09/29/2026
This week for our Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, we will serve Crimson Red Pears on Wednesday and Baby Kiwis and Mangoes on Thursday.
There are two main varieties of red pears that are most common on the market today. One variety carries the characteristics of a green Danjou and is therefore called a red Danjou. The other carries more of the characteristics of the green Bartlett and is known as either a red Bartlett or a red crimson pear. They are mostly known as a summer pear because they are the first variety or pears to be harvested every August. Crimson pears are a shinier looking pear and have a very attractive red color. They produce a very nice aroma and have a very sweet taste.
They are just as flavorful eaten hard like an apple as they are soft.
Baby kiwi is very similar to its parent fruit, the Kiwi. There are few differences.
The most obvious is the size (hence the name baby). Baby kiwi are grown in many different regions throughout the world, some of which are now grown in our own country right in California. Another major difference with baby kiwi is that it is virtually hairless. There is no peeling required before eating. The fruit is eaten just as you see it (Whole). The taste is very similar to the normal kiwi and might have a tad more of a tang to it. Baby kiwi is also known as a 'kiwi berry'. It is grown on vines. It is best to eat when it begins to soften. Enjoy!
Regarded as one of the most favorite of all tropical fruits, Mangos originated in Southeast Asia where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest mention of Mango is believed to be in the Hindu scripture dating back to 4000 BCE. However, fossil findings indicate that they could even be much older than that. Mangos are grown on trees. The mango tree is an evergreen that can reach sixty feet in height. It takes four to six years to bear fruit, and the weather must be hot and dry for the trees to produce quality mangoes. Mangoes come in many varieties and sizes as well can vary in shape. Mostly, however, they tend to be more oval shaped. The skin is multicolored and with certain varieties will change colors as it ripens. All mangoes have a succulent vibrant yellow/orange flesh that is very aromatic with a very sweet flavor of tropical bliss with hints of peach, coconut vanilla or caramel with just a slight tartness.
Mangoes are used in cooking such as in Jams, jellies, salsa, pies, cakes, breads and more.
However, they are simply best eaten raw. Mangoes are available year-round from regions all over the world. In the American marketplace, mangoes are imported from South America, Mexico, Haiti and the Caribbean Islands. Mangos are most often eaten fresh (not canned) and are best when they soft to the touch. Mangoes are a good source of fiber, Vitamins A and C and potassium. Your serving of Mangoes will have about 35 calories and 8-10 grams of carbohydrates