There are more plum varieties than any other stone fruit. That presents a problem. Most stores simply sell plums as “red” or “black.” However, during the course of the summer plum season, you will find about two dozen varieties within those categories.
Most of the time, you won't know when the variety has changed – until you bite into the plum. Some varieties taste better than others. You may go to the store one week, buy a “black” plum and fall in love with it. The next week, you may think you are buying the same plum, but it might be a different variety that doesn't have nearly the flavor.
One way you can learn the varieties is to ask. Each time you buy plums, ask the produce manager to look on the box and see what the variety is. At home, make a note of that variety and the date. Each year, these varieties mature at around the same time, give or take a day or two.
Second, ask the produce manager for a sample. If it's the flavor you like, buy 10 pounds and enjoy. Over the summer, with kids or grandkids home, you can make this an adventure project. Buy a notebook. Every time you go to the store, ask for the plum variety name. Have the kids write a description of the plum, both inside and out. By the end of summer, the kids will have learned a lot about plums.
All of our plums are grown in the San Joaquin Valley, most within a 30-mile radius of Fresno. They should retail around $1.69 to $1.99 per pound. One of my all-time favorites is the black Friar plum.
Raspberries
Watsonville, Sacramento
$2 - $2.49 a basket
These are the most delicate of all the berries, so handle gently.
Gold kiwi fruit
New Zealand
49c - 59c each
A new crop is coming in. Ripen them in a paper bag on your counter.
Radicchio
Salinas
$1.99 - $2.49 each
The bigger the head, the fresher. Smaller heads have been trimmed as time passes.
English peas
Oxnard, Salinas
$1.29 - $1.59 a pound
Look for plump pods, bright green in color. A fresh pea is a sweet pea.
