Citrus fruit is at its best
Look for navel oranges, grapefruit and clementines
Imported foods are changing over from one growing region to another, so some products may be more expensive or absent from our shelves for a week or so. Blueberries from Chile are on the wane and we’ll soon see Florida fruit, beginning in smaller containers and at higher prices. Asparagus from Mexico is ending and the California crop, more expensive, will be along shortly. Florida strawberries are winding down, Mexican berries are just about over; California berries are starting.
Reliable and at its best is citrus fruit, which has been at its peak for weeks and will continue to be sweet, juicy and plentiful for another few weeks. Take note in par- ticular of navel oranges from California and Spain, Florida grapefruit, and clementines from Spain and (in some stores) Israel. If your cold weather tonic is fresh orange juice, load up on Florida juice oranges now.
Grapes from Chile are good and reasonably priced. Since their season is beginning to wind down, be on guard against dry, brown stems, indicating older fruit. The grapes should taste good, but may be overripe and therefore perishable. South African pears and plums are on their way, always superb and recommended at any price.
Lettuce from California is good. Quebec hydroponic lettuce is plentiful. Greenhouse cucumbers and tomatoes from Ontario are reasonably priced. And green onions continue to be an excellent way to add flavour and crunch to a salad.