"They Call Me Produce Pete"
Pete's award-winning new memoir is now available!
Order through this website and get an autographed copy!
Pete's award-winning new memoir is now available!
Order through this website and get an autographed copy!
Live On Air with Bert Baron, WRNJ Radio (104.7 FM)
BookTowne, Manasquan, NJ
Donaldson's Farm, Hackettstown, NJ
The Surf City Hotel, Surf City, NJ
Little Falls Farmers Market, Little Falls, NJ
IACHETTI'S KITCHEN IN GLEN ROCK N J ROASTED CAULIFLOWER FLATBREAD
GLOBAL HARVEST MANDARIN'S
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-mandarins/3138314/
IACHETTI'S KITCHEN IN NGLEN ROCK N.J WITH ROASTED SWEET CORN https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-corn/3148117/
ORANGE FLESH HONEYDEWS
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-honeydew-melons/3159671/
FARM CORN FROM DONALDSON'S FARM
NEW JERSEY PEACHES FROM DONALDSON'S FARM
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-peaches/3189740/
NEW JERSEY TOMATO'S FROM DONALDSON'S FARM
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-jersey-tomatoes/3208196/
BANANAS FROM YOGART IN EDGEWATER N J
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-bananas/3221439/
DR BOB'S IRON SKILLET EGGPLANT
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-eggplant/3233992/
BIG ED'S STRING BEANS
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-string-beans/3245345/
FARMS VIEW FARM SUMMER SQUASH
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-squash/3256723/
PRUNE PLUMS
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-picks-prune-plums/3279564/
POMEGRANTES
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-pomegranates/3291590/
APPLE PICKING AT DONALDSON'S FARMhttps://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-goes-apple-picking/3303379/
PUMPKINS FROM FARMS VIEW FARM
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-pumpkins-2/3314887/
HARD WINTER SQUASH FROM FARMS VIEW FARM IN WAYNE N.J.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-winter-squash/3327650/
BRUSSEL SPROUTS FROM DONALDSON'S FARM. HACKETTSTOWN NEW JERSEY
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-brussels-sprouts-2/3346787/
PERSIMMONS FROM HOME FOR HALLOWEEN
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-persimmons-2/3364210/
YAMS HUNTS POINT MARKET THANKSGIVING TABLE
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/produce-pete/produce-pete-yams/3383755/
NAPOLITANO'S PRODUCE
The story of how Napolitano's Produce in Bergenfield NJ got it's start, has to do with watermelons. My father was always in the produce business but really didn't care much for it, you know it was never his choice , it was what the family did. Now from time to time he would do other jobs, a butcher, truck driver, bar owner, and a bus driver. well it just so happened that he was driving a bus for Red and Tan Line in northern New Jersey, when my Mom came to him and said, Pete, I was getting gas at a service station in Bergenfield and I noticed that next to him was an empty lot and I thought , that would make a perfect spot for me to sell some watermelons off one of your trucks. Mom was always thinking of how to bring extra money in the household, those days were pretty lean, and she was a woman ahead of her times. So being a good husband he bought her a load of watermelons, parked her on the corner by the gas station and went about driving the bus. To his surprise, but not her's, she sold the whole load that day. Now being such a good husband, he bought her two loads the next day, she sold all of them and he stopped driving the bus, and Napolitano's Produce was born. So when people always say to me, your father had a great business, I always thank them with a little smile, if it wasn't for mom , who knows what would have been, Produce Pete may never have existed, Thanks Mom!!!
Have a Great Summer !!!!!
NBC's ' Produce Pete' sits down to talk about food access issues, the New York Green Cart Initiative and his own beginnings as a street vendor. He appears in the film THE APPLE PUSHERS (www.applepushers.com).
PRODUCE PETE AND FARMS ACROSS NEW JERSEY 2020 TOMATO TOSS.
THANK YOU KATIE AND DONALDSON'S FARM. NO FARM- NO FOOD
http://j-archive.com/showgame.php?game_id=1170
REST IN PEACE ALEX
CLICK ON LINK ABOVE. PRODUCE PETE A CATEGORY ON JEOPARDY?? WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED!
