Amy ScattergoodThe boxes of apples at the See Canyon tables at the Wednesday Santa Monica farmers market this week were stunning: mottled Cameos, bright vermillion Red Delicious, green Winter Pearmains. Behind the crates of Jonalicious Empires and heirloom Spitzenbergs, Mike Cirone suggested that you get them while you can. The late season crop is so light, says Cirone, that they won't even be going to the Saturday farmers market this weekend. “We're looking at an accelerated season,” says Cirone, whose orchards are in San Luis Obispo.
“I've been kind of warning people about this the last couple of years. Apples go out of cycle every so often. It wasn't a weather issue or a rainfall issue; it was just their time. It's cyclical. It happens. Hopefully we'll make it to Thanksgiving; that's our cut-off date.”
Winter Pearmain apples from See Canyon; Credit: A. Scattergood
Jonalicious Empire apples from See Canyon; Credit: A. Scattergood
To compensate for See Canyon's absence on Saturdays, Cirone says he'll be bringing more fruit to the market on Wednesdays. “The flavors are good. My suggestion is to enjoy it.”
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.