurt for a dip.

Puree watermelon flesh and use as a flavorful base for blended drinks or frozen desserts such as sorbet.

Useful Links

National Watermelon Association
National Watermelon Promotion Board

Fun Facts

Watermelon consists of 88% water, so it is aptly named.
The Great Food Almanac, Irena Chalmers, Collins Publishers, 1994. Page 240.