Summer Fruit

It’s that time of year to enjoy the sweet and juicy fruit that seems to come and go much too quickly. Until October, there’s a great supply of seasonal fruit such as melons, delicious peaches and nectarines. And there are many Valley locations that sell these nutritious, low-calorie treats.

Top Sellers

Tom Tapia, who helps run his family’s Encino produce business, says the most popular items now are plums, nectarines and peaches. “We also grow our own cantaloupe at our farm up north and it’s always a big hit too.” The Tapia Brothers produce stand is open from March to November at Burbank Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue.

Gourmet Fruit

Doughnut peaches earned their name because they’re round and flat with a seed in the middle that can be pulled out, leaving a hole. This rare peach is available only in the summer and sells for a whopping $6 a pound. “They’re not our best seller, but some people really like them,” said Manuel Torrico of the produce department at Gelson’s in Encino.

You Pick Them

Bring a bag and walking shoes for some of the best fruit around. The Yingst Ranch in Littlerock is one of several in the area that allows you to pick your own. Fay Elberta and 49er peaches go for 50 cents a pound, and soon there will be pears and apples for 35 cents a pound. “We have six acres of peaches, seven acres of pears and three acres of apples,” said ranch owner Nancy Yingst. Information: (805) 944-2425.