Citrus is a winter crop, and oranges love the cold — not freezing temperatures, but a definite chill. When the mercury dips into the 30s in the San Joaquin Valley, the cold actually makes oranges sweeter. The chill brings that deep orange hue to the skin and the fruit, it thickens the peel — as if Mother Nature is putting on an extra coat — and it triggers sugar production in the fruit. From now through March, you almost can’t find a bad navel orange. Look for heavy oranges. The heavier the fruit, the more juice there is inside, so I actually weigh each orange before choosing. You should find them retailing for 49 to 79 cents per pound, depending on size.
Michael Marks is the marketing manager for FreshPoint.
In the Bins
Cuties
San Joaquin Valley
$2.99 to $3.99 per bag
Tips: The Cutie is not a variety of tangerine; it’s simply a marketing name for any kind of tangerine, including Satsumas and Clementines.
Blueberries
Argentina
$4.99 to $5.99 per pint
Tips: At this time of year, those fresh blueberries you see at the market hail from South America. Sprinkle them on your warm oatmeal for a colorful pick-me-up.
Cherries
Chile
$5.99 to $6.99 per pound
Tips: These pricey cherries are being air shipped from Chile, which makes them very extravagant treats for the holiday season. That said, if the cherries are not shiny, don’t waste your money.
