fruit notes

Stan Devoto tells me the early spring heatwave in March affected his Gravenstein apples the most. It's a familiar story we've heard, but with cherries and other stone fruit. Now apples too: the burst of heat pushed the trees to bloom early over a compressed period. For the Gravensteins, there weren't enough pollinators buzzing about to properly pollinate the flowers, so the fruit set is really low this year. They're also a little smaller than usual, and with the low yield, this may be the only week we'll have them. Enjoying this NorCal favorite while we can! Store in the fridge. Grown organically by Devoto Orchards in Sebastopol.

Last year, Carine and Robert trialed 14 different varieties of Charentais melons, growing out the plants, harvesting them, and doing the hard work of taste-testing every variety. The Stelio Charentais "rose to the top for flavor, productivity, and ability to withstand the heat and sun!" Carine tells me the Stelio is a newer variety recommended by a French breeder. It has firmer flesh than the Sivan and is slightly more floral, while still having the same sweetness and muskiness that we love in a Charentais. The first succession is ready, and since they run a little bigger, they're in this week's Big fruitqueen Boxes. (Meanwhile the petit classique Sivan Charentais are in the Baby Boxes!) Store in the fridge. Grown organically by Sun Tracker Farm in Guinda.

Raspberries are flush right now at Yerena Farms! While other berries may be slowing in the heatwave, the raspberries are absolutely popping off! These strike the perfect balance of sweetness and classic raspberry tartness. Store in the fridge. Grown organically by Yerena Farms in Watsonville.

As soon as the August Pearl nectarines arrived from Twin Peaks, I was eager to bite into one. Camelia from Twin Peaks had been so right about the Zephyr white nectarines we brought in a couple of weeks ago being delicious—they were some of the best white nectarines I've had this season! Biting into an August Pearl I found it packed with sweetness and juice, even while still firm and crunchy. It did not disappoint – it's so good! Store on the counter. You can eat them firm or let them soften slightly for a day or two. Grown organically by Twin Peaks Orchards in Newcastle.

The main crop of figs are here, and we love Gauchito's varieties. This week, we're featuring a classic fig – and maybe the most popular – the Black Mission. When grown and picked just right, like Thea and Andres do, these figs are plump, ripe, and sweet with notes of caramel and honey. They have a jammy texture and a pleasant chewiness. Store in the fridge. Grown organically by Gauchito Hill Farm in Arbuckle.

Peach season is winding down in a hurry, which means we're savoring the last sweet varieties! Mia Snow white peaches are stunning, ranging from light pink to deep red. These white peaches are sweet, aromatic, floral, and incredibly juicy. Growing up, we always ate our white peaches firm and crunchy, like an Asian pear. You can also leave them on the counter for a day or two to soften slightly. Grown organically by Balakian Farms in Reedley.

It's late summer, and Toby's classic Dapple Dandy pluots are here—and they are delicious! With their green and pink mottled skin, it’s easy to see how Dapple Dandy pluots became one of the earlier pluot varieties to gain fame at farmers markets. They have thin skin and are juicy and sweet, with just a touch of acidity from their plum parentage – it's a yummy one! Like all pluots, you can eat them firm or let them soften slightly on the counter to get a little plummier. Store on the counter. Grown organically by Free Spirit Farm in Winters.