Produce picks: Sonya apple
30.10.2006 15:00 Food And Wine
The Sonya is a new apple developed on the south island of New Zealand, in the Nevis growing region. The Sonya is a cross between a Red Delicious and Gala, with the crispness and shape of the Red Delicious and the sweetness of the Gala. Although it was developed about 12 years ago, it is just now coming into the supermarkets. It is being grown in Washington, and it does require some extra care. For instance, growers cover the orchards with netting to protect the fruit from direct sunlight. You may not find these apples in all stores, but you will start seeing them pop up here and there. By the way, Sonya was named after the daughter of the original grower in New Zealand.
IN THE BINS
Cantaloupe
San Joaquin Valley, desert areas
49 to 69 cents per pound
Fall melons tend to have more green cast to the shell and tend to be muddier. Be sure to wash them well. These have very good flavor.
Cranberries
Mass., Wis., Wash.
$2.49 to $2.99 per bag
First-of-the-season cranberries are here.
Persimmons
San Joaquin Valley
89 cents to $1.19 each
We start out with the flat Fuyu variety. They start out pretty light in color. After the first frost, sugar content and flavor really kick in.
Strawberries
Watsonville, Oxnard
$2.99 to $3.99 per basket
Don't give up on strawberries, but this time of year, their shelf life is very limited. Buy berries just before you use them.
Source: Produce specialist Michael Marks, who has been in the fruit and vegetable business for more than 25 years.
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