NEW JERSEY MONTHLY ON LINE TABLE HOPPIN
THE MAGIC OF NEW JERSEY MELONS
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-melons/
THREE CHEERS FOR CHERRIES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-cherries/
NEW JERSEY LOCAL LETTUCE
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-local-lettuce/
VIDALIA ONIONS
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-vidalia-onions/
LEEKS
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-leeks/
ESCAROLE
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-escarole-chicory/
HASS AVOCADOES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-all-about-avocados/
CARA CARA ORANGES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/cara-cara-navel-oranges/
BROCCOLI RABE
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-all-about-broccoli-rabe/
YAMS/SWEET POTATOES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-sweet-potatoes-yams/..
PUMPED FOR PUMPKINS
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-pumped-for-pumpkins/
CRAZY FOR CUKES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-cucumbers/
JERSEY CORN
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-jersey-corn/
SWEET SUMMER NECTARINES
I
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-nectarines/
NEW JERSEY BLUEBERRIES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-jersey-blueberries/
A WEALTH OF WATERMELONS
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-a-wealth-of-watermelon/
FOR THE LOVE OF STRAWBERRIES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-for-the-love-of-strawberries/
CRAZY FOR SWISS CHARD
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-swiss-chard/
NEW JERSEY TOMATOES
https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/table-hopping/produce-pete-talking-tomatoes/
NEW JERSEY STRINGBEANS
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From acorn to turban, winter squash are some of the most delicious and versatile ingredients of the season. Unlike summer squash, these are harvested in autumn when they are hard and ripe, and most varieties can be stored and enjoyed for use through the winter. Cutting a winter squash can present an interesting challenge.Years ago on WNBC, I did a segment on winter squash. I put on a pair of goggles and heavy gloves and pulled a chain saw from under the counter.It was a joke, but not too far off the mark. The problem is that the shell is very hard, the squash tends to roll, and the blade of a knife tends to slip off the smooth skin.To avoid consumers from having to deal with this hassle at home, green grocers and supermarkets have increasingly offered more and more cut-up fruits and vegetables, though the price for this service can cost as much as triple that of an uncut item.Coming from humble post-WWII beginnings like our family did, I remember my mom always cutting and preparing produce herself, and I encourage consumers to consider taking on this worthy challenge. As the fall weather starts to bring on a chill in the air, we look for something hearty, so here are a few of my favorite winter squashes.
ACORN SQUASH
Acorn squash is small in size, typically weighing between one and two pounds, with orange-yellow flesh and thick, dark green and orange skin.The flavor of Acorn squash has a mild, subtly sweet and nutty flavor. The skin is also edible.Like most varieties of winter squash, acorn squash is really versatile. It can be baked, roasted, steamed, sautéed, or even cooked in the microwave
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
This pear-shaped squash has a smooth, cream-colored exterior with bright orange flesh and comparatively few seeds The flavor is the sweetest variety of winter squash. Butternut squash is extremely versatile. It's perfect for roasting and sautéing, or making a smooth purée or soup
.CARNIVAL SQUASH
The pumpkin-shaped Carnival Squash has a pale yellow skin with green markings and often ranges in size from 5 to 7 inches in diameter. Unlike summer squash (which are picked when immature and skins are tender), Carnival Squash have hard, thick skins and only the flesh is eaten. The delicious yellow meat is reminiscent of sweet potatoes and butternut squash and can be baked or steamed then combined with butter and fresh herbs
. DELICATA SQUASH
Also known as sweet potato squash, this small cylindrical squash has thin cream- to yellow-colored skin with green stripes, and orange-yellow flesh. Delicatas are smaller than most winter squash, so they're quite easy to prepare and cook.Delicata has creamy flesh with a mild flavor akin to sweet potatoes.The skin on this small squash is edible, so don't worry about cutting it off. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds, then you can either bake it as is, or cut it into slices which can be roasted, sautéed, or steamed. Delicata squash is also ideal for stuffing
HUBBARD SQUASH
Hubbard squash is one of the largest varieties of winter squash. It has a hard, firm exterior that can range in color from deep green to gray or blue. Hubbard squash has a rich, sweet pumpkin flavor. While the hard exterior is generally discarded, the sweet orange flesh can be substituted for any other variety of winter squash. It's ideal for both cooking and baking, and is especially great for making pie.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
Spaghetti squash has a cylindrical shape with a firm exterior that ranges in color from pale cream to bright yellow. When you cook the squash, the moist flesh develops strands that resemble spaghetti .Spaghetti squash doesn't actually taste like spaghetti. It has a tender, chewy, fragile texture, and a very mild flavor. Unlike other winter squash varieties, it lacks sweetness.Roast or steam it, then scrape out the strands. Top with marinara, pesto, or mix in other veggies, and eat it as you would spaghetti
SWEET DUMPLING SQUASH
This small yellow squash, with bright orange to dark green striations, may be the cutest of the bunch The flesh is starchy and sweet, with a flavor that's reminiscent of corn. The small, single-serving size of this squash makes it ideal for stuffing and roasting
. TURBAN SQUASH
This large, decorative squash has an irregular turban shape with a dull-looking, bumpy exterior that can range in color from mottled green to orange and yellow. This large squash has a very mild, nutty flavor. Turban squash is most often used as a decoration, though you can use it in recipes in just about any way you use butternut, acorn, or other winter squash. Hollowed out, it makes a beautiful soup tureen.
