Peaches- Elegant Lady and Zee Lady are the two main varieties this week and some Sweet Dreams are available. Volume is high and shippers are making deals. Sizing is predominantly large and quality remains very good, but there has been some occasional heat related staining. Most of the smaller size fruit is being packed in volume fills at reasonable prices. Preconditioned fruit is available with the perfect combination of ripeness and flavor. Snow King and Summer Sweet are the white flesh varieties now available with great color. Several shippers are packing excellent quality fruit into tray packs. The unique “Galaxy” and “Saturn” style white flesh peaches are still available, but will be coming to an end soon.
Nectarines- The nectarine market is much like the peach market with high volume and shippers making deals. Summer Fire, Fire Sweet, and Honey Royale are the major varieties available. All sizes are available from large tray packs to small volume fills. Eating quality and blush are excellent. The overall nectarine appearance is reported as good to very good with nearly 95% to full color on a nice orange back. White nectarines also look very good and they are available in the Bright Pearl and Fire Pearl varieties. Both varieties are high in color and are great eaters.
Plums- Plum season is in full swing with multiple varieties of red and black plums available. Shippers are pushing plums because supplies are currently exceeding demand. Catalina, Friar, and Fortunes are some nice varieties available. These varieties are very large and peaking at 30 and 40. Quality remains excellent. The Dapple Dandy is the best and highest volume pluot available now. This is a great eating variety with a high brix and juicy red flesh. Be sure to have your plum and pluot orders inspected and lots selected because there are many variety issues.
Apricots- Pattersons are the last major California Apricot variety available. These are packed in volume fills with limited supplies available.
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