SPUR APPLES(Malus domestica) Granny Smith Spur Apple   I believe the homeowners harvest the best apples from the Spur types, especially in the warm/hot Central Valley climates and hot Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas areas which have the winter chill hours.  Most well known apples do not do well in our hot climates but Spur types will because of how the foliage protects the fruit on the inner spur wood. The public or nursery personnel…

GENETIC DWARF FRUIT TREES - ARE THEY GMO? Today GENETIC has an entirely different meaning. Realizing this, Ron changed our catalog pages to refer to NATURAL Dwarf. The original natural dwarf peach came from Tibet or north China in 1939.  Mr. Flory from Modesto was in the area as a US Army engineer when he ate peaches from naturally dwarf trees about 4’ – 5’ tall.  These were bushes in the home yards.  He brought…

Here it is January 2016 and I am just getting around to reading the May 2015 Sunset Magazine. Buried in the back pages was an article titled "Ready for Rhubarb - Discover three new ways to enjoy this sweet, tangy fruit." The photos were tantelizing so I thought I'd pass along the information since I cannot pass up good information. I figured posting a photocopy would violate copyright law so here are the links to…

QUESTION: In fall of 2014 I planted my 3/4" stock Jiro Persimmon into the ground. This spring it leafed out nicely, however, the leaf color is yellowish, rather than a deep healthy green. Any suggestions on fertilizing? Also, what kind of watering schedule is best for my tree. I bought it from Evergreen Nursery in San Leandro. Thanks, Lillian ANSWER: Normal Spring New Foliage on Fuyu (Jiro) Persimmon Lillian, Thank you for your question and…

POMEGRANATE   Pomegranates, because of notoriety and marketing, have been heavily researched. This fruit truly lives up to its hype. They are a very good source of fiber, antioxidants and a host of vitamins and minerals. Regular inclusion of this fruit in diet boosts immune system, improves circulation, and offers protection from cancers. Ellagitannin compounds: Granatin B and Punicalagin are abundant in pomegranate juice. These compounds are effective in reducing heart disease by scavenging free…

PERSIMMONS   Persimmons have a wealth of health benefits packed in side them. Persimmons, like most fruits, are high in dietary fiber. High fiber fruits boost the gastrointestinal system and help protect against colorectal cancer and similar ailments. They also reduce lipid uptake and assist in weight loss. Persimmons contain betulinic acid which is a proven anti-tumor compound that plays a part in prevention and/or reduction of tumor development. Vitamin rich persimmons contain vitamin A,…

MULBERRIES   Wow!  I need to catch my breath for a moment...When I began this journey; I had a fundamental understanding of nutrition, but no way did I believe we had such a wealth of health benefits at our finger tips. This bounty of nutritious food is a delicious way to get your "ounce of prevention". If you have been following these blogs you will have noticed that there has been some repetition regarding the…

JUJUBES Jujubes have been used as herbal medicine for thousands of years throughout Asia. Jujubes are highly nutritious and loaded with vitamins and minerals that benefit the blood stream, hormones, bones, soft tissue, enzymes and neurotransmitters. Jujubes are high in vitamins A, C, and potassium that strengthen the immune system. The mucilaginous property of the fruit soothes sore throats. These benefits combined make Jujubes a natural cold and cough preventative. Jujubes contain 18 out of…

CHERRIES       Cherries are a power house of antioxidants and very beneficial for maintaining good health. Anthocyanin, that gives cherries their red color, is a dietary antioxidant that has therapeutic and preventive roles in a number of ailments.     Cherries are a rich source of  vitamin A and beta-carotene which benefits eyesight as well as fights cancer in organs and glands.     Vitamin C and many B family vitamins (folic acid,…

APRICOT- UME Umes have been (almost exclusively) used by Asian cultures for centuries. Although it is very tasty pickled and juiced (and showy flowers), it is primarily consumed for the health benefits. Umes are an effective alkalinizing food. Very useful in combating a highly acidic diet full of red meat and refined sugars and starches. They contain high levels of citric acid, anti-oxidants, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin. Umes: Support a healthy immune system, nervous system,…