SELECTION AND STORAGE
Squashes should have a solid, heavy feel; a squash that feels light for its size may be soft and dehydrated inside. The hard shell of a winter squash should be undamaged, but the skin, unlike that of summer squashes, should be dull, which indicates that the squash was picked when fully mature. Make sure the stem is still attached, as a missing stem indicates that the squash has been in storage too long.Never refrigerate squash unless it’s been cut, then wrap it in plastic and store it for only a day or two before using. The smaller the winter squash, the shorter its shelf life. Acorn squash, for example, should be used within two to three weeks of purchase. Some of the larger varieties of winter squash will remain sweet and tasty for as long as six or seven months if kept in a dry, cool (but not cold) place, out of direct sunlight.
PREPARING WINTER SQUASH
A kitchen saw or even a small saw will make short work of it, but another reasonably simple way to cut into a winter squash is to look for the area on the squash that has indentations or ribs. Lay the squash so that it’s steady, insert the point of a sturdy knife in a crease, give the handle a couple of taps with a hammer to start the cut, and then proceed as if you were cutting a watermelon, being extremely careful. Remove the seeds before cooking.Smaller winter squash like acorn squash are best baked. Cut them in half, brush them with butter, sprinkle them with brown sugar, and bake them for about thirty minutes or until tender.Very large squashes like butternut squash can be peeled, cut into chunks, and boiled for 10 to 20 minutes or until tender; the chunks can then be puréed or mashed and prepared as you would make mashed potatoes.Spaghetti squash is best when it’s baked whole in a moderately hot oven for 1 to 1½ hours, depending on the size of the squash.Pierce the squash in two or three places before baking to release the steam. After it’s done, cut it in half and use a fork to remove the flesh, which looks and handles like spaghetti. You can toss it with marinara sauce or top it with butter or cheese. Many people also like to eat spaghetti squash cold with a vinaigrette.Winter squash is delicious added to soups and stews or sliced, battered and fried. Remember to pre-cook it in water until the flesh is tender-crisp before frying.
DID YOU KNOW ???
Enjoy these Winter Squashes and check out Bette's Recipes !!! Click link below for Winter Squash Show
There’s perhaps nothing more iconic in New Jersey during the month of October than corn mazes, hay rides and especially pumpkins. Heading out to a farm with the family to pick pumpkins or enjoy a hay ride is a great fall tradition that shouldn’t be missed; for a list of pumpkin farms in your area, visit www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org. Since October is one of my favorite months of the year, I thought I’d share some fun facts about pumpkins and Halloween:
TODAY I'M AT DONALDSON'S FARM IN HACKETTSTOWN NEW JERSEY, ONE OF MY
FAVORITE FARMS ESPECIALLY IN THE FALL WHEN PUMPKINS AND APPLES REMINDS US OF OUR CHILDHOOD AND THE FUN OF HALLOWEEN.
SELECTION AND STORAGE
When picking any kind of pumpkin, select one without bruises or soft spots. It may be greenish in color, but left whole in a cool spot — not refrigerated — it will ripen and turn orange. Always select a pumpkin with a nice green stem (I always say that a pumpkin without a stem is like a Christmas tree without a star on top), but never handle a pumpkin by its stem because it can break off easily.
