Pink Blush Grapefruit

The first grapefruit was described in Barbados in 1750. It is relatively new to the citrus group and thought to be a genetic offshoot of the Pummelo. Grapefruits are an excellent source of Vit C, lycopene and fiber. Grapefruit can interfere with the absorption of some prescription medications, check the label.

Navel Orange

An orange with an Innie. Navels are aptly named. Native to Brazil, they've been cultivated in Riverside CA since the dawn of the citrus boom in the 1870s. Easy to peel and breaks into sections superbly, this orange is practically seedless.

German Butterball Potato

An heirloom variety potato. Mostly round to oblong with medium dry flesh. Skin so thin - it needn't be peeled. Makes wunderbar Kartoffelsalat!

Storage: Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place. Organic potatoes have not been treated with any sprout retardants.

Preparation: Boil in skins, cool, and use in potato salad or glaze them in butter or olive oil and serve with a dash of chopped parsley.

Rapini

Rapini is also known as Broccoletti and Broccoli Rabe. This cabbage relative is pungent and full of complex flavor. A staple in Southern Italian and Chinese cuisine, it makes a quick nutritious meal atop some penne, gemelli, or lo mein pasta.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen like eucalyptus and pine, and to be ever green requires fortitude and terpenes. This strong medicinal aromatic herb pairs well with roasted veggies and will lift your spirit to boot.

Spinach

Does spinach make you super-duper-strong and your arm mus-kles go "Boing!" like Popeye's? Maybe not, but with 181% daily value of Vitamin K and 56% of daily value of Vitamin A, it is a super food that is sure to make the Sweet Peas in your life go "ga-ga."

Preparation: These tender leaves should ideally be steamed to retain the most nutrients possible. If you boil them, do so no longer than two minutes. To retain color, cook with the lid off. Fresh-cooked spinach reduces down to one-quarter of its volume. To wilt spinach, simply toss washed-and-still-wet leaves into a pan, and heat and shake for a moment ‘til done. Try a sauté by heating a tablespoon of olive oil and stock, adding a little chopped onion and garlic, then tossing in the spinach. Oh, Olive! Baby spinach is ideal for salads, but larger leaves may also be used in hearty salads with a complimentary protein such as eggs, bacon, or tuna.

Storage: Don’t wash spinach before storing as the exposure to water encourages spoilage. Place spinach in a plastic storage bag and gently wrap the bag around the spinach, squeezing out as much of the air as possible. Place in crisper drawer of fridge for up to 5 days.

Capay Organic, Capay CA

Chioggia Beets

Beets with a target at their heart. Red and white graphic beets look festive grated on the bias.

Green Cabbage

Cabbage is so versatile in the kitchen. Hold a head in your hands and contemplate - simmered, sauteéd, rolled, stuffed, or shredded? Very nutritious with essential minerals and phytochemicals - with its overlapping layers, cabbage holds many curative secrets.

Celery Root

Celery root or Celeriac is prized for its delicate flavor, not its looks. Use a sharp paring knife to peel. Sliced, julienned or grated, then blanched, reveals what Chef John Ash calls 'the quintessential winter vegetable.'

Bok Choi

Bok Choi (or Pak Choi) is easy to prepare, it is so tender in can be eaten raw. After rinsing, the stems can be sliced in into matchsticks or half moons.

Baby Delicata Squash

Falling in between the seasons, it has both the soft characteristics of summer and the sweet taste of winter breeds. Delicata (delicate in Italian) is an heirloom variety also known as Bohemian squash.