Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
Seasons/Availability
Santa Rosa plums are available during summer.
Current Facts
The Santa Rosa plum is a stone fruit cultivar within the genus, Prunus, which includes cherries, apricots, peaches and almonds. The Santa Rosa is considered the benchmark variety of plums. Named for its growing region, it was originally created from Asian plum parentage to become an improved variety with its capacity to bear large yields of fruit, ship easily, resist disease and carry a longer shelf-life than the heirloom varieties whose place the Santa Rosa plum would quickly take.
Description/Taste
The Santa Rosa plum has a perfectly speckled and glistening deep ruby red berry-tart skin so thin that when the flesh is punctured, it pops. The fruit's deep strawberry and orange colored flesh is firm yet tender, extremely juicy when ripe and so low acid it flavors are reminiscent of fruit punch and cherry jolly ranchers.
Applications
Santa Rosa plums are best for fresh eating and used as a principle ingredient in desserts such as cakes, ice creams and pies. They also make delicious compotes, jams and reductions. Complimentary flavors include vanilla, nutmeg, tropical fruits, chocolate, butter and citrus. Savory pairings include mild fresh cheeses such as chevre and ricotta, herbs such as arugula, chiles, fennel and basil, pulled and cured pork, lamb and crudo style seafood such as albacore and scallops. To store, refrigerate ripe fruit for up to one week.
Geography/History
The Santa Rosa plum was developed by horticulturist and pioneer of agriculture science, Luther Burbank in 1906 in Santa Rosa, CA. The late 19th century and early 20th century brought the introduction of Asian varieties of familiar fruits, specifically apricots, cherries and plums. Burbank drew upon the genetic diversity of these new species to develop new varieties that would thrive in the growing regions of California. The Santa Rosa plum thrives in climates where winter time temperatures are cool but not cold and the summer season is long, warm and dry.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Santa Rosa Plums. One
is easiest, three is harder.