PREPARATION
Some people use Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins for cooking, but these were developed specifically to be oversized and thin-walled, with a huge seed pocket and a relatively small proportion of flesh. By contrast, the smaller sugar pumpkins, or pie pumpkins, will give you more meat for cooking purposes and often a better flavor and texture. Sugar pumpkins make an especially delicious pumpkin soup. For another interesting application, buy an extra sugar pumpkin, clean out the cavity, and use it as a tureen.If you can find it, I suggest using a variety called cheese pumpkins for pies. They’re medium-to-large-sized pumpkins with very flattened shapes, a light tan shell and orange flesh. Found most readily at farm stands and throughout New England, cheese pumpkins make delicious pies, while regular pumpkins — particularly sugar and especially Jack-o’-lantern varieties — sometimes make a stringy filling.
DECORATING JACK-O LANTERNS
Instead of cutting and hollowing out a pumpkin for your Jack-o’-lantern, here’s a way to decorate pumpkins that’s different and colorful: Leave them intact and create a face using fresh vegetables. My mother used to decorate our pumpkins this way because it preserved the pumpkin, which she could then use in cooking after Halloween was over. Depending on what you use, you can give the pumpkins a wide range of personalities. I’ll never forget how my mother would use a carrot or parsnip to make a long, witchy nose, red peppers for lips, radishes for eyes, and string beans for eyelashes. Then she’d slice potatoes to make ears and make “hair” out of fennel tops. The result was unusual and very striking .My wife, Bette, who’s quite artistic, picked up a lot of kitchen techniques from my mother, and she’s decorated pumpkins for my NBC segments that were really something to see.
WHY DO WE CARVE PUMPKINS
Thought the Americans were the first to carve the orange fruit into freaky figures? Think again. Like most American folklore, this spooky ritual comes from our European ancestors. We’re a country of immigrants, so most of our traditions originate from outside the U.S.—and jack o’ lanterns are no different. The practice dates back to a centuries-old Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack.”
THE TWISTED TALE OF STINGY JACK
According to the legend, Jack was a devious fellow who outsmarted the devil time and time again. Jack was the town drunk but had a clever side and so he met the devil one fateful night. The duo shared a drink and, too cheap to pay for his booze, Jack convinced Satan to morph into a coin that he could use to pay for their beverages. As soon as he did, Jack put the coin in his pocket next to a silver cross. The devil was unable to change back into his original form, and Jack held him that way until Satan agreed not to take his soul. Sneaky!
Next, the shifty swindler convinced the devil to climb up a tree to steal a piece of fruit. He quickly carved the sign of the cross into the tree bark. Again, the devil couldn’t come down until he agreed not to bother Jack for another 10 years. Shortly after his meeting with the devil, Jack died. As legend goes, God would not accept Jack into heaven and sent him down to visit the devil in hell. But the devil kept his promise. He wouldn’t let Jack into hell, either, and imprisoned him to an even darker fate. The devil sent Jack into the dark night to roam the world for eternity, with only a coal to light his way. Jack lit the coal, put it in a hollowed-out turnip and has been drifting through the world, scaring children ever since the Townsfolks began to refer to this figure as “Jack of the lantern,” and shortly thereafter “Jack o’ lantern.” People began to carve their own lanterns out of turnips, beets, potatoes and eventually pumpkins in hopes of warding away any ghostly spirits.
THE TRADITION TODAY
Over time the tradition reached American shores by way of mouth, and immigrants from various countries took their own approach to the ancient tradition. A chiefly American fruit, the pumpkin became our own adaptation of this European tradition, and it’s now a symbol of Halloween. As years went by, the spooky history behind this family tradition has been lost. So now carving pumpkins is synonymous with family and friends instead of spooky spirits.This October, when you reach for a warm glass of cider and a carving knife, remember the spirit of Stingy Jack, and spook your friends and family with this ghostly tale.
I love apple season. There are few things better than a good apple eaten out of hand. Whether the flesh is mild and sweet or tart and winey, when you bite into it, a fresh-picked apple will make a crisp cracking sound and you’ll get a spurt of juice. There’s a season for everything and the main season for American apples starts the last half of October. I’ve probably said this a thousand times, but our problem in the United States is that we try to buy produce out of season. Many varieties will keep well late into winter, but by summer most apples have been stored for seven or eight months. No wonder they are soft, mealy, and without juice. When peaches and melons come in, stay away from apples. Come back when there’s a snap in the air, and you’ll remember what makes apples so good. Apples are one of the most esteemed fruits in the northern Hemisphere in part because they’re so versatile. They’re delicious raw, baked, dried, or made into apple sauce. They make great pies, apple butter, apple jelly, chutney, cider, and cider vinegar, and they’re a welcome addition to dozens of other dishes. A member of the rose family, apples have been known since ancient times and were cultivated by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Many places grow wonderful apples now, but overall, the United States produces the finest apple crops in the world. The Northwest, the East Coast, and parts of the Midwest, regions where the seasons change, grow the best apples. They’re not a fruit for hot climates. Only a few of the thousands of varieties of apples grown today are mass marketed, but there are many more out there than Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Macs. There are very old and very new varieties you may never have heard of. If you’re north of the Mason-Dixon Line, you’re going to find the best apples at local farm markets and stands, where they’re fresh-picked, and you’re likely to find great varieties you’d never see at the supermarket.
