Shallots should be firm with no soft spots on them. Since they’re a little more delicate than an onion, they don’t store quite as well. As with most produce, shallots should have a nice vibrant sheen to them. They should have no sprouting (green shoots coming from the stem end). They should be heavy for [...]

Fresh, wild local mushrooms – especially Porcini and Matsutake – have a rather short season so get them while you can. Choose mushrooms that are slightly moist but not wet. Since these wild mushrooms are growing in cold and wet climates, there may be a few that are waterlogged. When choosing porcini and matsutake mushrooms, [...]

They should be heavy regardless of their size. They should have a nice and healthy shine to them. Older pomegranates will have a duller look. Be on the lookout for cracks and splits. Over time, mold can sneak its way in there. Ask a Sigona’s produce clerk to cut one in half for you. The [...]

Now that we’re transitioning from summer to fall, it’s time to start thinking about autumn fruits and veggies. Pomegranates: Now is the season for wonderful varieties featuring dark-red insides perfect for eating out of hand. Fuyu persimmons: These ripened beauties are just around the corner. Oregon pears: A vast variety of the best pears you’ve [...]

It’s a great time to take advantage of local pumpkin and squash items we’re getting locally from Spina Farms in Morgan Hill and additional farmers in Half Moon Bay. We’re carrying many varieties of edible squashes, including Sugar Pies, Long Island Cheese, Jarrahdale, Cinderella and more. We have some very unique items right now, like [...]

Our local heirloom apples are different because of all the factors that go into the taste of the fruit. Soil, climate and weather conditions are the big three. As far as the taste of our local Watsonville apples, I would describe them as very smooth, complex and full of subtle flavors that don’t explode upfront. [...]

Fall (September-November) is the perfect time to buy apples. You’ll get the most delicious apples from the best areas, including many local heirloom apples from Vince Gizdich in Watsonville and Phil Foster in Hollister. Also, new crop varieties are in from Washington. Choose those that are free of bruises and are fairly “clean” in appearance. [...]

New crop of local apples are just coming in from California, including Galas from the Stockton area and Gravensteins from Mendocino County. Vince Gizdich is on deck with his local apples in early September. He usually starts with Galas, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. We expect his exquisite Black Twig and Winesap heirloom apples to [...]

Tuscans should be fragrant and heavy for their size. Tuscans should be “full slip,” which is to say vine ripened and the stem falls off and is no longer connected. They should have a nice golden-yellow color. As they ripen the ridges actually turn from green to the yellow color of the melon. – Robbie [...]