When we talk about varieties in produce, we’re referring to specific types within a fruit or vegetable category – such as Meyer lemons, Hass avocados, or Pink Lady apples. Varieties are important because they can differ significantly in flavor, texture, appearance, and even how they’re best used in the kitchen. For example, the sweet flavor and bright red skin of a Pink Lady apple are quite different from the tart taste and green skin of a Granny Smith apple.
A grower that does an excellent job of exploring different varieties is Windset Farms in Santa Maria. They grow grape, cherry, medley, and Campari tomatoes in a variety of growing styles and pack sizes. Some varieties are selected for their sweetness, while others are chosen for their rich, earthy flavor profiles. Through continuous testing and trialing, growers can determine which varieties perform best in our local climate and deliver the best eating experience.
Another grower that showcases the diversity of fruit varieties is Family Tree Farms in Kingsburg, California. Over the coming months, you’ll start seeing many of their stone fruit varieties appearing in our boxes. One of their most unique offerings is the plumcot – a hybrid between a plum and an apricot that tends to lean more toward the plum side in both flavor and appearance. Family Tree Farms grows several plumcot varieties that ripen at different times throughout the season, allowing them to harvest from May all the way through September. We’re kicking off plumcot season with the Samba plumcot, a vibrant red variety known for its sweet-tart flavor and eye-catching crimson color. As the season progresses, we’ll introduce even more plumcot varieties, with beautiful hues ranging from green and yellow to purple and pink.
Exploring different varieties is a great way to discover new flavors, learn what you enjoy most, and find produce that fits your cooking style. It’s also one of the best ways to experience the diversity and seasonality that make fresh produce so special.
