Look for spears that are compact with no signs of flowering on the tips.
The asparagus should have a fresh cut on the bottom and it should have a green color all the way down the stalk, with as little white as possible.
Color or size is a matter of preference. Thin asparagus tastes stronger and more grassy. Thicker spears taste sweeter.
Did you know… the white asparagus is not a different variety? It’s just regular asparagus that’s been chlorophyll-deprived by being grown away from sunlight either under earthen mounds or plastic.
One end is the tough stem end; the other is the tender flower. To separate, hold it on both ends and bend. The stalk will snap at its natural breaking point.
Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.
If you have room in the fridge, and lots of extra time on your hands, cut asparagus and place in a bowl or saucer of water for a long life. This will actually bring older asparagus back to life.
Carmelo Sigona emigrated in 1912 from Sicily, bringing with him the tradition of making his own wine. His grandson and namesake, Carmelo Sigona, co-owner of Sigona's Farmers Market, has fond memories of his grandfather making wine and serving it at family meals on Sundays. After years of wanting to make his own wine just like Grandpa Sigona, present-day Carmelo has finally made his dreams come true. Tune in for more.
Nothing is more rewarding to Rob Sigona, our passionate produce buyer, than taking a road trip to visit one of Sigona's favorite farmers.
About a five hour drive from the Bay Area, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is the town of Springville. There you will find a place seemingly untouched by time; a place called home to orange grower Ron Matik of Pleasant Oaks Ranch.
Since 1984 Ron has grown some of the best heirloom navel oranges in the state, if not the world: the heirloom Washington Navel.
"I have yet to taste an orange that is better than ours,” says Matik. “Maybe some with the same sweetness, but never better.”
And Sigona's agrees!
Heirloom Washington Navels are the variety that got the whole California citrus market booming all those years ago. It takes special attention from the farmer to tend to the soil and the variety to produce such outstanding fruit.
"Small farmers, such as Ron, are a dwindling breed,” says Rob Sigona. “They’re passionate caretakers of the the land that produce exceptional quality; they are the rare gems."
It is an achievement to find such great tasting oranges to bring in for our customers. We are excited to announce we’ll get a load of specially picked and packed heirloom Washington Navels in our store this week, delivered directly from Pleasant Oaks Ranch.
So, come on by Sigona's to enjoy a slice of California’s prized history…for FREE! You can get a bag of free Pleasant Oaks Ranch oranges starting today through March 5th with your coupon when you spend $30 or more in the store.
More
Search
Our Videos
A Tale of Two Carmelos and their love of Zinfandel
