I’ve heard people say they can’t believe July is almost over, but for me, it’s been the longest — and hottest –month ever. Next in line is August: our “fruitiest” month at Terra Firma. Of course, even most of the vegetable crops we are currently harvesting are technically fruits. But I’m referring to the non-vegetables.
Of course we’ll be harvesting Peaches and Nectarines through Labor Day. But some of the tastiest varieties come between now and mid-August. Some have silly monikers, such as the Zee Lady and Elegant Ladies that you are getting this week. They will be followed by the classic O’Henry and the poetically named Augustglo nectarine. All these varieties have a nice balance of acid — I.e., peach flavor — and sugar.
Watermelons are currently taking a little hiatus, as the fruit stopped ripening when it got over 103 degrees several days last week. But the season runs from late June through October most years, and our fields look great. They’ll be back in a week or two.
“Muskmelons”, which includes numerous types of melons other than Watermelons, are a completely different crop. We grow them in different fields, and they have a much shorter season than watermelons, mostly ripening in August. Betweeen now and then you’ll see Cantelopes in your box and possibly a “Piel de Sapo”, a white-fleshed melon with green skin that turns partially golden as it ripens.
We’ve also started harvesting Seedless Table Grapes. Our grape season runs from now until sometime in October. We grow black and red varieties with slight variations in texture and flavor: Summer Royal (black; in your boxes today), Flame Seedless (red), Scarlet Royal (red), Autumn Royal (black) and Crimson Seedless (red).
Thanks,
Pablito