Best in Tomatoes, Potatoes

GOOD BUYS:

The best source for tomatoes now is Mexico. Heat and rain have resulted in shorter supply and higher prices for the Florida crop.

Potatoes: russets are a better buy than California white rose and Florida red rose potatoes, both of which are suffering from short supply and higher freight charges.

Bananas remain a consistently good buy, and there’s no risk of waste. If they get too ripe, turn them into banana bread. Mexican honeydews are worth looking for, and Florida’s pink grapefruit remain in good supply.

But the best news concerns lemons. The desert regions are releasing an abundant crop with reasonable prices. That should guarantee plenty of lemon pies this spring.