SEASON
The vast majority of apples are picked from September through November and either sold immediately or put into cold storage, where some keep well – some don’t. The peak of the season for domestic varieties – when most stored apples still retain their snap – is generally over by December. A few will last through the early spring, but by March it’s hard even to find a good Winesap.
SELECTING
In most cases look for very firm, bright-colored fruit with no bruises and with the stem still on – a good indication that you’ve got an apple that’s not overripe. The apple should feel heavy in the hand for its size and have a good shine on it. A dull look usually means the fruit has been in storage too long, although some excellent varieties like Winesaps and eastern Golden Delicious have relatively rough skin with little or no sheen. As always, use your nose. An apple that smells great is going to taste great.
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE VARIETIES
HONEYCRISP
Sometimes the name of an apple says it all. Honeycrisp apples are honey sweet (with a touch of tart) and amazingly crisp, some say “explosively crisp.” It’s easy to see why this new variety continues to grow in popularity since its 1991 introduction in Minnesota. Supplies are limited for now but more Honeycrisp trees are being planted every year.
EMPIRE
With the popular Red Delicious and McIntosh for parents, Empire apples were destined to be a hit. It’s a sweet-tart combination that’s great for everything. The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva Introduced this new variety in 1966.
MCINTOSH
Nothing evokes Fall better than the aromatic fragrance of McIntosh apples. People have enjoyed this apple since 1811 when John McIntosh discovered the first seedling. McIntosh apples grow particularly well in New York’s cool climate!
MACOUN
Want a perfect no-fat dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Macoun may just be your apple, but, hurry, these special apples are only available in the Fall. Macoun was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1932. It’s named for a famous Canadian fruit breeder.
GOLDEN DELICIOUS
Ever hear that Golden Delicious is the yellow cousin of the popular Red Delicious apple? Actually, they are related in name only, but this honey sweet apple is a special treat all on its own.
Excellent for eating, salads, and sauces
CORTLAND
Picture a fresh fruit cup featuring beautiful, snow-white apples. It’s likely made with Cortland, the very best salad apple. This great, all-purpose apple was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1898.Sweet, with a hint of tartness
Excellent for eating, salads, sauces, pies and baking
Cortland apples are wonderful for kabobs, fruit plates and garnishes because they don't turn brown quickly when cut.
STAYMAN WINESAP
The Stayman-Winesap is a cross between a Stayman apple and a Winesap apple. The combination of the two strains produces an apple of exceptional eating quality.The Stayman-Winesap’s firm yellow flesh; crisp, coarse texture; and its tart, rich wine-like taste makes it memorable. Some say it smells like cinnamon. Stayman-Winesap’s thick skin maintains sufficient moisture within the flesh to keep the apple crispy to the bite and flavorful to the taste.The late maturing Stayman-Winesaps keep well and can last until spring if properly stored or placed in a fruit cellar. This multi-purpose apple is excellent when eaten fresh, or used in pies, desserts, applesauce, and cider.
