Where are Your Fruits and Vegetables Grown?

I've been attentive to this for the last couple of summers, having not paid much attention to it before, but now that I am - I'm noticing a big difference in flavor in my fresh fruits and vegetables depending on the region where they were grown.

For example: Strawberries.

Florida's are definitly the best, beautiful, firm, sweet, with Georgia's coming in a close second.
California's rank the lowest as they are deformed, pithy, and void of flavor.

Avacado's

Ah, from Mexico. They are definitely the best. In size they appear slightly smaller than some of the others, but are oh so good.

Cantaloupes -- By far and away from Guatemala. Good grief, the flavour is like I haven't had in years. And for some reason, they are less expensive than some of the other domestic ones.

Baby Carrots Definitely Georgia.
Peaches Alabama. Won't bother to buy them from anywhere else.
Onions Georgia, of course.

Has anybody else noticed any of this or have I finally topped out in the OCD department?

originally posted by: ladyinwaiting
Baby Carrots Definitely Georgia.

When you say 'baby carrots' are you referring to the 2-3" nubs or the mini whole carrots?

I try to get it local, from Okanagan, first, BC second, and so on.

True for myself as well. California veggies are just not as good as they use to be.

Off topic but I had Kentucky Wonder green beans come back up on their own this year. However they are very stringy even after stringing them. Anyone else have this happen? I'll try another round but then might just pull them up and try a fresh pack of seeds.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I guess the little 'nubs' -- I read somewhere they are aren't really 'baby' carrots, just cut to look them. I don't ever really see tiny whole carrots, do you? I imagine they would cost a lot more.

originally posted by: ladyinwaiting
I don't ever really see tiny whole carrots, do you? I imagine they would cost a lot more.

Those are the ones I use and they are readily available for me here in north Jersey. I posted a pic of the ones I use in my Food Porn thread:

originally posted by: Unity_99
I try to get it local, from Okanagan, first, BC second, and so on.

Aha, and this might be the reason where my best sources are all southern, since that's where I am. People in other regions might not ever see a strawberry from Florida, or an Avocado from Mexico.

However, all the produce I see in many of the stores is all from California. Although citrus fruits are typically from Florida.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus
Wow, I've lost my appetite lately, but that pict is working on bringing it back! Everything on that plate is beautiful. I didn't realize you cook! Did you prepare that food by any chance?

originally posted by: ladyinwaiting
I didn't realize you cook! Did you prepare that food by any chance?

Thank you, yes, former chef, I made it all. More pics and recipes here: Food Porn.

a reply to: maybee
I'm so envious of peeps who can grow veggies. For a number of reasons I can't, except for Cilantro, basil, and the little cherry tomatoes.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: ladyinwaiting
I didn't realize you cook! Did you prepare that food by any chance?

Thank you, yes, former chef, I made it all. More pics and recipes here: Food Porn.

OMG. That's all I can say. Incredible. Wow. I will check out your thread. Maybe it will make me want to eat again. : )

originally posted by: ladyinwaiting

OMG. That's all I can say. Incredible. Wow. I will check out your thread.

Thank you, please do.

Maybe it will make me want to eat again. : )

I hope it does, then you can post a few pics as well. Love to see what everyone else makes.

a reply to: ladyinwaiting

I shop at HEB, which is a Texas grocer. In Texas there is this big cultural thing where we prefer shopping Texas first. HEB is great at this, and leverages the expansive agribusiness in Texas to source most produce items from Texas growers.

My peaches and strawberries tend to come from Fredericksburg. Just like any self respecting Texan.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

that one pic inspired 3 separate evening meals in my house.

My carrots are candied, but other than that....

the first time i gazed on that steak, i knew you were the one i was meant to spend my life with.

originally posted by: bigfatfurrytexan
that one pic inspired 3 separate evening meals in my house.

My carrots are candied, but other than that....

the first time i gazed on that steak, i knew you were the one i was meant to spend my life with.

One day, it may come sooner rather than later, I will cook a meal with you and it will be epic.

a reply to: ladyinwaiting


I have had a struggle with the fruit and veg in the states since moving from OZ.

The fruit in major supermarkets seems fake, almost dyed

Bananas defn taste different here. Less bananrish...

I have a vegie patch from hell growing as I want to eat my own organic food (non GMO seeds) At least Ill have 3 months of normal tasting veggies.

nom om om

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

well, i know one thing: im going to be sooo fat.

a reply to: zazzafrazz

Where did you move to? There should be a local farmers market with better options.

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

Worth it.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Oh there re those, and we use them when we can, I mentioned the big supermarkets, sometimes after work thats all you an get to !