Cara Cara Oranges are here!!

What?  An entire post about an orange?  Yes sir.  If you have not tried these beauties, then you are not living.  Okay, perhaps that is a bit of an overstatement, but still, get out to the market and check things out.  It always surprises me in winter how uncrowded the markets are.  Sure, summer brings tomatoes and raspberries, but there is more to life than nightshades (and, duh, potatoes are around year long people) and red things.  And if you need the red things, Swanton is still producing some decent strawberries.  Of course, that will soon to change with the new weather pattern setting up.  So if that is your thing, get them this coming week.  But back to the point of this post.  The Cara Cara.

Cara Cara Oranges.  Image from applesandonions.com

They really only came on the scene a few years back.  Before that, they existed, but were even harder to find.  They tend to arrive sometime between late November and and early January, like the perfect holiday treat.  They can stick around for a few months or more.  In essence, they are a red fleshed Navel.  They tend to be a bit bigger than a Navel, but smaller than a Grapefruit. Pinkish to light orange flesh.  Kind of like a Ruby, and similar in taste.  But different.  I would almost describe them as a slightly tart orange or a sweeter Ruby Red.  But more complex and interesting than that. Regardless, they are delicious and way more interesting than the typical grocery fruit.  And, even more interesting than an epic Farmer's Market Navel.  So, in short, go buy some from your local farmer.

While I am posting, I should mention that the rain is coming.  Expect some changes to come.  We need the water, so, while the rain may damage some crops (and raise prices) farmer's will not need to irrigate (lowers prices).  Prices should remain fairly steady through the period, but expect lower quality on tender leaf plants like lettuces.  Strawberries, what there are of them, will take a beating.  Otherwise, we are not expecting any terrible cold that kills off stocks.  Coming soon a mid winter market report.  Happy eating.