A TRIP TO DONALDSON'S FARM
One of my favorite farms in New Jersey, Donaldson's Farm is located in Hackettstown, N.J. Today I am here filming my Apple segment for Weekend Today in New York. I especially love this farm in the fall when the apple orchard and the pumpkins are in season. A family run farm it's a great place to take your family for a day trip and enjoy what made America great, FARMING. The apples from Donaldson's are great tasting, juicy, crunchy, and a great taste of fall. Enjoy the fall weather and please support your LOCAL FARMERS
If you are not that familiar with this orange variety you might be asking yourself: “What is Cara Cara oranges. Cara Cara oranges are pink-fleshed citrus fruits that originated as a mutation that occurred on a Washington Navel orange tree in 1976. The first mutated fruit was found at Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela and thus was given the name Cara Cara. Cara Cara oranges are extremely sweet and have a slightly lower acidity than Navels with a hint of cranberry or blackberry flavor. Furthermore, aside from their supreme taste and beautiful coloring, Cara Cara oranges contain 20 per cent more vitamin C and 30 per cent more vitamin A when compared to regular Navels.. Cara Cara navel oranges may appear similar to Ruby red grapefruit, but other than color and being citrus fruits, they are not the same. Cara Cara navel oranges are a result of a mutation in the navel orange which was found in Venezuel Cara Cara is a medium-size orange with a glossy, textured rind. The inner flesh of the Cara Cara is pink, resembling the color of a ruby grapefruit. The peel clings to the flesh. It tastes sweeter than any given orange with flavors far more comparable to tangerines with robust and complex citrus aromatics. Its flesh is also seedless, an advantage among any fruit. When ripe, the Cara Cara orange's flesh is tender, succulent and extremely juicy. You know the saying, "It's what's on the inside that counts"? Well, that couldn't be more true when it comes to Cara Cara oranges. From the outside, these citrus beauties look like your run-of-the-mill, bright-skinned navel oranges. Cut them open, though, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Cara Cara oranges are a type of navel orange. Grown in California they reach their peak season between December and April.Cara Caras have the same round shape and bright orange rind as traditional navels. What really sets these oranges apart is what's on the inside! Cara Cara oranges have distinct pinkish-red and orange flesh. It's not just their beautiful color that makes them stand out — they have a remarkable taste that goes right along with it. Compared to traditional navels, Cara Caras are sweeter, slightly tangy, and less acidic, with a hint of red fruit, like cranberry or blackberry. And if that's not enough, they're seedless, too.
SEASON
Cara Caras are ready for market starting in August, Venezuelan fruits arrive in October and California fruits make their seasonal debut in late November and are available through April.
Buying and Storing Cara Cara Oranges
While other navel oranges can vary in size, cara caras are all generally medium-size fruits. Choose oranges that are firm, shiny, and heavy for their size. Avoid pieces that have soft spots and blemishes.As with other citrus fruits, store Cara Cara oranges in a cool spot. Kept on the counter, they'll last three to four days, so you're better off storing them in the refrigerator where they'll last up to two weeks.
Eat Cara Cara oranges just as you would other types of navel oranges! Peeling away the rind and eating them section by section, blending them into smoothies or a fresh-squeezed glass of juice, and making citrus curd are just a few of my favorite ways to use Cara Cara They also make a beautiful addition to salads. Just like regular navels, Cara Cara has a bright exterior and has a crisp citrus aroma. But unlike your run-of-the-mill navels, Cara Cara’s flavor is more complex; it is extremely sweet with a tinge of raspberry or cranberry zing and a hint of cherry and rose. It is also low in acidity and is not sour like other citrus fruits. Select Oranges that feel heavy for their size – a sign of juiciness. They don’t have to be hard, but the orange should not feel so soft that it is squishy either.
2. They're similar to grapefruit. Because of their flesh, they remind us of grapefruits with their pink flesh. Only these Cara Cara Oranges have such sweet flavors that you don’t need to add any sugar.
Click link below for Cara Cara Show
Managed and operated a family owned farm/produce business for retail, wholesale, and fruit baskets. Pete has been in the produce business his whole life, and started out selling produce off the back of a truck at auctions and at his parents' roadside stand. Pete's family has been in business since 1953 at the same location in Bergenfield, New Jersey. From 1971 - 1997 Pete owned and operated this family "seasonal" business that includes at Christmas - Christmas trees, wreaths, and fruit baskets. During Easter we sell various plants, gourmet baskets and fruit baskets - Mother's Day - plants, fresh cut flowers, fruit baskets. At Halloween - pumpkins, corn stalks, etc. The produce store is open between April and December with retail, wholesale, and fruit baskets.
In January 1998 he turned over the business to his son Peter Charles making him the 3rd generation to own Napolitano's Produce. In April of 2006, Napolitano's Produce closed it's doors after 53 years, a sad day but everything comes to an end. I would like to thank all the faithful customers who shopped my family store over the past 53 years. It was a privilege serving you. In June 2000 - he started as a Fruit & Vegetable Buyer for S. Katzman Produce at Hunts Point Market, Bronx, New York.Pete comes from a large family with his father being the 20th child - "That's why we are in the food business".
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